The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) has successfully executed a targeted health and vaccination program for 62 gilts, marking a key milestone in the rollout of the Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) Pig Breeding Program.
Administered by MALD’s Livestock and Veterinary Services Team alongside Dr. Israel Wore, the exercise prepares the young female pigs for upcoming Artificial Insemination (AI).
The World Bank-funded initiative aims to upgrade the genetic quality, growth rates, and reproductive health of local swine herds.
Prior to the vaccination, officers completed a parasite drenching treatment using ivermectin and oxytetracycline to ensure optimal health baseline conditions.
During the primary health intervention, officers administered ECOvac LE and Parvovirus vaccines to safeguard the herd against Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, and E. coli infections diseases known to cause severe reproductive failure in swine.
A follow-up booster vaccination is scheduled for next month ahead of the AI process.
By introducing high-performing genetics through artificial insemination, MALD aims to provide local farmers access to superior breeding stock without reliance on traditional mating methods ultimately boosting local pork production, improving food security, and raising rural household incomes across the Solomon Islands.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture Media Desk
