October 2025 - Journal_FINAL_e - Flipbook - Page 7
Health
in昀氀uenza is viral and does not respond to antibiotics,
secondary bacterial infections are a serious and
common complication in grow-昀椀nish pigs. Antibiotic
treatment may be necessary to minimize production
losses. In昀氀uenza damages the respiratory tract lining,
making it easier for opportunistic bacteria to cause lifethreatening pneumonia. As a result, caretakers often
need to increase the number of individual injectable
treatments. In larger outbreaks, medications (antiin昀氀ammatories and sometimes antibiotics) are often
delivered through the water supply. Your veterinarian is
the best resource for tailoring diagnostic and treatment
plans speci昀椀c to your farm.
Moving From Aspirin to Meloxicam
For decades, aspirin was commonly used to help pigs
manage in昀氀uenza, PRRS, and other infections. That
changed in fall 2024 when the FDA issued a “Dear
Veterinarian” letter reminding the industry that the
Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clari昀椀cation Act (AMDUCA)
prohibits the extra-label use of unapproved drugs in
food-producing species. Because aspirin is not FDAapproved for food animals, there is no legal pathway
for its use in swine. Pipestone no longer carries or
recommends aspirin, and we do not expect this option
to return.
As the industry adapts, Pipestone has been
recommending oral meloxicam, an NSAID, as an
alternative. Meloxicam is a water-soluble, prescription,
non-antibiotic medication that reduces fever and
encourages pigs to eat and drink during in昀氀uenza
infections. It is available in two sizes, can be mixed with
most antibiotics, and can be administered for several
consecutive days if directed by your veterinarian.
Though more expensive than aspirin, meloxicam
remains a practical and effective water medication with
a 17-day withdrawal period.
Colder temperatures often bring in昀氀uenza back to
the barn. Meloxicam has become a practical tool
for managing outbreaks. Work with your Pipestone
veterinarian to develop a herd-health strategy—one
that strenghens your operation now and future-proofs it
for the years ahead.
Meloxicam
Sizes Available
Mixing Instructions
1 pint
1 pint/5 gallons stock
1 gallon
1 gallon/40 gallons stock
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