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Swine Handling Safety

Pigs are intelligent, strong and quick to react. A frightened or protective pig can knock a person down or bite, so safe swine handling depends on patience and good design.

Why can pigs be dangerous to handle?

Pigs can weigh far more than the people working with them, and they move fast in tight spaces. A boar can slash with tusks or push a person into a wall. A sow with piglets may attack anyone who comes between her and her young.

Pigs also bite. Their size and strength mean a bite can cause a serious wound, and the wound can become infected. Never assume a pig is tame because it has been calm before.

Because pigs often live in groups, handlers can also be caught in the middle of a fight or a stampede.

• Weight and speed make collisions and falls likely
• Boars and sows with litters can be aggressive
• Bites can cause infection
• Group movements can crowd handlers

How do pigs behave when moved?

Pigs tend to explore, and they dislike being forced. They balk at shadows, slippery floors and sudden changes. Pushing hard usually makes them stop, turn or squeal and crowd.

Pigs often move more willingly toward other pigs and into familiar, well-lit areas. Quiet handling, small groups and clear paths work better than shouting or rough tools. Many handlers use a sorting board or panel as a shield and a guide.

Be patient. If a group stops, wait for a moment and see what they are reacting to.

• Pigs follow other pigs and move toward light
• Slippery floors cause panic and falls
• Rushing makes group movement harder

What equipment helps keep people safe?

Solid sorting boards let you steer pigs without being in direct contact. Strong gates, non-slip flooring and well-lit alleys all reduce injuries. Chutes and loading ramps should be built for the animals you move.

Avoid using electric prods as a routine tool. Extension and animal welfare resources discuss better practice. Follow the guidance of your veterinarian and industry programs on handling tools.

• Sorting boards or panels used as shields
• Non-slip, well-drained floors
• Strong, well-latched gates
• Even lighting without sharp shadows

How do you work around sows and boars?

Keep a barrier between you and a boar at all times and never turn your back. A sow that has just farrowed is at her most protective, so plan to work in a way that keeps you out of the pen when possible.

Never work alone in a pen with a large pig. Have another person at the gate who can open it quickly or call for help. Carry a board or panel to put between you and the animal.

Children should never be in pens with large pigs, including friendly show pigs.

What health risks should you know about?

Some diseases can pass between pigs and people, including some types of influenza. Wash hands after handling pigs, keep food and drinks away from animal areas and avoid close contact if you are ill.

People who are pregnant, older or immune compromised may be at higher risk. Ask your veterinarian and local public health office what applies to you.

At fairs and shows, follow the rules set by organizers and health departments. These vary by state and event.

• Wash hands after contact
• Keep food and drink out of the barn
• Tell your doctor about your work if you become ill

How should you prepare your crew?

Teach new workers how pigs behave and where to stand. Walk through the movement plan before starting. Give clear signals, and stop work if pigs become agitated.

Ask extension programs and swine health organizations about training for workers and families. Youth work rules for farm tasks are set by the U.S. Department of Labor, so confirm what young people may do there.

• Brief new workers before animals move
• Assign roles and signals
• Stop work if pigs become agitated

How do you handle piglets and nursing sows?

Piglets squeal when picked up, and the noise can bring the sow to the defense. Work with a helper, use a barrier between you and the sow and handle piglets quickly and calmly. Do not reach over a sow to pick up a piglet if there is any other way to do it.

Plan procedures such as processing ahead of time so that the sow is out of reach or in a farrowing setup built for the job. Ask your veterinarian or swine specialist what setups fit your barn and your herd.

• Use a barrier when working with piglets
• Keep your exit path clear
• Do not turn your back on a sow with a litter

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.