April 3, 2006

New Zealand farmers urged to enforce biosecurity measures

The Chairman of the New Zealand Pork Industry Board, Chris Trengrove, is urging pork producers to apply stringent biosecurity measures on their farms to help prevent the spread of PMWS (Post-Weaning Multi-Systemic Wasting Syndrome).

Mr Trengrove said stricter control over movement and greater monitoring over feeding can reduce the risk of infection.

Although the disease does not pose any human risks, it can spread rapidly between herds and severely damage production. The introduction of diseased animals onto another property is a primary way the disease spreads.

Trengrove said that it was critical not to acquire pigs from questionable sources. He advised farmers to consult vets on the sources of pigs before considering a purchase. Trengrove also added that it is critical that producers adhere to biosecurity regulations requiring all meat products to be cooked at 100ºc  for one hour.

Thousands of piglets died in Canterbury in early March and PMWS was suspected.

Ron Thornton of the Biosecurity Authority says while the pork industry has been successful in eradicating known cases, it is possible the disease exists undetected on other North Island farms and may have also been in the South Island for some time.

Thornton said that from its investigations into PMWS, it had concluded that trying to eradicate the disease is simply not viable. Pig farmers have to learn to live with it and manage it, he added.