May 6, 2004

New Zealand Pig Farmers To Fight Disease
 

Pig farmers in Waikato, New Zealand have voted to continue their fight against a potentially industry-destroying disease. This decision was made despite the Agriculture Ministry saying that it is impossible.

The first in a series of nationwide meetings to develop a strategy of eradication was held in Hamilton last night.

Pork Industry Board chief executive Angus Davidson said it had voted two-to-one in favour of further work on the eradication of the post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS).

"Support is being offered to farmers. A farm liaison officer is in communication with those farmers affected," he said.

The disease was discovered at Ted and Irene Graham's Orini property, 24km east of Huntly, last September.

About 25 piggeries between Whangarei and Taranaki - the majority in the Waikato - are being checked by biosecurity officials.

The Pork Industry Board believes the problem can be controlled within New Zealand. However, rather than deal with the disease which has no cure, some farmers have chosen to quit the industry.