July 18, 2005

PMWS ruled out in Australian state but scientists unsure

While Australian authorities have ruled out the presence of post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) in New South Wales state, scientists continued to investigate a possible case in South Australia.

Australia has reportedly been one of the few countries free of the pig disease, which could potentially cripple the A$2.5 billion (US$1.8 billion) pork industry.

Meanwhile, the Australian government would continue to monitor and control movement of pig herds in South Australia, before PMWS could be diagnosed or ruled out.

The government also stated that this investigation has not hurt Australia's pork export markets so far.