July 20, 2007

Australia to investigate swill feeding to pigs in Queensland 
 

Some Australia pig farmers have been feeding pig swill containing T-bones, bacon and cheese rolls, chicken bones, meat and meat pies to their pigs and have not been prosecuted, opposition parties charged Wednesday ( Jul 18).

A parliamentary estimates committee in Brisbane has today heard that pig swill had been fed to five central Queensland properties in the last two years.

Opposition Primary Industries spokesman Mike Horan said he wants to know why the farmers have not been charged when feeding swill to pigs is one of the most dangerous ways to transmit foot and mouth disease.

Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin said Queensland's reputation as a clean and green farm production area has been tarnished. The Queensland government said it takes the threat of foot and mouth disease seriously, adding that all offenders will be prosecuted.

Dr Ron Glanville from Biosecurity Queensland said swill feeding is an offence under the Stock Act and any complaints will be investigated.