October 25, 2010

Australia develops new pig vaccine

Researchers from Australia's Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) were working on the development of vaccines for Glässer's disease, said Minister Mulherin.

"Glässer's disease causes major losses to the pork industry each year. The disease is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus (H.) parasuis, which is a pig-specific disease and a major problem for the global pork industry," Tim Mulherin,  the Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Minister, said.

"To counter these losses, two vaccines are being developed-one is a weakened vaccine, and the other is a new farm-specific vaccine, which is given to piglets at an early age. To protect the Australian and overseas pork industries, DEEDI researchers are part of an international effort to develop vaccines for Glässer's disease," Mulherin added.

The LNP confirmed its commitment to providing Flying Specialist Services to western Queensland at its Shadow Cabinet Meeting in Roma yesterday.

Shadow Health Minister Mark McArdle said the LNP was committed to retaining the specialist services-obstetrician, gynaecologist and surgeon-with two planes, pilots and two anaesthetists.

"The LNP believes in retaining specialist medical services to western Queensland communities," he said.