February 11, 2021

 

South Australia's biggest artificial pig breeding center undergoes expansion

 

 

Australia's largest pig artificial insemination center located in South Australia's Mid North will undergo a $1 million overhaul.

 

Funding for the work on the South Australia Artificial Breed Centre's (SABOR) in Clare Valley will support measures including increased disease testing of animals, improved showering and transport wash down facilities, double fencing to reduce pests on the property and enhanced biosecurity procedures for each compartment of the facility.

 

Additionally, an additional $440,000 grant from South Australia's Regional Growth Fund and a loan from Pork SA will be used to advance the expansion.

 

The SABOR expansion aims to increase the proportion of sows serviced in the state from 65% to 90%. The move was purposed to significantly boost the number of customers interstate.

 

The project will help secure the future of South Australia's commercial herd by enhancing biosecurity and capacity at the center to respond to the escalating risk of diseases, such as the African swine fever (ASF), according to SABOR chair Barry Lloyd. "The upgrades to biosecurity will reduce contact between animals or objects which could spread disease and will enable compartments of the facility to be locked down in the event of disease incursion."

 

The project is also expected to help secure the supply for SA SABOR customers as well as interstate piggery operators.

 

SABOR had been a clear contender to receive funding according to Primary Industries and Regions minister David Basham as the project will support the productivity of South Australia's pig industry.

 

"Biosecurity is critical to prevent, respond to and recover from pests and diseases which threaten the economy and environment," Basham said. "The upgrades to the SABOR facility will ensure the SA pork industry is resilient and self-sufficient to support pig producers to maintain the production of food and ensure continued market access.

 

Basham added: "SABOR has worked closely with chief veterinary officer Mary Carr, who is the responsible authority during an Emergency Animal Disease Response, to ensure all upgrades implemented will mitigate key risks and facilitate the movement of animals and products in the event of a response."

 

"ASF continues to spread internationally, affecting Australia's neighbours Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea," Lloyd said. "The virus has almost decimated the Chinese pig industry and if introduced to Australia, could have a substantial impact on the pork industry.

 

"If ASF was to enter SA and the facility, there would be no access to semen, which would be detrimental to all producers."

 

- Naracoorte Herald