April 20, 2021

Australian swine farmers called to increase to biosecurity measures

The Australian pork industry has called on swine owners to increase biosecurity measures at farms after African swine fever (ASF) and foot and mouth disease (FMD) virus fragments were detected at Australia's international mail centres among pork products, Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.

Nearly a quarter of pork products intercepted at airports and mailing centres tested positive for traces of ASF, and 1% for FMD. People who bring in undeclared pork will now be fined AUD 2,664 on the spot, compared to AUD 444 previously. For major importers, the fine can exceed AUD 1 million and up to 10 years jail.

David Littleproud, Australia's Minister for Agriculture, said a disease outbreak in Australia will lead to a shutdown of the country's livestock, beef, lamb, dairy, and pork export markets, resulting in major economic and social effects in other industries.

Studies have shown that an FMD outbreak in Australia could cause AUD 50 billion in economic losses over 10 years, while an ASF outbreak could cost the country AUD 1.5 billion to AUD 2 billion over five years.

Littleproud said these findings highlight the need for the country's livestock sectors to practice strong biosecurity measures. Practices such as illegal swill feeding could bring these diseases to farms.

Swill feeding is the practice of feeding food scraps that have been contact with meat to swine.

Patrick Hutchinson, from the Australian Meat Industry Council, said it's not only farmers, but the general public as well should be more educated about swill feeding.

Australian Animal Health and Welfare officers have investigated 46 cases of suspected suspected prohibited pig feeding in the past five years. Suspects found guilty in Victoria can be fined up to AUD 19,826 for individuals and AUD 59,479 for businesses under the Livestock Disease Control Act 1994 of feeding prohibited substances to swine.

- Australian Broadcasting Cooperation