October 25, 2019

Australia farmers call for culling of wild boars to avoid African swine fever spread

Farmers and lobby groups have demanded the Australia government to reduce the 24 million wild boars in the country as African swine fever (ASF) spreads across the world, reported ABC Australia.

The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) said all three levels of governments should commence a culling programme for wild boar on private and public land.

Tony Mahar, chief executive of NFF said if ASF manages to enter Australia, it could destroy the country's commercial pork industry in addition to the livelihoods of local farmers and communities.

He adds that assistance or incentives should be put in place for farmers to assist with the population control of wild boar.

Other livestock groups are worried about the impact ASF will have on Australia.

Ashley Manicaros, chief executive of the Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association, said an outbreak will lead to restrictions on the movement of livestock, increasing costs and affecting trading partners for the cattle industry.

He added that more effort should be made on biosecurity controls, not just a wild boar cull. The Northern Territory doesn't have a substantial wash bay facility, which would fit into the proactive insulation component of managing an ASF crisis.

Recently, a Vietnamese woman was deported by Australia biosecurity officers after she was found carrying 4.6kg of pork and other foodstuff through Sydney airport.

Australia is currently running simulations in the event ASF does manage to enter the country.

-    ABC Australia