Focus on African Swine Fever
African Swine Fever (ASF) is a contagious viral disease affecting both domesticated and wild pigs.
It spreads rapidly through contact with infected animals or with contaminated pens, trucks, clothing or feed. There is no vaccine available.
Mainland China reported its first outbreak of ASF in August 2018 and to date, more than 320,000 pigs have been culled, and the disease is now known to have spread as far as Bali and Timor Leste.
Australia is free of ASF, and we must keep it out. An outbreak of ASF would have a significant impact on pig health and the pork industry in Australia. The threat of African Swine Fever entering Australia is becoming more realistic as news of it spreading continues.
The most significant risk of entry of ASF virus into Australia is via illegally imported contaminated pig products (such as pig meat) which are fed to domestic pigs or accessed by feral pigs. In February 2019, virus fragments were detected in meat products seized at our border, indicating the importance of remaining vigilant.
ASF can remain active in meat products, clothing, equipment and vehicles, and is easily spread through poor biosecurity and swill feeding.
In 2019 the Australian Government announced $66.6 million to address the immediate threat of ASF including increased surveillance at ports and airports, stronger penalties for non-compliance and investigating market access strategies if ASF is detected.
In an outbreak control measures would include;
- double fencing around piggeries to limit contact between domestic pigs and feral pigs
- movement controls
- tracing of animals, surveillance for signs of disease or contamination
- culling of pigs that are infected or are a high disease risk.
One of the easiest ways you can protect Australia’s pork industry from ASF and other disease threats is to feed your pigs the right feed. Food waste that has come into contact with meat or contains meat must not be fed to pigs. This type of food waste, known as swill, could contain the ASF virus, which can be passed onto your pigs if they consume the infected food waste.
Preventing ASF is all about good farm biosecurity practices – no matter how many pigs.
We are encouraging all pig owners to ensure that they are abiding by the law in regards to pig ownership in NSW;
- Get a Property Identification Code (PIC)
- Get a PigPass
- Feed your pigs the right food
ASF is not a threat to human health; there is no risk from interacting with pigs infected with ASF or eating pork products.
Clinical signs of ASF in pigs include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, reddening of the skin. Death occurs typically 6-13 days after the pig has been infected. ASF has no cure, and once a pig has contracted it, the disease is almost always fatal.
If you suspect ASF in pigs, you must report it to your Local Land Services District Veterinarian immediately on 1300 795 299 or call the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
And more information can be found at the Australian Pork ASF Resources page;
http://australianpork.com.au/industry-focus/biosecurity/african-swine-fever/
