Department of Primary Industry and Resources
African swine fever (ASF) is geographically closer to theNorthern Territory (NT) than anywhere else in Australia, following the recentconfirmation in Timor-Leste.
However, Australia remains free from ASF and it is crucial thedisease is kept out. Historically, outbreaks have been reported in Africa andparts of Europe, South America, and the Caribbean. More recently the diseasehas been spreading rapidly through south-east Asia, decimating pig herds.
The spread of ASF has been linked to domestic and feral pigsconsuming swill (meat products, orproducts that have come into contact with meat that is infected with the ASFvirus). It can also be transmitted by exposure to contaminated items suchas equipment, vehicles, clothing and footwear.
ASF is a highly contagious disease of pigs and does notaffect human health. The virus survives under most environmental conditions andis resistant to most disinfectants. It is not inactivated by freezing or heatless than 100 degrees Celsius.
An ASF outbreak inAustralia would devastate the Australian pork industry, seriously impactAustralian agriculture and have significant social and economic impacts.
The greatest risk of introduction of the disease is peopleillegally bringing pork or pork products into Australia from overseas andfeeding those products to pigs.
The Department of Primary Industry and Resources (DPIR) hasbeen working to raise awareness of the disease ensuring everyone understandsthat biosecurity is their responsibility.
With the confirmation of the disease in Timor-Leste DPIR hascommenced a coordinated preparedness approach to ensure all Territoriansunderstand that they must not bring high-risk items into Australia and toreport any sick pigs immediately to the department. We are working closely withthe Department of Agriculture who monitor the border and have been providingadvice and support to Timor-Leste as they respond to the detection.
DPIR is contacting property owners with propertyidentification codes (PICs) and providing information on the disease and askinglandholders to be vigilant. In the NT, it is a legal requirement for all ownersof livestock, including pigs and chickens, to register their property with aPIC. PICregistrations are issued by DPIR for free and are crucial to managingresponses to disease outbreaks and alerting property owners of a potentialdisease threat in the area.
DPIR has also been distributing information to registeredvets within the NT, providing assistance to Timor-Leste and liaising with stakeholdersand counterparts in the NT, Queensland, Western Australia, the NorthernAustralia Quarantine Strategy, the National Biosecurity Communication andEngagement Network and Darwin International Airport.
Surveillance, monitoring and additional activities areongoing and DPIR will continue to work with the Australian GovernmentDepartment of Agriculture to protect Australias borders.
In the meantime, Territorians are urged to do their part.Biosecurity in the NT is everyones business. You can help prevent an outbreakof ASF in Australia by:
Paying particular attention to biosecurityrequirements when visiting or returning to Australia, especially after visitingcountries where ASF may be present. Before you travel, checkwhat can and cannot be brought into Australia.
Never feeding pigs food or food scrapscontaining animal matter such as meat, meat products and eggs. This includesswill (food scraps) that is contaminated by animal matter. Only feed pigscommercially available feed, and always disposing of food waste properly sopigs cant eat them. The National FarmBiosecurity Manual for Pork Production contains information and specificprocedures for all pig farmers to follow to help reduce the risk of diseaseentering a property, spreading through livestock and/or being passed tosurrounding animals.
When buying goods online, you need to considerwhere your goods are coming from and whether they will meet our biosecurityconditions when they arrive at Australias international mail facility. Beforeyou make your purchase, checkwhat can and cannot be mailed to Australia.
Vets who treat pigs and other cloven hoofedlivestock such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, deer and camels shouldfamiliarise themselves with the clinical signs of ASF. ASF is a reportabledisease. Veterinarians must notify the chiefveterinary officer in their state or territory if they suspect or know andanimal has a notifiable disease.
The NT Government is also asking pig owners and pig huntersto remain vigilant for ASF as this serious disease continues to spread throughneighbouring regions. If yourehunting and you observe a sick or deceased pig, please contact the EmergencyAnimal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888. Do not come into contact with or move any pigs that are sick or founddeceased.
