Biosecurity
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In response to the recent spread of African Swine Fever (ASF), the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has increased its border activities.
AUSTRALIA, Canberra. In response to the recent spread of African Swine Fever (ASF), the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has increased its border activities. As part of this, a sample of pork products seized at international airports and mail processing centres over a two week period has been tested for African swine fever.
The testing was conducted at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory in Geelong. Head of Biosecurity at the department, Lyn O’Connell, said the department has increased our controls and remains committed to keeping Australia’s $60 bn. agricultural industries free from the disease.
“The test results show 6 pork products from 152 tested were contaminated with African swine fever virus,” Ms O’Connell said. “Bringing banned products to Australia puts our environment, industries and animal health at risk.The detection of the virus in seized products at the border does not change Australia’s African swine fever free status.”
He further explained: “The test results do however reinforce the importance of continued compliance with Australia’s strict biosecurity requirements. African swine fever is not present in Australia. If introduced it would have a significant impact on pig health and production, and contribute to wider economic impacts caused by a loss of access to overseas markets for our pork products. It is crucial that all participants in Australia’s biosecurity system play their part in managing this threat.”
Source: Australian Government