Health & Safety

The Australian pig herd possesses an enviable health status. Australian producers avoid and control the incidence of many of the serious diseases of pigs through sound management practises. Ongoing veterinarian assistance ensures problems are quickly identified and resolved. The high standard of management found among Australian producers, including housing, nutrition and hygiene are key factors in determining the low incidence and severity of diseases.

Many pig diseases that could potentially have a severe impact on pork production or even decimate herds are simply not present in Australia. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Aujezsky Disease, Swine influenza, Classical Swine Fever, African Swine Fever, Transmissible gastroenteritis, trichinosis and the newly recognised Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus are not found in Australia.

A strong history of ongoing cooperation between the pork industry and government is vital in preserving this enviable achievement. Australian pork farms are required to comply with federal and state legislation to ensure that high national health status of Australian livestock is maintained. It is government policy to strictly control the types of animal and vegetable products and by products that can be imported into the country. The importation of animals, genetic material, and fresh and processed animal products occurs under strict controls and only when scientific evidence demonstrates that the risks are minimal and manageable. In addition, Australia has well prepared emergency response plans to contain disease incursions to localised areas in the event the diseases might be detected in the country.

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), or Mad Cow Disease is not present in Australia. This status has been confirmed by specific disease surveillance measures that comply with relevant international standards. Australia has taken all necessary steps to ensure this status is maintained.

Owing to the concern that BSE can be spread to cattle, sheep and goats through the feeding of meat and bone meals, Australia, like many other countries, has banned the feeding of meat and bone meal to ruminants. The importation of cattle from BSE affected countries and the importation of meat and bone meal from all countries except New Zealand is also banned. In addition, an ongoing national surveillance program continues to check our herd health status.

Swill feeding is illegal in Australia because of the risk of introducing a devastating exotic disease such as Foot and Mouth Disease. Many viruses are highly resistant to chilling, freezing, curing and even boiling. Consequently Australian authorities and the intensive livestock industries work together to ensure the highest feeding standards are achieved.

While the Australian pig herd health is closely monitored throughout the life of the pig, monitoring also occurs at the time of slaughter. This allows a very accurate assessment of disease levels and enable the timely identification of potential problems. Monitoring through the Pig Health Monitoring Service (PHMS) is undertaken by veterinarians in the abattoir at the time of slaughter and involves careful examination of the carcase and various organs. Results are immediately reported to producers and their veterinarians who can then accurately assess herd health and plan disease control strategies.