Biosecurity Alert: African Swine Fever

Members should be aware of the threat of African swine fever and what they can do to reduce the risk.

Australia is free from African swine fever but the recent confirmation in Timor-Leste just 650km off Australia’s coast increases the threat to our pig industry.

African swine fever is an infectious viral disease of domestic and feral pigs. It has a very high mortality rate in infected pigs and no vaccine or treatment is available. People cannot be infected. 

If African swine fever became established it would be difficult to eradicate and would significantly impact pig health and production.

The greatest risk of introduction is from people illegally bringing pork or pork products into Australia from overseas and these being fed to or eaten by pigs. 

The Queensland Government is working with industry to ensure Queensland is well-positioned to prevent and respond to African swine fever, but everyone has a role to play to protect our pig industry.

If you suspect the presence of African swine fever, you must report it to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or contact the Emergency Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Make sure you know how to reduce the risk of African swine fever.

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