Australia - Zero-risk approach to imports

Published: May 31, 2005

Source : National Pig Association

In Australia, federal court judge Murray Wilcox has criticised the nation's quarantine chief for allowing the importation of pork from several nations. In a strongly worded judgment, he said the decision to allow the imports would ensure post weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), which kills millions of piglets globally each year, would make its way into Australia. He ruled Biosecurity Australia must develop a new import risk assessment, and must consult with Australia Pork Ltd in doing so. There are concerns within the federal department of agriculture, and in government circles, that the decision could undermine Australia's entire trade system by forcing upon the country a zero-risk approach to imports.

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