The pork industry has stepped up its efforts to help keep Australia free from imported diseases.
Pig industry concerns focus especially on Swine Fever, PRRS, PMWS, foot-and-mouth disease, BSE and Avian influenza.
The pork industry comments about biosecutiry come just as Australia received a wake-up call, when New Zealand was rocked by a foot and mouth outbreak scare last week.
In a series of initiatives, producers are being provided with the skills and resources to minimise the risk of an emergency disease outbreak.
Key campaign is being implemented by Animal Health Australia, via its Protect Australian Livestock Campaign, which runs in parallel with the pork industry’s own biosecurity plans.
Australian Pork Limited, acting CEO, Dr Paul Higgins, said: "Biosecurity preparedness is at the cornerstone of our industry’s commercial viability.
"So we support this campaign.
"We remain vigilant to our own industry-specific measures, to help preserve the high standards of pork health."
Thirteen livestock industry members have worked with Animal Health Australia to develop awareness raising materials to ensure our reputation for healthy and disease-free animals.
Through the Protect Australian Livestock Campaign, Animal Health Australia has summarised this information and provided promotional materials for the various livestock industries.
The key message is: if you notice unusual disease symptoms, abnormal behaviour or unexpected deaths in your stock, immediately call your veterinarian, stock inspector, or the Emergency Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Further information: jane.mcbride@aahc.com.au
The materials can also be viewed at www.aahc.com.au/palc/materials/index.htm.
