Biosecurity Queensland has stepped up its efforts to combat African swine fever after the deadly disease was recently detected in Papua New Guinea.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner said confirmation of the disease in Papua New Guinea was a reminder that it remained a serious threat to Queensland.
“Biosecurity Queensland has been on the front foot in the fight against African swine fever and continues to work with the Australian Government and the pig industry to provide a united front against it,” Mr Furner said.
“If African swine fever became established in Queensland it would be difficult to eradicate and could significantly impact pork availability, jobs and the economy.”
He said the detection heightened the risk to the State’s pork industry.
“Given Papua New Guinea is one of our nearest neighbours and the large feral pig population in Far North Queensland, people need to be aware of how they can help reduce the risk of African swine fever,” Mr Furner said.
“While people can’t be infected, it can easily be spread between pigs and can be spread on people’s boots and clothing if not cleaned correctly,” he said.
“There is no treatment or vaccine for African swine fever and in its most severe form it can kill 100 per cent of infected pigs.”
Mr Furner said extra vigilance was required in the fight against the disease due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As COVID-19 is significantly impacting how we all go about our daily lives, the early detection and reporting of African swine fever is critical to stopping the spread of this disease,” he said.
He said suspected cases must be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
