Urgent Biosecurity Measures Called For In New Zealand

Mr Trengrove said there were two key courses of action which would help reduce the risk of infection. The first relates to the movement of pigs and the second to the feeding of pigs.

Although there are no human health or food safety issues relating to the disease, it spreads rapidly between herds severely damaging production. International experience proves that the introduction of animals carrying the disease on to another property is a primary route for spreading the infection.

Mr Trengrove said that it was critical not to source any pigs, (not only weaners) from unknown sources or from farms with an unknown health status.

“My best advice is to insist on a report from the vet of the potential source of the pigs, to the satisfaction of your vet before considering a purchase,” Mr Trengrove said.

In regard to feed, Mr Trengrove said it is critical that producers adhere to the biosecurity regulations that require that all meat products be cooked to 100°C for one hour as required by law.

“This is critical in preventing the spread of disease among pigs and we would urge people to report any suspected breach of these regulations to the Pork Industry Board,” Mr Trengrove said.

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