Australia Shuts Piggery After Flu Outbreak

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Latest Pig Industry News

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

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Australia Shuts Piggery After Flu Outbreak

AUSTRALIA - The New South Wales (NSW) Department of Primary Industries announced on Monday that a piggery hit by A(H1N1) flu would be locked down until all signs of the virus have been eradicated.

Quarantine measures at the 2,000-animal property in Dunedoo, in the state's central west, will remain in place for seven days after the last infected pig returns to full health.

The piggery has been quarantined since Friday after laboratory tests confirmed the animals had the virus.

Healthy animals will be allowed to move from the property for slaughter during the quarantine period, but only after meeting stringent protocols and a veterinary inspection.

"Under the plan, pigs will not move from the property until they have returned to full health and are completely free of clinical signs of the flu," acting chief veterinary officer Ian Roth said in a statement.

"We will continue to monitor the health of the pigs and once sure they are no longer suffering the flu and they have recovered fully for seven days, the quarantine measures will be reconsidered."

It is believed that workers at the piggery may have transmitted the virus to the animals. However, Roth said it was safe for people to eat pork.