September 13, 2012

The Queensland government agency responsible for biosecurity has responded to claims that adjoining properties were not informed about a recent outbreak of influenza at a piggery, and that effluent from the piggery was allowed to be used on the properties as irrigation.

The allegations were raised by a southburnett.com.au reader in a comment published on September 8 attached to our original article.

Southburnett.com.au sought clarification of the matter from Biosecurity Queensland.

A spokesperson responded today that Biosecurity Queensland had been aware that piggery effluent was pumped onto pasture of adjoining properties for the dual benefits of waste disposal and soil fertilisation.

“It is understood that the only livestock to use the pastures is cattle which means there is negligible risk of disease,” the spokesperson said.

“Biosecurity Queensland would notify neighbours where there is a risk to human health or other animals.

“Biosecurity Queensland recommends all people handling animals, animal products and animal by-products use good hygiene practices.

“Anyone with animal health concerns can contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13-25-23.

“Anyone with human health concerns can contact Queensland Health on 13 HEALTH (13-43-25-84).”

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A Biosecurity Queensland spokesperson said this afternoon that the agency was continuing to work with the piggery and its veterinarian in the Kingaroy area.

Pigs in only one of four facilities on the property have been suffering from respiratory disease over several months. However, following treatment all the pigs on the property now appear to be healthy.

The investigation into the affected pigs has revealed several possible causes of the respiratory disease, including bacterial and influenza A infections. However which of these was the primary cause of the disease is not known. Further testing is being undertaken.

The property continues to be quarantined and movement restrictions are still in place.

Healthy pigs are being allowed to go to slaughter and there is no risk from eating pork or its products.

The spokesperson said the case was a timely reminder to Queensland pork producers to be vigilant with on-farm biosecurity to protect their pigs against disease.

Recommendations for preventative biosecurity for pig and other farms are available on the Farm Biosecurity website