{"id":226615,"date":"2019-01-23T17:13:30","date_gmt":"2019-01-23T07:13:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=226615"},"modified":"2020-07-25T11:21:56","modified_gmt":"2020-07-25T01:21:56","slug":"virus-found-in-illegal-imports","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2019\/01\/23\/virus-found-in-illegal-imports\/","title":{"rendered":"Virus Found in Illegal Imports"},"content":{"rendered":"
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African Swine Fever would devastate Australia’s multi-billion dollar pork industry<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

January 23, 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

Six illegally imported pork products seized recently by Federal Government biosecurity officers have tested positive to the potentially devastating African Swine Fever (ASF).<\/p>\n

ASF is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild pigs associated with a high mortality rate, depending on the strain of the virus.<\/p>\n

It does not affect humans but due to its high economic impact – and lack of a commercially available vaccine – ASF is considered one of the most important diseases of pigs worldwide.<\/p>\n

The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources recently increased its border activities in response to recent outbreaks of ASF overseas.<\/p>\n

ASF is present in sub-Saharan Africa but has now been detected in other parts of the world, including Eastern Europe, Belgium and Mongolia.<\/p>\n

Pig farms in at least 25 regions or provinces in China have recently been hit hard, including herds of almost 70,000 animals.<\/p>\n

As part of the crackdown at the Australian border, samples of pork products seized at international airports and mail processing centres over a two-week period were tested for ASF.<\/p>\n

The testing was conducted at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory in Geelong.<\/p>\n

Head of Biosecurity Lyn O\u2019Connell said six pork products from 152 tested were contaminated with ASF.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cBringing banned products to Australia puts our environment, industries and animal health at risk,” she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe detection of the virus in seized products at the border does not change Australia\u2019s African Swine Fever-free status.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe test results do, however, reinforce the importance of continued compliance with Australia\u2019s strict biosecurity requirements.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfrican Swine Fever is not present in Australia.\u00a0If introduced it would have a significant impact on pig health and production, and contribute to wider economic impacts caused by a loss of access to overseas markets for our pork products.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWe all have a role in preventing it, and other exotic animal diseases, from arriving in Australia even if we don\u2019t own or work around farm animals.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is crucial that all participants in Australia\u2019s biosecurity system play their part in managing this threat.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople visiting or returning to Australia from countries where this disease is present need to pay particular attention to biosecurity requirements and not bring banned product with them.<\/p>\n

“If travellers are carrying foods, plant material or animal products in their luggage they must declare them on their incoming passenger card.<\/p>\n

\u201cBefore making online purchases, check what can and cannot be mailed to Australia.<\/p>\n

“Products such as pork jerky cannot be brought into Australia except under specific import conditions.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you are unsure of an item, declare it, or don\u2019t bring it at all.\u201d<\/p>\n