MORE than 90 pork producers, service and product suppliers and government agencies attended an African swine fever seminar held in Kingaroy on January 31.
The highly informative and interactive seminar was an initiative of the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries under the co-ordination of DAF Pork Extension Officer Sara Willis. Senator Susan McDonald also attended the seminar to further build her knowledge of ASF and better understand the key issues facing the industry.
Pork Queensland Inc was pleased to assist in chairing the event, which was financially supported by the following companies: Novus, DSM, Jefo Australia, BEC Feed Solutions, Biomin, AusPac Ingredients and Zamira Australia.
Topics included:
- An overview of ASF, the AUSVETPLAN and compensation arrangements under EADRA.
- Australian Government plans and activities around border control.
- Government’s response to a detection.
- Methods of destruction and disposal.
- The role of Australian Pork Limited as the lead industry body.
- Movement controls that would be applied, including transport protocols for pigs.
- Minimum standards for on-farm biosecurity and emergency preparedness.
- Feral pig control options and the role of the Australian Pig Doggers and Hunters Association in managing ASF.
The seminar was part of the preparedness being offered by industry and government agencies to ensure all sectors understand how to prevent the entry of this devastating virus into Australia and implement the best control measures if required. With ASF established in Timor Leste and now confirmed in Indonesia it is so important our border control measures are fully adopted.
Participants at the seminar were informed on what was being done at all points of entry and what industry needs to have adopted to limit or prevent entry to their operations. Queensland and Federal government Biosecurity officers provided a wealth of knowledge on all aspects across prevention and control measures that would be implemented should an incursion occur.
Industry leaders also provided the audience with practical steps and interventions being implemented within their respective businesses, allowing producers to consider their application on their own farms. The bottom line of the seminar was all parties need to work together and prevention through enhanced biosecurity measures is the key.
PQI urged pig farmers and industry stakeholders to take up membership and support the state pig farming organisation providing representation at all levels of government. Contact president John Coward on 0407 622 166 for membership applications.
Membership fee is only $300 per annum for producers with more than 300 sows or $150 for those with less than 300 sows.
Suppliers can also support PQI with associate membership at only $200 per annum.
