Page 6 - Australian Pork Newspaper

Australian Pork Limited will continue to drive change from the inside out where possible and advocate for the many women who are and will be work- ing within the pork industry.
Celebrating women in pork
In February 2022, Japa- nese encephalitis virus was detected and confirmed in piggeries in Victoria, Queensland and NSW.
Australia is prepared to respond to animal dis- ease incursions with na- tional response arrange- ments in place.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek urgent medical at- tention.
LAST year, Aus- tralian Pork Limited made a commitment to address the gender inequality that ex- ists within the global meat sector and closer to home, in Australia.
erage the great work of MBW in Australia to generate change.
chain to equip them with the key skills needed to deliver their stories in a public plat- form.
On March 4, cases were detected in South Aus- tralia.
The response strategy for this disease is out- lined in the Japanese encephalitis AUSVET- PLAN.
Find out more at farm biosecurity.com.au – particularly the fact sheet on controlling mosqui- toes in piggeries – and the National Pork Bio- security Manual, which provides in-depth detail on biosecurity practices and management in pig- geries.
People should try to prevent mosquito bites by using mosquito repel- lent containing picaridin, DEET or oil of lemon eu- calyptus on all exposed skin and reapply every few hours.
With March 8 marking the United Nations-led Inter- national Women’s Day, it was an appropriate time to reflect on the achievements made and cement further work in this space.
This was essentially to share real sector stories with the wider community, so more informed opinions could be formulated and therefore decisions made about the role the Australian pork sector plays in Australia.
The virus can cause reproductive losses and encephalitis in pigs and horses.
Japaneseencephalitisis not a food safety concern and commercially pro- duced pork meat or prod- ucts are safe to consume. Signs of the disease in pigs
Wear long, light col- oured and loose-fitting clothing as well as cov- ered footwear when out- side.
To facilitate this focus, APL has proudly joined the in- ternational networking group Meat Business Women as a country sponsor – as is Coles.
APL ensured the group was balanced in terms of gender and age with the in- tent of supporting the talent and skills of the women within this group, in order to raise awareness of career opportunities in the pork sector and highlight female role models.
Once infected, they do not play a role in transmit- ting the virus.
It is not spread from pigs to people, or from pig to pig.
MBW was founded in the UK and over the past few years has expanded into Aus- tralia, New Zealand and Canada.
It is not known how the virus came to mainland Australia and it is the first time the virus has been detected in southern Aus- tralia.
Piglets infected after birth can develop en- cephalitis, which pre- sents as paddling or other neurological signs in the first six months of life.
The fundamental ob- jective of MBW is to assure sustainability of the meat sector by at- tracting and retaining the best possible talent.
APL also reflected on its own internal pol- icies and has increased the number of weeks included in its mater- nity policies.
The movement of in- fected mosquitoes or mi- gratory waterbirds may have played a part in the spread of JEV.
In other cases, wasting, depression or hindlimb paralysis may be seen in suckling piglets and weaners.
By aligning with such a worthy organi- sation and providing financial and resource support, APL can fur- ther amplify and lev-
Late last year, APL ran a leaders workshop through the Livestock Collective – bringing together a group of 14 people who work throughout the supply
Other animals can be infected but typically do not show signs of illness – such as cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, cats, bats, rodents, reptiles, amphib- ians and birds.
Adult sows do not typi- cally show overt signs of disease.
Excellent quality Concrete Slats for Piggeries
■ Farrowing and weaner crates, growers and baconer pens. ■ Feed hopper with stainless steel trough.
■ Farrowing flooring with a 10mm gap; weaners flooring with a 12mm gap; and growers flooring with a 15mm gap.
Diagonal Farrowing Crate.
MBW states, “The beating heart of Meat Business Women is the opportunity to share valuable diverse expe- rience and expertise at engaging events and interactive mediums.”
Japanese encephalitis is a viral zoonotic disease that is spread by mosqui- toes.
Food safety
In support, APL ran a second Women in Pork event on International Women’s Day, with the aim of profiling some of the challenges and opportunities facing women working within the sector.
People and horses are considered ‘dead end’ hosts.
Japanese encephalitis is primarily spread by mosquitoes.
Most Japanese encepha- litis virus infections in people are asymptomatic, however those with se- vere infection – which occurs in less than 1 per- cent of cases – may ex- perience neck stiffness,
For updates on human health impacts, visit health.gov.au/health- topics/japanese-enceph alitis
APL extends its grat- itude to Coles group category manager for pork, ham and value- added meat Rosie Coldwell, Tarree Pas- toral co-owner and di- rector Karen Henwood and Rivalea Australia research scientist Dr Jessica Craig for sharing their insights and to everyone who dialled in to partici- pate in the session.
Pigs and some species of wild birds are amplifying hosts.
In pigs, the most common clinical signs are mummified and still- born or weak piglets, some with neurological signs.
Ph (02) 6644 6065
Mobile 0437 431 901 | Email sales@vereyken.com.au
2 Clark Rd, Junction Hill • PO Box 421, Grafton NSW 2460
Head Office:
Victoria: Freecall:
Vereyken Bros. Pty Ltd ABN 11 003 543 548
Ben Slots 1800 999 245
Anytime or (02) 6644 6065 Mobile: 0437 431 901
Phone: (03) 9462 4266 Mobile: 0418 388 842
Page 6 – Australian Pork Newspaper, April 2022
www.porknews.com.au
APL will continue to drive change from the inside out where possible and advocate for the many women who are and will be working within the pork industry.
In animals, signs of dis- ease are most common in horses and pigs.
Australia’s chief veterinary officer’s JEV message
AUSTRALIA’S chief veterinary officer Dr Mark Schipp provided an update on Japanese encephalitis and how the government and industry are working together on a coordinated response to reduce the spread of the virus.
and territory govern- ments are working with the pig and horse indus- tries through the Con- sultative Committee on Emergency Animal Dis- ease in response to this outbreak.
Advice for the pig in- dustry
coma and more rarely, permanent neurological complications or death.
In rare cases, Japanese encephalitis can cause disease in people.
Human health advice
Ensure accommoda- tion, including tents, are properly fitted with mos- quito nettings or screens.
Disease response
If boars are present on farm, they may experi- ence infertility, oedema- tous and congested tes- ticles.
The Australian, state
The Japanese encephalitis disease spread pathway.
Straight Farrowing Crate.
We are also working closely with human health authorities.
People working or oth- erwise in contact with pigs – including those who may have a small herd or pet – should take steps to control mos- quitoes and continue to use effective biosecurity measures.
Illness usually begins with symptoms such as sudden onset of fever, headache and vomiting.
Pig producers should be highly vigilant for signs of Japanese encephalitis and report unexpected abortions or stillbirths.
Encephalitis is the most serious clinical conse- quence of infection.
ALL FLOORING IS MADE TO SIZE AT NO EXTRA COST