African swine fever
African swine fever (ASF) is a contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild pigs. It is similar to classical swine fever but is caused by a different virus. The disease is established in Asia and part of Europe and it has no vaccine.
ASF is spread within domestic pig populations through contact with infected pigs, movement of people or objects that have been in contact with infected pigs and feeding of contaminated swill.
ASF is considered one of the most important diseases of pigs worldwide and is listed as a notifiable disease by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
It is not a danger to human health, however as the virus is highly resistant it can survive on clothing, boots, wheels and other materials as well as in pokr products such as ham, sausages or bacon, therefore human behaviours play an important role in spreading this diseases across borders if adequate measures are not taken.
Whilst ASF has never occurred in Australia, it still remains a significant biosecurity threat to our country. An outbreak would devastate our pig production and health and damage our trade and economy.
Bundaberg Regional Council's Natural Resource Management, Local Disaster and Regulatory Services teams have attended biosecurity discussions to ensure they have the latest information should they need to assist the Australian Government if an outbreak was to occur.
In October 2022 Council's Land Protection team will contact landholders to share information via email about ASF from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). If you would like to be added to this contact email list please either phone Council on 1300 883 699 or email parksadministration@bundaberg.qld.gov.au or drop into one of Council's Customer Service Centres.
How you can help
- If you own pigs ensure you are aware of and comply with swill feeding legislation Farm Biosecurity
- Know the clinical signs of African swine fever
- Respect biosecurity measures on farms
- Early detection is critical for a rapid and effective respons - report unusual cases of disease to Council, state or territory government veterinarians or through the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 for advice and assistance
Read more about ASF on the DAFF website and on the World Organisation for Animal Health website
Information on this page has been drawn from the DAFF and OIE websites.