African Swine Fever continues to spread across the globe.
The disease has swept rapidly across Europe and Asia, and the recent detection in East Timor has the disease less than 700km from the Australian border.
Our number one aim is to ensure that ASF is kept out of Australia. If ASF enters Australia it would be devastating for the Australian pig population and our industry.
We need to keep this disease out and that relies on Australia having highly effective biosecurity measures at the border.
The association applauds the government's bolstered efforts at the border following the detection of ASF in East Timor, with increased biosecurity detector dogs.
However, we must continue to increase investment in border biosecurity to keep this disease out.
However, as pork producers we cannot control biosecurity measures at the border, beyond demanding investment and action. Instead, we must focus on practical measures to prepare our farms and businesses.
Farmers need to be enhancing their on-farm biosecurity to ensure they have effective measures in the event of an ASF outbreak in Australia.
NSW Farmers will hold an African Swine Fever Workshop in Young, with the aim to inform producers on how to protect their farms from ASF and provide practical improvements to key areas such as managing entry controls, enhancing hygiene and record-keeping.
It will also examine responsibilities in the event of an outbreak and highlight potential plans for farmers to implement and manage these situations.
The Biosecurity Workshop will be held from 1pm-6pm on Tuesday, October 22 at the Young Golf Club. Complimentary dinner and drinks will follow. To register, email simpsone@nswfarmers.org.au
- Ean Pollard is chair of the NSW Farmers Pork Committee.