Market Morsel: Don’t forget other viruses

Market Morsel

Covid covid covid. That’s what holds the worlds attention remains on, and unfortunately, will likely be the main talking point for years.

There is another disease that remains an issue, and that is African Swine Fever (ASF). It has not disappeared.

The shutdown of the borders has minimised the risk of ASF entering Australia. With borders remaining closed potentially until mid-2022, the only likely transmission will be through the post.

The maps below are created using data provided by the world organisation for animal health (OIE) and show countries with ASF present in the domestic (farmed) and wild pig herd along with countries with FMD present. ASF and FMD are on our doorstep.

Animal diseases remain a serious risk for Australia, not just for pigs but also for all farmed animals (FMD etc).

The break in international travel allows Australia to get its biosecurity protocols in place, which with the recent A$370m in funding will go a long way (see here).

Conflict Register: Please note Andrew Whitelaw and Matt Dalgleish operate a commercial piggery in Victoria, Australia