Pig disease investigations

6 July 2005

DAFF05/4D

Investigations are currently being undertaken by veterinary authorities into incidents potentially involving the disease ‘post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome’ (PMWS) at two Australian piggeries, one in South Australia and one in NSW.

These herds are subject to movement controls and investigations to date have disclosed no links between the two incidents.

The Australian Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Gardner Murray, said PMWS has not been previously been reported in Australia.

“There is a need for further investigation before PMWS can be diagnosed or ruled out as results so far have been inconclusive,” Dr Murray said. 

PMWS only affects pigs, and is not a public health concern. Pork and pork products are safe to consume.

“This type of investigation is part of the normal response by government to a suspicious disease and is not out of the ordinary,” Dr Murray said.

PMWS is considered to be caused by a factor or a number of factors working in conjunction with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2).  PCV2 has been present in the Australian pig herd for some time.

Media contact:

Howard Conkey                 DAFF Media +61 2 6272 3232