Fed: Feral pigs could become "reservoir" for swine flu: Opp'n

AAP General News (Australia)
08-04-2009
Fed: Feral pigs could become "reservoir" for swine flu: Opp'n

CANBERRA, Aug 4 AAP - Feral pig populations could become a breeding reservoir for swine
flu making the disease impossible to eradicate, the federal opposition says.

The warning comes after 2,000 pigs on a property at Dunedoo, in the central west of
NSW, were found to have contracted swine flu.

The farm has been quarantined since last Friday.

Authorities have said the health of the pigs has improved and the disease has been
contained to the property.

Opposition agriculture spokesman John Cobb praised the piggery owner for taking quick
quarantine measures and notifying authorities.

But he is concerned the virus may find its way into the feral pig population where
"it will be next to impossible to eradicate".

Feral pigs would become a "reservoir for the virus which has the potential to mutate
and come back as a meaner, nastier, deadlier virus".

State and federal governments should undertake a feral pig control program - involving
shooting, baiting and trapping swines - around the Dunedoo piggery to ensure the virus
did not spread, Mr Cobb said.

Meanwhile authorities have reassured the public that eating pork is safe.

Comment was being sought from federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke.

AAP srj/rl/jfm

KEYWORD: FLU PIGGERY COBB

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