African swine fever on Australia's doorstep, with outbreaks confirmed in Timor-Leste pig farms
ABCThe pig-killing disease known as African swine fever is now on Australia's doorstep, with confirmation of several outbreaks in Timor-Leste. Key points: African swine fever has been found in Timor-Leste, around 650 kilometres from Australia Despite being on 'Asia's doorstep', the Darwin Airport does not have a working detector dog According to one analyst, the current spread of ASF could see the world's pig population halve by the middle of next year It is estimated the disease has already wiped out 25 per cent of the world's pig population. According to Timor-Leste's Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, there have been 100 reported outbreaks of African swine fever in smallholder pig farms in the Dili municipality, in which 405 pigs have died. "The presence of African swine fever in Timor is alarming to say the least, having jumped 1,500 to 2,000 kilometres and puts the disease on Australia's doorstep," he said. African swine fever facts: The virus is a highly contagious disease that can affect domestic and wild pigs It is usually fatal in infected pigs There is no treatment or vaccine available The most likely sources of infection are pork products, porcine genetic material and incursions by infected pigs Source: Australian Pork On Twitter, the new CEO of Australian Pork Limited, Margo Andrae, said when it came to biosecurity, everyone had a role to play.