Implementing an effective biosecurity plan is the key to reducing risks to pig health, including emergency animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever.
A biosecurity plan helps pig owners to identify risks to the health of their pigs and the steps to take to reduce these risks.
It is an important tool pig producers can use to reduce the risk of emergency animal diseases entering their property.
Along with help developing a biosecurity plan, Agriculture Victoria staff will undertake free worm testing for pig herds.
While the service is being targeted at people who have a small or medium-sized herd, or just a couple of pigs, the team is keen to hear from anyone with pigs, including commercial owners.
As part of the program, staff will visit the property to assist pig owners with setting up their biosecurity plan and undertake testing for roundworm and whipworm.
Results will be sent to the owner with information about treatments and how to manage worms.
These worms can cause illness and weight loss in pigs.
Pigs are usually infected through other pigs or pig faeces such as off a dirty truck or livestock transport.
Dirty gear, such as feeders from other pig properties, can also be a source of infection.
To get help with developing a biosecurity plan and take part in the free testing, email pig.biosecurity@agriculture.vic.gov.au.
