Protect the Territory from ASF

Pig owners are reminded that feeding pigs meat scraps poses a serious risk to Australian biosecurity as ASF continues to spread rapidly throughout Eastern Europe and Asia.

It is illegal in every Australian state and territory to feed swill to pigs. Swill is the name for meat products or products that have come into contact with meat. Examples of swill include:

  • pies and pasties
  • sausage rolls
  • pizza
  • table scraps
  • restaurant leftovers
  • discarded cooking oils.

* Non-Australian dairy products are also banned.

Feeding swill to pigs is one of the simplest ways that serious diseases can enter the food chain.

ASF is a contagious disease of pigs, and has the potential to severely threaten the Australian pork industry. The virus survives at a wide range of pH levels, is resistant to most disinfectants and remains active in meat products through freezing and thawing.

ASF does not pose a risk to human health.

If you notice any suspicious symptoms in your pigs, such as weakness, lethargy, reduced appetite, discharge and blotchy skin lesions, please contact the Exotic Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

More information about how you can help keep the Territory ASF free can be found on the NT Government website.


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