Agriculture Victoria senior veterinary officer Dianne Phillips said a biosecurity plan helped pig owners to identify and reduce risks to the health of their pigs.
“A biosecurity plan should address the range of potential disease pathways and highlight areas to improve biosecurity,” Dr Phillips said.
Along with help developing a biosecurity plan, Agriculture Victoria staff will also 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 Agriculture Victoria 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.
Dr Phillips said in large herds where pigs were going to slaughter the parasite was detected by the abattoirs.
“We’re focusing on smaller herds because they may not have the connection with the abattoir testing program,” she said.
The testing across the state will help Agriculture Victoria gather data about the extent of roundworm and whipworm in Victoria’s pig herds.
To obtain help with developing a biosecurity plan and take part in the free testing, contact Dr Phillips at: pigbiosecurity@agriculture.vic.gov.au
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