A collaborative research project to examine if natural carcass decomposition processes effectively inactivate pathogens under Australian conditions.
Overview
This collaborative research project built on previous research to examine if natural carcass decomposition processes effectively inactivate pathogens such as African swine fever virus (ASFV), under Australian conditions. The findings will inform strategic decision-making within emergency animal disease outbreaks affecting feral animals and have the potential to enable significant savings in carcass management time and costs associated with response activities.
Project Lead: Robyn Grob, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries,
Project Contact: Robyn.Grob@daf.qld.gov.au
Project Status: Completed
Project Date: Completed in June 2024
Objective alignment:
- 1 – Improve Australia’s preparedness and ability to respond to emergency animal diseases.
Activity alignment:
- 1.4 – Undertake projects, including commissioning and undertaking research, to further develop economic analyses and epidemiological modelling tools supporting rapid decision making in EAD responses for priority diseases.
Project updates
August 2024
The project concluded on 30 June 2024. Two research manuscripts are being prepared.
May 2024
Stage 2 field research has been completed. Data analysis is underway.
November 2023
Stage 1 research has been completed. This investigated if natural carcass decomposition processes (changes in tissue pH and temperature) could inactivate pathogens such as ASFV in pigs, and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus in cattle, pigs, sheep and goat carcasses under Australian conditions over the initial 48 hours post-death. An interpretive report has been prepared and a research manuscript is being prepared for publication in a scientific journal.
Stage 2 research further investigating decomposition processes and potential ASFV inactivation in pigs over a longer period has commenced.