Overview
The pig biosecurity project is a joint initiative funded by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australia (PIRSA) and Pork South Australia (SA) via the SA Pig Industry Fund. The partnership is part of broader government and industry initiatives to enhance biosecurity preparedness for emergency animal diseases (EADs) across the pork supply chain. The goal is to support market access and business continuity.
A survey was undertaken to measure how prepared the SA pig industry was for the biosecurity requirements of an EAD outbreak. The survey found that strong biosecurity performance was linked to good health and husbandry practices. It also identified opportunities where targeted projects can improve industry preparedness.
Project Lead: Department of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australia
Project Contact: animalplan@aff.gov.au
Project Status: Completed
Project Date: March 2024 to February 2025
Objective alignment:
- 1 – Improve Australia’s preparedness and ability to respond to emergency animal diseases.
- 3 – Improve the adoption and implementation of biosecurity practices throughout the terrestrial animal industry supply chain.
Activity alignment:
- 1.1 – Continue to implement recommendations from emergency responses including EAD incursions, COVID-19, previous EAD simulation exercises and recent natural disasters.
- 3.1 – Investigate the benefits and consider developing a national dashboard platform for government and industry biosecurity information systems, such as South Australia’s One Biosecurity program.
- 3.2 – Share knowledge across animal industries and jurisdictions to strengthen quality assurance programs, on-farm biosecurity systems, biosecurity extension programs and regulatory activities.
- 3.3 – Conduct more industry-government education and awareness communication activities to promote a biosecurity ‘culture’ and ‘community of practice’ across animal industries, including smallholders.
- 3.4 – Continue developing biosecurity guidelines for the supply chains of novel small-scale industries.
Project updates
February 2025
The co-funded SA Pig Biosecurity Project has concluded to support redirection of industry resources that further the outcomes initiated in SA.
The report on improving piggery biosecurity through the development of resources and digital capabilities was well received by industry stakeholders.
The report stimulated discussions between state and national industry organisations. These groups plan to develop capabilities to further enhance EAD preparedness through national industry-led projects.
November 2024
A report on the project was distributed to key stakeholders.
The report identified tools and other resources required to support the pig industry to comply with the expected standards and verify their biosecurity practices in a manner consistent with the best practice guidelines.
August 2024
A verification framework was developed in consultation with industry stakeholders and other jurisdictions.
The framework aims to:
- enhance on-farm biosecurity practices to reduce the risk of disease introduction and spread
- support assurances of regulators during an outbreak
- provide guidance to the pig industry on the veracity of practices likely to be accepted by regulators.
May 2024
The results of a biosecurity bench-marking survey were presented and distributed to stakeholders.
A digital form was developed as part of a movement permit preparedness project. It was released to the SA pig industry in March 2024.
The form was used for:
- collecting information on routine farm movements of pigs (including routes) and other products including feed, semen and waste
- Enabling producers to complete the form as part of preparation to apply for movement permits during an EAD outbreak, by having relevant information readily available.