NSW: Piggeries quarantined with piglets suffering disease

AAP General News (Australia)
02-13-2004
NSW: Piggeries quarantined with piglets suffering disease

SYDNEY, Feb 13 AAP - The NSW Department of Agriculture today confirmed two piggeries
have been quarantined with newborn piglets suffering an infectious disease.

The syndrome, called porcine myocarditis (PMC), was first identified in June 2003 and
has been limited to two piggeries in NSW, both owned and operated by the same company.

The department said both properties were under quarantine and strict protocols were in place.

It would not confirm where the properties were, but they were reportedly in Corowa,
near the Victorian border.

"Scientists have determined that PMC is already resolving itself, with piglet losses
already below industry averages," a statement issued by the department said.

The statement said despite rigorous scientific investigation, there has been no evidence
of PMC in piglets over five weeks of age.

There has been no evidence of any human health impact and research continues in an
attempt to identify the exact cause of the syndrome, it said.

Australian Pork Limited was not immediately available for comment on any possible impact
on the industry.

AAP hmg/ce/cjh/jlw

KEYWORD: PIGS

2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.