The outbreak of the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus on a farm in Wallerfield has stirred public concern.
PRRS is a widespread viral disease that affects domestic pigs. So far, one farmer in Wallerfield is set to lose almost 300 pigs after an outbreak on his farm.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries has reassured the public that pork remains safe to eat. But this has stirred questions: if the meat remains safe to eat, then why do the pigs need to be culled and buried?
Speaking to TTT News, Lead Agriculture Consultant at Tropical Agriculture Consultancy Services Riyadh Mohammed emphasised the importance of swift action in managing the outbreak.
“You’re culling animals really just to eradicate that source of the virus or the detection and not spread across the entire industry to damage our pork industry locally.”
He explained that the most common way the virus is spread is through pigs, but it can also be spread in other ways.
“The virus is found in the faeces, in the urine, in the semen, and can also be spread by vehicles, supplies, clothes, or boots, which are known as fomites, or non-living items or objects.”
Mr. Mohammed stressed the importance of proper sanitisation: “Biosecurity at every level is important. Although it is not a zoonotic disease, you still want to ensure that you don’t transfer any virus from one farm to another.”
He shared some advice to farmers to prevent future outbreaks: “Biosecurity, you want to really enforce the quarantine and testing of incoming breeding stock to stop the spread of any types of new viruses. In this instance, it’s the virus, but even other types of viruses or even bacteria. You want to make sure and clean the workers’ garments and equipment, transport vehicles. You also want to manage farm access and carry out insect control activities. You would also want to reduce the introduction of airborne viruses by using different types of air filtration and treatment devices, as well as avoid contact with sick animals or even maintain stringent pig flow management, especially as it relates to PRRS.”