Where there is swill, there is a way

Pig owners are reminded that feeding pigs meat scraps poses  a serious risk to Australian biosecurity as African Swine Fever (ASF) spreads  through China, South East Asia and Eastern Europe.

It is illegal in every Australian state and territory to  feed swill to pigs. Swill is the name for meat products or products that have  come into contact with meat. Examples of swill include:

  • pies and pasties
  • sausage rolls
  • pizza
  • table scraps
  • restaurant leftovers
  • discarded cooking oils.

* Non-Australian dairy products are also banned.

Feeding swill to pigs is one of the simplest ways that  serious diseases can enter the food chain.

ASF, a highly  contagious viral disease of pigs, is currently spreading throughout China. It  can cause up to 95% mortality in affected pigs, and has the potential to  severely threaten the Australian pork industry. The virus survives at a wide  range of pH levels, is resistant to most disinfectants and remains active in  meat products through freezing and thawing.

ASF does not pose a  risk to human health.

If you notice any  suspicious symptoms in your pigs, such as weakness, lethargy, reduced appetite,  discharge and blotchy skin lesions, please contact the Exotic Animal Disease  Hotline on 1800 675 888.


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