Informing risks of ASF transmission by collection of feral pig movement data

disease feral pigs surveillance

Status: In Progress

Start date: 28 June 2024

Completion date: 13 June 2026

Project code: M-301

Species/Threats: Emergency Animal Disease (EAD)

Summary

This project aims to understand the risks of ASF (African Swine Fever) and other diseases spreading between feral and domestic pigs.

By collecting and analysing data on feral pig movements near domestic piggeries at two sites in south-eastern Queensland, researchers hope to gain insights.

Although ASF is not currently in Australia, an outbreak would severely impact the domestic pork industry. Feral pigs could potentially spread the disease to domestic pigs, so it’s crucial to study their behaviour around piggeries.

Objectives

The objectives of this project are to:

  1. Establish a comprehensive understanding of feral pig movement over a 12-month period by utilising 24 GPS collars and 24 CERES tags at two sites in south-east Queensland, situated near domestic piggeries. This data collection will inform the risks of ASF transmission and other diseases at the feral-domestic pig interface.
  2. Develop informed strategies to minimise local risk factors associated with Emergency Animal Diseases (EAD), build local capacity and support biosecurity emergency response preparedness.

Project team

Dr Tony Buckmaster

Project Lead | CISS

Darren Marshall

CISS

Lachlan Marshall

CISS

Dr Matthew Gentle

QDAF

Aiden Sydenham

QDAF

Project partners

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