Pork producers in New Zealand have opted for the development of a Pest Management Strategy (PMS) aimed at containing the spread of Post-weaning Multi-systemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS), a disease affecting pigs. The referendum, organised by the New Zealand Pork Industry Board, was attended by members of the board but also by many breeders with more than 20 animals on their farm.
Farmers gathered during the referendum are said to have represented 72% of the country’s pork production base, with 60% voting for the implementation of the PMS. The result is expected to speed up the process and bring in new surveillance measures.
PMWS is endemic in New Zealand’s pig herds and has been found in more than 20 farms in the North Island since September last year. The disease is associated with ill-defined immune stressors such as those caused by various viral infections. It does not carry a threat to human health or food safety but about 80% of infected animals die, causing considerable losses to farmers and the economy.
