Piggery lockdown

A PIGGERY at Kingaroy is in lockdown.

TROUBLES: A spate of deaths has a Kingaroy piggery in lockdown. Photo: Martina Berg. Picture: Martina Berg

A PIGGERY at Kingaroy is in lockdown.

The piggery was placed under a full quarantine after a foreign virus was detected in its pigs two weeks ago.

The outbreak is the first confirmed report of Influenza A in pigs in the South Burnett.

And about 40 animals have died as a result.

Movement restrictions have been placed on the piggery in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus.

But some of the healthy pigs are still being sent for slaughter, according to a Biosecurity Queensland representative.

The representative said they were working with the piggery to manage the outbreak.

"Biosecurity Queensland is working with a commercial piggery and its veterinarian in the Kingaroy area to manage higher mortalities in a group of pigs," they said.

They said the definitive causes were still being sought, but possibilities included bacterial infections and Influenza A.

"About 10% of a group of 400 pigs have died after showing respiratory signs," they said.

"The other groups of pigs on the property have remained healthy."

Pork Queensland Incorporated president John Coward said the piggery was taking "all the correct measures".

"They have let Biosecurity take control, which is the right thing to do. This is an adequate precaution. The piggery, Biosecurity and Pork Queensland are making sure public health and animal safety is first and foremost," he said.

Originally published as Piggery lockdown