ORCID Profile
0000-0003-1153-7973
Current Organisation
NSW Department of Primary Industries
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
Publisher: World Health Organization, Western Pacific Regional Office
Date: 14-11-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.PREVETMED.2014.11.008
Abstract: Pigs are considered high risk for the introduction and spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Australia. Facilities where animals from different origins are commingled, such as saleyards, pose a high risk for disease spread. Sound on-farm management practices and biosecurity protocols are the first line of defence against a potential on-farm disease outbreak. This study evaluated the practices of 104 producers (vendors who sold pigs and purchasers of live pigs for grow-out) who traded pigs at 6 peri-urban and rural saleyards in eastern Australia. Specifically, management and on-farm biosecurity practices were assessed using an in-depth questionnaire. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to investigate (1) producer associations: producer type, State, motivation to keep pigs, farm type, gender, years having owned pigs, and the acquisition of formal livestock qualifications and (2) pig associations: herd size, housing, management (husbandry and feeding) practices and biosecurity (including pig movement) practices. Backyard operations (<20 sows) were undertaken by 60.6% of participants, followed by small-scale pig operations (28.8% 21-100 sows). Few producers (16.3%) reported residing in close proximity (<5 km) to commercial operations however, less rural producers had neighbouring hobby pig operations within 5 km of their property (P=0.033). Motivation for keeping pigs was significantly associated with a number of biosecurity practices. Producers who kept pigs for primary income were more likely to provide footwear precautions (P=0.007) and ask visitors about prior pig contacts (P=0.004). Approximately 40% of backyard and small-scale producers reported not having any quarantine practices in place for incoming pigs, compared to only 9.1% among larger producers. The main reasons cited for not adopting on-farm biosecurity practices in this study included having no need on their property (43.1%) and a lack of information and support (by the industry and/or authorities 18.5%). Up to three-quarters of all producers maintained an open breeding herd, regularly introducing new pigs to the main herd. Saleyards are an important source of income for backyard and small-scale producers as well as an important risk factor for the introduction and dissemination of endemic and emerging animal diseases. Differing management and biosecurity practices as well as the motivations of these producers keeping pigs in small numbers and trading pigs at saleyards need to be taken into account in the development of successful biosecurity extension programmes for this sector of the Australian pork industry.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-07-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-0813.2010.00604.X
Abstract: To assess current swill feeding legislation, swill feeding investigation practices by authorities and feeding practices of pig producers who trade via saleyards in eastern Australia in order to determine levels of understanding and conformance related to current swill feeding legislation. A three-tiered approach was undertaken to gather information on the feeding of prohibited substances (swill) to pigs in Australia. Firstly, a review of swill feeding legislation was undertaken to highlight the commonalities and inconsistencies between the various state and territory legislations in defining swill. Secondly, agricultural authorities were contacted in each state to gather information on swill feeding investigations undertaken in 2006. Finally, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 106 pig producers who traded pigs at one of six saleyards in eastern Australia to ascertain their knowledge of swill feeding and to determine the feeding practices of this sector of the industry. Areas of concern identified included (1) inconsistencies in the feedstuffs classed as 'swill' among states, (2) the number of producers who had been prosecuted for swill feeding in 2006 (n = 4 of 148 inspections), (3) the low knowledge base of producers who sell pigs at saleyards regarding swill feeding, and (4) the types of feedstuffs provided to pigs marketed at saleyards. Our findings highlight the need for a consistent definition for 'swill' across Australian states and for improved awareness of swill feeding among producers, particularly those who market pigs at saleyards.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.PREVETMED.2017.09.013
Abstract: In recent years, outbreaks of exotic as well as newly emerging infectious diseases have highlighted the importance of biosecurity for the Australian horse industry. As the first potentially fatal zoonosis transmissible from horses to humans in Australia, Hendra virus has emphasised the need to incorporate sound hygiene and general biosecurity practices into day-to-day horse management. Recommended measures are widely publicised, but implementation is at the discretion of the in idual owner. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine current levels of biosecurity of horse owners and to identify factors influencing the uptake of practices utilising data from an online survey. Level of biosecurity (low, medium, high), as determined by horse owners' responses to a set of questions on the frequency of various biosecurity practices performed around healthy (9 items) and sick horses (10 items), was used as a composite outcome variable in ordinal logistic regression analyses. The majority of horse owners surveyed were female (90%), from the states of Queensland (45%) or New South Wales (37%), and were involved in either mainly competitive/equestrian sports (37%) or recreational horse activities (35%). Seventy-five percent of owners indicated that they follow at least one-third of the recommended practices regularly when handling their horses, resulting in medium to high levels of biosecurity. Main factors associated with a higher level of biosecurity were high self-rated standard of biosecurity, access to personal protective equipment, absence of flying foxes in the local area, a good sense of control over Hendra virus risk, likelihood of discussing a sick horse with a veterinarian and likelihood of suspecting Hendra virus in a sick horse. Comparison of the outcome variable with the self-rated standard of biosecurity showed that over- as well as underestimation occurred. This highlights the need for continuous communication and education to enhance awareness and understanding of what biosecurity is and how it aligns with good horsemanship. Overall, strengthened biosecurity practices will help to improve animal as well as human health and increase preparedness for future disease outbreaks.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.PREVETMED.2011.03.011
Abstract: Pigs are considered high risk for the introduction and spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Australia. One of the most likely pathways of introduction of FMD into Australia would be through the illegal importation of FMD-contaminated meat, which is then fed to feral or domestic pigs. Locations where animals from different origins are commingled, such as livestock markets and abattoirs, pose a risk for disease spread. Early detection of exotic diseases at these locations is crucial in limiting the spread of an outbreak. The aims of this study were to evaluate the likelihood of exotic disease detection with current passive disease surveillance activities for pigs at saleyards and abattoirs in eastern Australia, and make recommendations for improving surveillance. Sensitivity (Se) of the current post-farm-gate passive surveillance for detection of exotic diseases was estimated using the scenario tree modelling methodology (Martin et al., 2007a). Four surveillance system components were identified: (i) domestic saleyard, (ii) export saleyard, (iii) domestic abattoir, and (iv) export abattoir. Pig farms were classified according to herd size (Small vs. Large) and subsequently into two risk categories depending on the probability of swill feeding (Swill feeding vs. Not swill feeding). A scenario tree representing the pathways by which infected animals could be detected was developed and the Se of detection in each surveillance system component was estimated. Industry statistics, information on previous exotic disease outbreaks, and interviews with pig producers were used to estimate herd category proportions and the relative risk of swill feeding. Quantitative estimates for probabilities of detection were sourced from State legislation and policies, stakeholder consultation and observational studies at saleyards and abattoirs. Results of a FMD case study showed a Se of detection at a representative location for each surveillance system component during a 2-week period of 0.19 at domestic saleyards, 0.40 at export saleyards, 0.32 at domestic abattoirs and, 0.53 at export abattoirs. This output assumed the country was infected with herd and unit design prevalences of 1% and 30%, respectively. Improving disease awareness of saleyard and abattoir stockmen, increasing the presence of inspectors at these venues and identifying those herds posing a higher risk for FMD introduction, could improve the capacity of the country for early detection of emerging animal diseases.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-2007
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-0813.2007.00175.X
Abstract: To assess Australia's capability to trace pig movements in the event of an exotic disease outbreak by highlighting the commonalities and inconsistencies between the various state and territory legislations in defining how pig producers are located their pigs are identified and whether movement records are required post-farm gate. A review of the identification and traceability legislation applicable to pigs in Australia was undertaken over a 6 month period. The appropriate legislative Acts and Regulations were downloaded from the Australasian Legal Information Institute internet site (www.austlii.edu.au/) and reviewed. The Australian pig industry currently uses the branding method (tattooing) to identify pigs for sale or slaughter, with each state responsible for its own pig identification and movement control systems. Areas of concern identified included inconsistencies with the minimum weight or age of pigs that require identification discrepancies between methods of tattoo registration and shortfalls in documentation for recording pig movements. Our findings highlight the flaws in Australia's current state legislative Acts and Regulations for identifying pigs and tracking their movements, which compromise the ability of jurisdictions to meet the endorsed National Performance Standards. Improvements in these areas will enhance security to the pig and other livestock industries in the event of future exotic disease outbreaks.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.PREVETMED.2011.12.006
Abstract: Extension and communication needs amongst small-scale pig producers, described as pig producers with less than 100 sows, have been previously identified. These producers, who are believed to pose a biosecurity risk to commercial livestock industries, are characterized by a lack of formal networks, mistrust of authorities, poor disease reporting behaviour and motivational ersity, and reliance on other producers, veterinarians and family for pig health and production advice. This paper applies stakeholder identification and analysis tools to determine stakeholders' influence and interest on pig producers' practices. Findings can inform a risk communication process and the development of an extension framework to increase producers' engagement with industry and their compliance with biosecurity standards and legislation in Australia. The process included identification of stakeholders, their issues of concerns regarding small-scale pig producers and biosecurity and their influence and interest in each of these issues. This exercise identified the capacity of different stakeholders to influence the outcomes for each issue and assessed their success or failure to do so. The disconnection identified between the level of interest and influence suggests that government and industry need to work with the small-scale pig producers and with those who have the capacity to influence them. Successful biosecurity risk management will depend on shared responsibility and building trust amongst stakeholders. Flow-on effects may include legitimating the importance of reporting and compliance systems and the co-management of risk. Compliance of small-scale pig producers with biosecurity industry standards and legislation will reduce the risks of entry and spread of exotic diseases in Australia.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2008
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-03-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-0813.2009.00407.X
Abstract: To gather demographic data on live pig sales through a peri-urban saleyard in Camden, New South Wales, and to demonstrate the difficulties in tracing the subsequent movements of pigs, particularly weaner pigs. Records of pig sales held weekly at the Camden saleyards for the 2003/2004 and 2004/2005 financial years were analysed. Saleyard data on a number of variables were entered into a purpose-designed database. Distributions of pig sales according to pig class (weaner orker/baconer/backfatter), purchaser type (butcher/non-butcher), and transaction type (cash/account) were determined. More weaners (3192 in 2003/2004 and 3940 in 2004/2005) were sold than any other class of pig, accounting for 45% of the total pigs sold during this period. During 2003/2004, 3802 pigs were bought by 329 non-butcher purchasers including 1631 weaners (43%) purchased by 153 non-butchers (47%). The majority of these non-butchers during the study period (86%) paid cash for their pigs and did not provide the necessary information to allow the end destination of pigs to be determined. Location data was available for all vendors but only 25% of purchasers. This study highlights the challenges posed in tracing movement of pigs following sale by auction. A high proportion of weaners sold at this peri-urban saleyard would not have been slaughtered immediately. This study highlights the potential difficulties in tracing pig movements after sale, for disease control purposes. We recommend that legislation be amended requiring the identification of weaner pigs sold live at auction in all states of Australia and the recording of the property identification code of all vendors and purchasers of pigs sold live at auction.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1071/AN09226
Abstract: There is increasing interest in the trading practices of producers who market pigs at live auction in Australia and the potential for infectious disease establishment and spread. The practices that underpin the commercial pork industry in Australia are well known. However, little is known about informal movements of pigs in Australia, and the biosecurity risks associated with pig production enterprises that utilise these methods of trade. The aim of this study was to qualitatively evaluate the biosecurity and pig-keeping practices of owners who trade pigs informally for Foot and Mouth Disease and Classical Swine Fever exposure and spread. Interviews were conducted with 13 pig owners who trade via informal means between April and June 2009. Information provided by producers was able to be validated for the six interviews conducted on-farm. There was limited application of recommended biosecurity practices on-farm and few kept health and management records. All interviewees reared other livestock species, such as ruminants and/or poultry, as well as pigs. Most interviewed owners claimed to quarantine introduced pigs from the main herd however, few complied with industry recommendations. The results of this study suggest that pig owners (n = 13 interviewed) who currently trade their pigs informally pose few threats for the introduction of emergency animal disease. Pig keepers largely obtained their pig feed from reputable sources and appeared to have a sound understanding of swill feeding. However, the lack of on-farm biosecurity, variable quarantine practices and the failure to keep health records could play a role in the spread of an emergency animal disease if it was to be introduced. Further work is being undertaken to determine, qualitatively, the risk associated with the management practices undertaken by informal pig traders and Foot and Mouth Disease and Classical Swine Fever introduction and spread.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.PREVETMED.2017.03.003
Abstract: Hendra virus causes sporadic zoonotic disease in Australia following spill over from flying foxes to horses and from horses to people. Prevention and risk mitigation strategies such as vaccination of horses or biosecurity and property management measures are widely publicised, but hinge on initiative and action taken by horse owners as they mediate management, care and treatment of their animals. Hence, underlying beliefs, values and attitudes of horse owners influence their uptake of recommended risk mitigation measures. We used a qualitative approach to investigate attitudes, perceptions and self-reported practices of horse owners in response to Hendra virus to gain a deeper understanding of their decision-making around prevention measures. Data presented here derive from a series of in-depth interviews with 27 horse owners from Hendra virus 'hot spot' areas in New South Wales and Queensland. Interviews explored previous experience, perceptions and resulting behaviour as well as communication around Hendra virus. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed in NVivo using thematic analysis. Analysis revealed four major themes: perception of Hendra virus as a risk and factors influencing this perception, Hendra virus risk mitigation strategies implemented by horse owners, perceived motivators and barriers of these strategies, and interaction of perceived risk, motivators and barriers in the decision-making process. Although Hendra virus disease was perceived as a serious threat to the health of horses and humans, in idual risk perception erged among horse owners. Perceived severity, likelihood and unpredictability as well as awareness and knowledge of Hendra virus, trust in information obtained and information pathways, demographic characteristics and personal experience were the main factors influencing Hendra virus risk perceptions. Other key determinants of horse owners' decision-making process were attitudes towards Hendra virus risk mitigation measures as well as perceived motivators and barriers thereof. Horse owners' awareness of the necessity to consider in idual Hendra virus risk and adequate risk management strategies was described as a learning process, which changed over time. However, different perceptions of risk, barriers and motivators in combination with a weighing up of advantages and disadvantages resulted in different behaviours. These findings demonstrate the multifactorial determinants of cognitive mediating processes and facilitate a better understanding of horse owners' perspectives on preventive horse health measures. Furthermore, they provide valuable feedback to industry and government stakeholders on how to improve effective risk communication and encourage uptake of recommended risk mitigation measures.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-09-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-0813.2009.00483.X
Abstract: To evaluate the implementation and barriers to adoption, among pig producers, of a newly introduced traceability and food safety system in Australia. Implementation of the PigPass national vendor declaration (NVD) linked to an on-farm quality assurance (QA) program was evaluated in May and December 2007 at saleyards and abattoirs in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. Four focus group discussions with saleyard producers were held between April and July 2007. Implementation of the PigPass system in terms of accurate completion of the form and QA accreditation was higher at the export abattoir than at the regional saleyard at the first audit (P 64%), and many vendors did not appear to be QA-accredited. During focus groups, producers expressed the view that PigPass implementation improved animal and product traceability. They identified the associated costs and a perceived lack of support by information providers as obstacles for adoption. Improvement in the implementation of PigPass among producers marketing pigs at export abattoirs was observed during the 8-month period of the study. There is a need for a more uniform message to producers from government agencies on the importance of the PigPass NVD and QA and extension and education targeted toward producers supplying pigs to saleyards and domestic abattoirs to ensure compliance with the traceability requirements.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-11-2013
DOI: 10.1111/AVJ.12131
Abstract: To gather information on the demographics, motivations, marketing strategies and rearing techniques of producers who trade pigs at livestock markets in eastern Australia. A 2-page postal survey was administered to 815 pig producers trading pigs at six livestock markets in eastern Australia. Preliminary demographic and managerial practices were qualitatively and quantitatively determined. Logistic regression analysis was used to provide an insight to those practices that could pose a risk for exotic disease introduction and/or spread. A response rate of 68.7% (505 survey questionnaires) was achieved. Most respondents (73.1%) resided in regional areas and 65.5% of these were classed as 'small-scale' (<100 sows). Herd size was significantly (P < 0.0001) associated with the use of veterinary services, with smaller herds less likely to consult a veterinarian. In addition, peri-urban producers (24.8%) tended (P = 0.051) to contact veterinarians more frequently than regional producers (15.2%). Motivations for keeping pigs differed by herd size, nationality and producer type. One-third of respondents trading pigs used more than one method to market pigs, with marketing strategies differing by herd size. Producers with smaller herd sizes kept pigs as a secondary source of income, as a hobby or for home consumption (P < 0.0001). Key risk areas for exotic disease introduction and spread identified in this study included lack of veterinary contact, motivations for keeping pigs other than financial, marketing pigs privately with no formal transaction documentation and the co-production of pigs with ruminant and domestic bird species.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 02-2008
Abstract: A study was undertaken at 2 saleyard (1 domestic, DS, and 1 export, ES) and 2 abattoir (1 domestic, DA, and 1 export, EA) locations in New South Wales, Australia, to assess the compliance (presence) and readability of body tattoos used to identify in idual pigs presented for sale or slaughter. Each location was visited on 3 trading or slaughter days, and tattoo presence and readability of porkers (25 to 60 kg of BW), baconers (60 to 90 kg of BW), backfatters (>90 kg of BW but not for breeding), and breeders were recorded. A total of 4,655 pigs were inspected, including 158 DS, 1,599 ES, 1,257 DA, and 1,641 EA. Tattoo performance at the saleyards was influenced by producer (P 0.05) at DS. At the ES, tattoo compliance among baconers, backfatters, and breeding stock ranged from 82.4 to 88.3% and was greater (P 0.05). Tattoo compliance differed (P < 0.05) between abattoirs (98.7% at DA and 92.6% at EA). Readability was greater (P < 0.05) at the EA (80.1%) than at the DA (72.0%). Final performance, as readable brands among animals sold or slaughtered, of the official tattoo system was similar between locations and ranged from 63 to 74%. Our results suggest that current compliance and readability of tattoos would compromise traceback to the farm of origin in the event of an emergency animal disease outbreak. Education activities on legislation requirements and tattoo procedure would likely increase compliance and performance of the system.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 22-09-2016
Abstract: Small-scale pig producers are believed to pose higher biosecurity risks for the introduction and spread of exotic diseases than commercial pig producers. However, the magnitude of these risks is poorly understood. This study is a comparative assessment of the risk of introduction and spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) through different sectors of the pig industry: (1) large-scale pig producers (2) small-scale producers (<100 sows) selling at saleyards and abattoirs and (3) small-scale producers selling through informal means. An exposure and consequence assessments were conducted using the World Organization for Animal Health methodology for risk analysis, assuming FMD virus was introduced into Australia through illegal importation of infected meat. A quantitative assessment, using scenario trees and Monte Carlo stochastic simulation, was used to calculate the probabilities of exposure and spread. Input data for these assessments were obtained from a series of data gathering exercises among pig producers, industry statistics, and literature. Findings of this study suggest there is an
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 11-2007
Abstract: A field study was conducted on a 2,300-sow piggery in southwestern New South Wales, Australia, over a 17-wk period (from weaning at 4 wk of age) to assess the suitability for lifetime traceability of weaners of 4 identification devices: 1) full duplex ear tag (FDX, Allflex), 2) half duplex ear tag designed for cattle (HDX, Leadertronic), 3) conventional ear tag (Leader), and 4) ear tattoo (Ketchum ear tattoo 101). Visual readability, retention rate, electronic failures, and adverse side effects were assessed at 8 wk after application at both sites and before slaughter at 14 or 17 wk after application at site A and site B, respectively. A total of 394 weaner pigs were randomly assigned after weaning to 6 treatment groups and reared either in small groups in intensive, indoor, concrete-based pens (n = 224 site A) or in a large group on deep litter (n = 170 site B). Visual readability was similar for all ear tag types before slaughter (P > 0.05) however, visual readability of the ear tattoo was lower (P 0.05) between sites however, overall readability of FDX tags at 98.4% was better (P < 0.05) than 71.8% for HDX tags. Tag costs ranged from $0.73 for the conventional ear tag to $2.42 for the HDX ear tag. The identification devices did not induce production-limiting adverse effects after they were applied. Under conditions of this study, FDX electronic ear tags were the most efficacious for lifetime identification of weaner pigs on-farm.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2006
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-0813.2006.00035.X
Abstract: To assess management factors that would influence the establishment and spread of exotic diseases in pigs in the Sydney region. Saleyard and pig producer practices that could assist the initiation and subsequent spread of exotic diseases in pigs were surveyed and assessed over a 12 month period. Two saleyards in the Sydney region selling pigs were attended weekly for 12 months (2002-2003) to collect details on vendors and purchasers of pigs. Pig producer locations were mapped. All pig farmers on the Department of Primary Industries temporary brand register were surveyed to record management practices and knowledge of exotic diseases. Swine brands were inspected to determine their quality as a tracing mechanism. There were 101 pig sale days during the survey period with 13,869 pigs sold. There were 305 vendors, of whom 95% were identifiable through saleyard records. However, only 40% of the 377 purchasers were identifiable. More than one third of the 1749 transactions were for cash without the identity of the purchaser being recorded at the saleyards. Some 3% of pigs failed to sell and were returned to the property of origin. A total of 64 of 132 pig producers in the Sydney region were surveyed and 52 responded with survey information. The production systems of pig producers were predominately intensive or semi-intensive (88%) with 69% of these operators being small hobby producers. Pigs were mostly fed household and commercial scraps that were free of meat scraps, however, 2 producers were found to be feeding meat scraps (swill) illegally. Some 56% of producers surveyed did not have a tattoo swine brand and of the 23 producers with registered brands, 3 were not available for inspection or were not functional and 2 used the brand irregularly. This survey has identified factors that would assist the establishment and spread of vesicular and other exotic diseases in pigs. The factors included feeding meat scraps (swill), poor farmer knowledge of exotic diseases, ineffective pig owner identification at saleyards, the practice of cash sales that precluded the collection of purchaser details, and inadequate identification of pigs. Tracing the movements of pigs under these circumstances would be difficult.
No related grants have been discovered for Nicole Schembri.