Biosecurity officers are in the Murray Local Land Service area collecting blood samples from feral pigs killed as part of local control programs.
The blood is then tested for certain diseases to see what sort of disease the feral pigs in the local area have.
This is part of a state-wide project funded by NSW Department of Primary Industries.
While the project is still ongoing, Muray LLS has reported through its autumn animal health update that some early results have found some pigs positive for Leptospira pomona.
Leptospira pomona is a bacteria that can also affect cattle and humans.
In cattle symptoms include abortion in cattle more than five months pregnant, or high temperature, jaundice and reddy-brown urine in calves (leading to the name ‘red water’).
“You can protect your cattle against L. pomona by using a seven in one vaccination,” the information provided in the update says.
“The difference between the five in one clostridial vaccine and the seven in one vaccine is the inclusion of protection against leptospirosis (L. harjo and L. pomona).
“As feral pigs are able to infect cattle it is recommended that seven in one vaccine is used in cattle, this is especially important in areas with a large feral pig population.
“Humans can become infected from the bodily fluid of infected animals. Wearing protective equipment, such as gloves, when handling pigs and cattle can help reduce the risk.”
For more information on leptospirosis, refer to the NSW Department of Primary Industries primefacts document. Go to www.dpi.nsw.gov.au and type ‘Leptospirosis in cattle herds’ in the search box.