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Piggery health concerns

According to the pork peak industry body, Australian Pork Limited, recent media reports on the case of two piggery workers contracting the pig-borne disease Streptococcus suis (S.suis) pose little need for concern.

The case, reported in several media outlets over the past few days, details two piggery workers treated in the Canberra Hospital.

The consulting physician, Dr Karina Kennedy, has published her findings in the Medical Journal of Australia, October 6, 2008. Both men have since recovered.

APL CEO, Andrew Spencer, said that while this case is an important reminder for all piggeries to continue practicing safe and hygienic practices, there is no cause for alarm.

“Cases of S.suis are extremely rare, Dr Kennedy notes in her article that only two cases have been reported in Australia. The health and hygienic standards of Australian piggeries are among the best in the world,” Spencer said.

“Simple acts such as through washing hands, the use of gloves, wearing of appropriate safety equipment and covering of any cuts or lacerations are all preventative measures which should be adhered to as a part of occupational health and safety procedures in any piggery,” Spencer concluded.

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