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Feral pigs may spread swine flu, says Opposition

According to a Federal Opposition spokesperson, feral pig populations could become a breeding ground for swine flu, making the disease impossible to eradicate.

Recently, 2000 pigs on a property at Dunedoo, in the central west of New South Wales, were found to have contracted the H1N1 flu virus, also known as swine flu.

While the farm was quarantined, the disease was contained to the property and authorities have since reported that the health of the pigs has improved, Federal Opposition Agricultural spokesperson John Cobb is reportedly concerned that the flu may find its way into the feral pig population.

Cobb said that feral pigs would become a “reservoir for the virus, which has the potential to mutate and come back as a meaner, nastier, deadlier virus”, and that the flu could become “next to impossible to eradicate”.

Cobb is encouraging state and federal governments to undertake a range of control methods around the Dunedoo property, including shooting, baiting and trapping.

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