African swine fever disease prevention

Feeding ASF infected food waste to pigs can spread the disease. Making sure that pigs are not fed uncooked meat waste is a vital part of limiting the spread of ASF (and other diseases like foot-and-mouth disease) if it ever gets to New Zealand.

The Biosecurity (Meat and Food Waste for Pigs) Regulations 2005 set out the rules for feeding meat or food waste containing meat to pigs. These rules apply to both commercial pigs and backyard pigs. Do not feed untreated food waste that contains meat (or that has been in contact with meat) to pigs. This food waste must be heated to 100°C for 1 hour. One option is to boil it for 1 hour while stirring often.

Supplying food waste to pigs that doesn't comply with the regulations is an offence. We advise that food waste suppliers get written confirmation from people collecting their food waste. It should confirm that they will follow the rules around heating the food waste before feeding it to pigs. This helps to ensure responsibilities under the regulations are met.

For offences under these regulations, individuals can be fined of up to $5,000. Businesses can be fined up to $15,000.

Do not feed untreated food waste to pigs. Feeding ASF infected food waste to pigs can spread the disease. Making sure that pigs are not fed uncooked meat waste is a vital part of keeping ASF out of New Zealand. See our information above about feeding food waste to pigs.

If you suspect one of your pigs of having ASF (or another exotic disease), you are legally obliged to report it. Call your veterinarian, or contact us on 0800 80 99 66.

Here's some more guidance on what to do:

• Make sure you separate any sick animals from the rest of your pigs.
• Don’t remove them from your property.
• Restrict visitors from entering the animals' area.
• Use separate equipment, footwear, and clothing when handling sick pigs.

Veterinarians, especially those working with livestock, should get familiar with the signs of ASF. If ASF does enter New Zealand, early detection and diagnosis is crucial. If you suspect a pig may be affected by ASF, immediately call us 0800 80 99 66. A Biosecurity New Zealand incursion investigator will discuss the case with you.

Clinical signs of African swine fever [PDF, 852 KB]

If you have been to areas affected by ASF, make sure you wash or dispose of all clothing, footwear and equipment before you enter New Zealand. You must declare any food items, animal products, or equipment used outdoors that you are bringing into the country. This includes items used on farms, for hiking, camping, fishing, and gardening.

Biosecurity New Zealand checks any passengers and baggage identified as being at high risk of carrying agents of livestock diseases, or other unwanted pests and diseases. People who forget to declare items, or who make false declarations, can be fined.

• Check out what you can bring to New Zealand

Before you buy any pork products online from overseas sites, check whether there are any biosecurity import conditions. If you're unsure, contact Biosecurity New Zealand before you make your online purchase, or do not buy the item.

• Check the rules for pork imports