A deadly pig disease that has decimated herds across Asia has spread closer to Australia with the Philippines confirming it has tested positive to African swine fever (ASF).
A statement from the Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA) confirmed recent samples taken from a backyard farm in Rizal province tested positive at a World Organisation for Animal Health reference laboratory in the UK.
"We wish to announce the results of the confirmatory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. It is African swine fever positive," the statement said.
"Rest assured that the DA is on top of the situation. We are prepared to respond to all scenarios."
Australia's chief vet expects it will spread further, but was not available to comment on The Philippines' statement.
Instead, a spokesman for the Australian Department of Agriculture said it was not aware of an official notification via the World Organisation for Animal Health.
"Australia's biosecurity system has been stepped up to counter the threat of African swine fever," the spokesman said.
"The department suspended trade of high-risk pork products from affected countries and banned travellers bringing in pork jerky from all countries."
The spokesman said the department would hold a simulation exercise late this year "to test our disease response capabilities and make sure we're as prepared as we can be".
African swine fever does not affect humans but is deadly in pigs.
Outbreaks have already been reported in China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
Australian Pork Limited estimates an outbreak of the disease in Australia could have significant flow-on effects for the Australian economy.
"We estimate the flow-on effect from losing any of our industries … could go up to in excess of $50 billion, depending on the recovery time frame," APL chief executive Margo Andrae said.
