A qualitative risk assessment for the importation of fresh porcine semen into Australia

The importation of fresh boar semen was qualitatively assessed for the biosecurity risk of introducing specific diseases into the Australian pig herd. The methodology used was as described by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and applied for official import risk assessments undertaken by Australia. It was found that the risk of introducing porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, Senecavirus A, porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus and African swine fever virus exceeded Australia's appropriate level of protection even when WOAH mitigations were applied. Findings of the assessment also support predictions of new diseases transmitted via semen emerging that may cause serious and/or irreversible harm to the Australian pig industry.