Biosecurity in AI centres in Australia - Should we be concerned?

The use of artificial insemination (AI) of sows in Australia has increased over the last 10 years. Although AI is often used in order to reduce the risk of introducing disease into herds, experience from Europe and North America has shown that unless biosecurity is strictly implemented, AI studs can be a serious source of disease and can amplify the spread of disease. Classical examples are the spread of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) in North America, and Classical Swine Fever in The Netherlands due to the difficulty of early detection of infected boars. Biosecurity in many Australian AI studs is not up to the standard generally required in Europe and North America. The recent deregulation of artificial breeding centres together with privatisation in Australia and the lack of any standard code of biosecurity specifically designed for pigs should be of great concern to the entire industry. Biosecurity recommendations for boar AI studs in Europe and North America are discussed with particular reference to location, staff and visitor access, disease monitoring and quarantine and isolation requirements. The importance of high standards of hygiene during collection and processing boar semen to ensure semen quality assurance is also discussed.