Feral pig traps could slow spread of disease

FERAL pigs are a major concern when it comes to stopping the spread of Panama TR4 disease in the Far North.

The banana industry has ramped up biosecurity efforts through improved fencing and wash-down facilities since the disease was detected in 2015.

At the forefront of these industry safeguards is Tropicana Bananas’ fruit packing shed at Upper Daradgee near Innisfail.

Shed manager Mihkel Tammiku said the farm took the risk of spreading disease seriously because the industry was so important to

the region’s economy. “When I heard it was kind of devastating,” Mr Tammiku said.

“The banana industry provides a major amount of local employment and, in Innisfail, it is pretty much where all the jobs are.

“We have weekly meetings about Panama, how we can prevent it, how we stop it spreading into our property.

“Every worker pretty much knows about it.”

The 71ha farm and packing facility processes 1500 bunches per day and can employ up to 30 people in a busy season.

Mr Tammiku said the movement of wild animals was a huge concern for biosecurity.

“That is the one thing that is hard to stop,” he said.

The property is looking to invest in pig traps to lower the risk of the disease spreading.