According to ABC, the New Zealand Government will allow imports of meat from countries affected by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, also known as 'pig AIDS', a disease that causes severe immune suppression in piglets.

The Australian Government says no raw meat will enter Australia without passing through strict quarantine, but the local industry and several Senators are concerned.

Andrew Spencer, from Australian Pork Limited, says New Zealand's decision will be used as a precedent.

"We are a much larger market than New Zealand," he said.

"They can now reference the decision that's made in New Zealand back through a variety processes if they want to, but in particular back through the World Trade Organisation, and say if it's good enough for New Zealand, it should be good enough for Australia.

"And of course that's not true."

Further Reading

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Go to our previous news item on this story by clicking here.

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Find out more information on PRRS by clicking here.