Old World Screw Worm Fly (SWF), which is endemic throughout much of Africa, parts of the Middle East, the Indian sub-continent and South East Asia including countries to Australia's north, is considered to be one of the most serious emergency animal disease threats facing Australia's livestock industries. The basis of this concern is that: an uncontrolled incursion of SWF would severely affect Australia's livestock industries; SWF would be difficult to control, especially as adults are free flying and can disperse over large distances; and SWF eradication, while theoretically possible by using the sterile insect technique (SIT), would be technically difficult and very expensive.

In January 2002, Primary Industries Standing Committee (PISC) resolved that the responsibility for managing Australia's SWF preparedness be transferred to Animal Health Australia (AHA).

Project Activities

1. SWF Preparedness Strategy Stage 1

Between July 2002 and December 2003, AHA, in consultation with government and livestock industry stakeholders, implemented a work program that:

1. Reviewed the risks of a SWF incursion into Australia;

2. Updated the SWF bio-economic model;

3. Developed a new SWF preparedness strategy for Australia; and

4. Sought broad stakeholder approval of this strategy.

The work was undertaken by a Program Manager contracted to AHA and was overseen by a Steering Committee of senior representatives of AHA and DAFF.

Key findings from Stage 1

• Risk of incursion. There is now broad consensus that the risk of an incursion of SWF into Australia is low, if not, very low. Further, the risk of incursion is not expected to change over the next 10 or so years.
  
  
• Consequences of incursion. There is broad agreement that the northern cattle industry would bear most impact from a SWF incursion. Based on 2003 prices, bio-economic modelling indicates that, if eradication (SIT) measures were not implemented, direct producer losses would be of the order of $400 million per year (once SWF reached its ecological limits). This would seriously threaten the northern cattle industry.
  
  
• High cost of SIT facilities. While some newer technologies may have potential to slow the spread of SWF, eradication of SWF from large tracts of land would only be possible through the application of SIT. While the costs to build and run a SIT facility in Australia would depend on its size, the construction costs of a relatively small facility (say 50 million sterile flies per week) would of the order of $40 million. Unless a SIT response could be implemented early (say within 6 months of an incursion), a much larger facility would be required. The capital costs for a 250 million per week facility were estimated to be more than $120 million (2001 figures).

2. Development of new SWF preparedness strategy

Based on the outcomes from Stage 1 above, a new national SWF preparedness strategy was developed by AHA in consultation with industry and government stakeholders. This strategy, known as the National Screw-Worm Fly Preparedness Strategy 2004-2009, was endorsed by PISC in September 2004.

Key policies that underpin this strategy are:

• a SWF-specific SIT facility will not be built prior to an incursion (while still recognising that SIT is the only tool capable of achieving eradication);
  
  
• any further SWF research and development (R&D) would require support of relevant industry R&D funding agencies (while recognising that some critical R&D would still be required to implement a SIT response.);
  
  
• Australia's SWF freedom assurance is heavily reliant on SWF surveillance activities; and
  
  
• Australia needs to maintain adequate expertise in a range of SWF-related activities.

Specific elements of the new strategy:

• Enhance surveillance and awareness;
• Sustain SWF bio-economic modelling capability;
• Enhance SWF response planning;
• Explore opportunities for international SWF collaboration;
• Maintain/develop relevant SWF expertise;
• Develop and implement a relevant research and development program;
• Pursue opportunities to enhance Australia's sterile insect technique (SIT) capability; and
• Coordinate and manage an ongoing SWF Preparedness Program.

3. 2005 activities

AHA implemented the initial phase of the new SWF preparedness strategy during 2005 and this (implementation) activity was reviewed by the SWF Steering Committee (with industry input) when it met in October 2005.

The Steering Committee noted the following achievements:

• Surveillance - modified surveillance methods introduced at and around ports; and enhanced SWF surveillance will be introduced at export abattoirs in northern Australia in 2006.
  
  
• SWF bio-economic model transferred to Windows XP format (as Version 4). Copies of updated version of model are available from AHA. Please contact Ian Langstaff on (02) 6203 3909.
  
  
• AUSVETPLAN SWF Strategy review undertaken during 2005. The revised strategy (Version 2) now recognises that a response to an incursion of SWF into Australia would entail several stages. The initial response would rely heavily on chemical and other conventional controls. The response involving the sterile insect technique (SIT) would not be implemented for several years after the initial incursion. The new version also includes options for funding, siting and establishing a SWF mass production facility; and options for overall management of a national sterile insect response. The new version of AUSVETPLAN will be available on the AHA website after endorsement by PISC, (expected in early in 2006). As part of the AUSVETPLAN strategy review, AHA contracted Queensland DPI&F to undertake a thorough review of chemicals that are currently available for SWF control and those that may have potential for control. Please click on the following link to view this document - Chemicals for the control of the Old World screw worm fly in Australia (354 KB)
  
• Research and development (R&D). A program for SWF R&D was agreed and funded through a process established by AHA with SWF stakeholders. Two projects aimed at enhancing SWF surveillance will commence in 2006.

4. Future activities

The SWF Steering Committee agreed that that the following activities / issues will require further or on going coordination:

1. Surveillance and awareness

• Updating, developing and distribution of information packages;
• Provision & distribution of sampling kits; and
• Overview of activities and coordination of reporting to NAHIS.

2. Bio-economic model

• Maintaining and distributing Windows XP version of model; and
• Development of more realistic and contemporary simulation / predictive capability, preferably in concert with other diseases / industries.

3. Response planning

• Ausvetplan SWF strategy - engage periodic updates. Ensure updates and other strategy additions are posted to AHA website;
• Modified operational arrangements - underway but further developmental is needed;
• Capital for SWF production facility - in train but further work required; and
• Production sites - in train but further work required.

4. International SWF collaboration

• Maintain watch for possible international SWF activity

5. Maintaining Australia's SWF expertise

• Scan and explore national and international scene for opportunities that might be relevant to Australia's SWF needs; and
• Broker uptake of possibilities.

6. Research and Development

• Continue to coordinate national SWF R&D and ensure stakeholders are informed of progress and outcomes;
• Complementary technologies. Contract periodic reviews of technology that could be relevant to Australia's SWF preparedness needs and / or control options; and
• Ensure relevant new technology is incorporated into national SWF preparedness and control strategies.

7. SIT capability

• Broker a determination by SWF stakeholders about utilising offshore facilities for early SIT response in Australia
• Ascertain biosecurity risk assessment in relation to importation of sterile SWF pupae. (This has already been initiated with Biosecurity Australia); and
• Maintain watching brief for MIRF (multi insect rearing facilities) opportunities.

8. General

• Maintain / stimulate national awareness and interest in SWF;
• Foster coordination and relationships between Australia's SWF stakeholders; and
• Develop policy options and proposals relevant to Australia's SWF preparedness and control needs.

To progress this coordination, a forum of key industry and government representatives will be held by AHA early in 2006.

Further Information

For further information please contact:

Dr Ian Langstaff
Manager Disease Services
Phone: (02) 6203 3909
Fax: (02) 6232 5511
Email: ilangstaff@animalhealthaustralia.com.au

 
Page Updated: 10 October 2007