By definition, swill is a ‘prohibited pig feed’ and it is illegal because it can carry exotic diseases that could ultimately devastate the pig industry and close export markets.

Western Local Land Services is reminding all landholders and community members, that offering meat, meat products or anything that has been in contact with meat to pigs, commonly known as swill feeding, is illegal in Australia. 

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The reminder comes for all pig owners, whether they are running a commercial operation or simply own a single pig, as Western Local Land Services Biosecurity Officers begin to make contact to carry out routine inspections.

Food products that are prohibited from feeding to pigs include:

- Pies, sausage rolls, bacon and cheese rolls, pizza, deli meats, table scraps.

- Household, commercial or industrial waste including restaurant food and discarded cooking oils.

- Anything that has been in contact with prohibited pig feed via collection, storage or transport in contaminated containers (such as meat trays and take-away food containers).

Household scraps or food that is permitted include:

· Non-meat bakery items.

· Fruit and vegetables.

· Cereals and eggs

· Milk, milk products and milk by-products of either Australian origin or legally imported into Australia. 

Pig owners also need to ensure the food substances they’re feeding their pigs are clean and not contaminated with either antibiotic or pesticide residues. 

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When purchasing feed, pig owners should request a vendor declaration from the supplier and/or feed ingredient supplier so they have documentation to show that their pigs have not been fed anything contaminated with substances that may be of concern to markets for pigs. 

Pig owners looking for more information are encouraged to contact their nearest Western Local Land Services Biosecurity Officer on 1300 795 299 or visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au.