African swine fever: the deadly virus that has landed on Australia's doorstep

The deadly virus wreaking havoc in Asia has been detected in Timor-Leste, just 680km north of Darwin

One month ago a particularly virulent strain of African swine fever - which has been wreaking havoc in Asia since it was detected in China last year and could potentially kill up to 25% of the world's pig population - landed on Australia's doorstep.

The disease was detected just 680km north of Darwin, in Timor-Leste. Australian biosecurity agencies which had been screening major airports and mail distributors for illegally imported pork products redoubled their efforts.