18/11/2022
A $1.2 million grant from the Australian Government will help the livestock export industry support its partners in Indonesia with the roll out of vaccines for foot and mouth disease (FMD) and lumpy skin disease (LSD).
The grant has been provided to research and marketing body LiveCorp, as part of the $14 million biosecurity package Manage the immediate risk of foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease to Australia.
LiveCorp Chair Troy Setter says the funds will add to efforts by Australian exporters and industry to support their Indonesian counterparts, as they reach out to the communities in areas around feedlots and other facilities.
“Many of the surrounding farmers are small holders who have just one or two animals, and this will help to protect their livestock and their livelihoods,” Mr Setter said.
“Exporters have strong, long-term relationships in Indonesia and have already been working closely with supply chain partners to provide information and bolster biosecurity efforts.
“Importantly, this grant will also help to create buffer zones around feedlots and other facilities where Australian-bred cattle are being held, lowering their risk of FMD and LSD while supporting local families.”
The disease outbreaks earlier this year have had a significant impact on Indonesia’s food security, accessibility and affordability. Importers were also hesitant to bring in cattle in the early stages, given high livestock prices in Australia and initial uncertainty around the availability of vaccines.
“The number of Australian-bred cattle in Indonesia is starting to pick up again, and those being imported these days are being vaccinated on arrival to protect them from infection,” Mr Setter said.
“The grant will provide partial reimbursement of the cost of LSD and FMD vaccines and equipment, and support the coordination and logistics of getting them into communities where the facilities are located.”
LiveCorp is grateful to the Australian Government for its ongoing efforts to assist Indonesia and bolster Australia’s biosecurity preparedness, and looks forward to working with industry in both countries to deliver the project.