Outbreaks of Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) have reached neighbouring Indonesia. If either one reaches Australia, it will have a significant impact on the livestock export industry.
Know the signs and report anything suspicious immediately to the Exotic Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Should there be an outbreak in Australia, all key information about the incident and the response, including links to state and territory governments and other agencies, will be on outbreak.gov.au
The information and links below were correct at the time of publication but the situation is continually evolving.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has released a report on Australia’s animal health systems and LSD freedom status.
The Australian Government welcomed a decision by Indonesia in September to lift restrictions on cattle and buffalo exports.
Malaysia also lifted a temporary suspension of cattle imports from Australia in September.
If you're travelling to a country with FMD or LSD, there are steps you can take while there, and after returning, to protect Australia. Ships and their crews also have an important role to play.
Advice for industry has been put together by the department: for washing and disinfecting clothes after travelling in market; and on solutions to use in footbaths.
Requirements for bringing back used veterinary equipment (including boots and protective clothing) is available on BICON.
LiveCorp has developed an infographic to reassure producers and the public about the biosecurity practices in the supply chain.
A poster has been developed as a reminder of the important role ship crews play in keeping Australia free of disease.
LiveCorp has developed a poster to stop people coming on board ships, available in English and Indonesian Bahasa.
Official advice for all travellers entering Australia is on the department's website - Be alert, look for dirt
Ensuring your biosecurity measures are up to date can help to limit the spread of disease, should they reach Australia.
AUSVET has developed a website for the Indonesia Biosecurity Support Project supported by Meat & Livestock Australia, containing technical resources on biosecurity in both English and Indonesian Bahasa.
The Farm Biosecurity website includes a series of industry specific manuals, including the National Biosecurity Manual for Beef Cattle Feedlots, as well as tips and toolkits to help with preparation.
Animal Health Australia (AHA) is the independent body delivering biosecurity. Its website includes templates for developing a biosecurity plan, and a range of Standard Operating Procedures.
AHA also delivers exotic disease preparedness exercises and training, and manages the Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN).
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
State-based information: Western Australia; Northern Territory; Queensland; New South Wales; Victoria; Tasmania; South Australia
European Commission for the Control of FMD / UN Food and Agriculture Organization
Emergency toolbox (multiple languages)
Leaflets and posters (multiple languages)
Training resources, including a variety of online courses and video tutorials
US Department of Agriculture funds Secure Beef Supply, which has a variety of resources, including an Information Manual for Enhanced Biosecurity for FMD prevention in Beef Feedlots
Ministry of Agriculture (Indonesia)
FMD leaflets for disease recognition, biosecurity, disinfection and public communications
Bogor Regency (Indonesia)
European Commission for the Control of FMD / UN Food and Agriculture Organization
Australia Indonesia Partnership for Emerging Infectious Diseases
Livestock Export Program (LEP) webinar June 2022
Understanding FMD and clinical findings on confirmed cases in Indonesia - PowerPoint presentation
Emergency Management Plan for FMD - Control and Prevention - PowerPoint presentation
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Animal Health Australia
State-based information: Western Australia; Northern Territory; Queensland; New South Wales; Victoria; Tasmania; South Australia
European Commission for the Control of FMD / UN Food and Agriculture Organization
LSD field manual for veterinarians
short course on LSD
Ministry of Agriculture (Indonesia)
Directorate of Animal Health (Indonesia)