Summary

Indonesia is Australia's biggest live cattle export market, and has experienced a significant economic impact from the detection of lumpy skin disease (LSD) and foot and mouth disease (FMD) in early 2022.

Many feedlots, including those holding Australian-bred cattle, have the resources to increase biosecurity efforts. However, this is not necessarily the case for the smallholder farmers around them.

Through LiveCorp, Australia’s livestock export industry partnered with the Indonesian Society of Animal Science (ISAS/ISPI) to support smallholders, including through efforts to increase vaccination rates.

The first phase of the project was a scoping study which identified gaps in communication suitable for smallholders regarding LSD, and hesitancy over vaccination because of side-effects from other vaccines, rumours and other factors.

The second phase included the development and dissemination of targeted information about LSD, vaccination events in villages, and training for local agencies who can now work with their communities to build knowledge that will help to protect livestock and the livelihoods of smallholders.

The engagement model used by ISPI helped to share information with more than 100 government veterinarians and farmers from four provinces, and directly contributed to some 2,100 local cattle being vaccinated.

Its success led to a further phase, with GAPUSPINDO, the Indonesian lot-feeders association, expanding the capacity building project into a new province, which resulted in 300 additional local cattle being vaccinated. Meanwhile, Forum AWO, through the support of LiveCorp, developed training modules in biosecurity and disease management, based on the previous work, to support ongoing professional development in feedlots and abattoirs.

This project was funded by a grant from the Australian Government.

Objectives

To strengthen the resilience of Indonesian smallholders and feedlots against the threat of lumpy skin disease in their cattle, through communication and capacity building.

Benefits to industry

Better protecting cattle belonging to smallholder farmers in Indonesia helps to create a buffer zone around feedlots holding Australian-bred cattle, reducing their risk of infection, as well as supporting food security for local families.