Summary

Following the detection of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in Indonesia in early 2022, the livestock export industry Strategic Response Group (SRG) conducted a simulation exercise around a theoretical incursion of LSD in Australia.

The exercise included representatives of the regulator (the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) and focused on livestock export consignments in transit.

It resulted in an industry Action Plan outlining activities required to assist the industry with preparing for, and mitigating the consequences of, an LSD incursion in Australia.

A national LSD Action Plan has since been released by the Australian Government, and the live export plan updated to align.

Various research projects have been initiated as a result, including a review of biosecurity plans for Registered Establishments and resources for to use in the event of an outbreak.

This project was managed by the Livestock Export RD&E Program, a collaboration between LiveCorp and Meat & Livestock Australia.

Objectives

• Understand the complexities of managing livestock export consignments at various stages in the export supply chain, should LSD be detected in Australia

• Identify a series of actions that might assist the industry to prepare for, and mitigate the consequences of, an LSD incursion in Australia upon export consignments at various stages throughout the supply chain

• Ensure alignment between the livestock export industry’s LSD Action Plan and Australia’s LSD Action Plan.

Benefits to industry

Clearly understanding the roles and responsibilities for both the department and industry to strengthen Australia’s preparedness, will help to mitigate and manage a potential LSD incursion.

By identifying gaps in knowledge and preparedness, and working to overcome them, the livestock export industry will achieve a faster and more effective response, should LSD be detected in Australia.