Posted by: Charles Stewart - Livestock

Foot and Mouth Disease Awareness and Prevention

20th July 2022

Foot-and-mouth disease awareness and prevention.

The Victorian Farming Federation conducted a webinar on July 14, 2022, covering the current situation regarding foot-and-mouth (FMD) disease which has been detected in Indonesia.

Questions covered include why travel to Bali has not yet been banned as well as touching on ways to implement on-farm biosecurity.

What is FMD: A highly contagious animal disease that affects all cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, sheep, goats, camelids, deer and pigs. Cloven-hoofed animals are those with a split toe. It does not affect horses. (Camelids include alpacas, llamas and camels).

Key Points:

  • FMD virus is carried by live animals and in meat and dairy products, as well as in soil, bones, untreated hides, vehicles and equipment used with these animals. It can also be carried on people’s clothing and footwear.
  • Australia has detailed, well-rehearsed FMD response plans and arrangements in place. Governments and industry’s preparedness is continuously reviewed.
  • It is critical that producers be aware of what Foot-and-mouth disease looks like and report any signs of the disease observed in their cloven-hoofed animals immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 or their local veterinarian.

What is the current situation?

In May 2022 an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was reported in cattle in Indonesia. Cases were first detected in April. 

Australia has offered assistance to Indonesia to combat the outbreak in East Java and Sumatra. This is in addition to assistance already being provided to combat lumpy skin disease, which was recently detected in Sumatra.

The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) has reviewed import permits for animal products from Indonesia that may carry FMD and suspended those of concern.

It has also advised livestock industries to be alert, raised awareness at the border, particularly in the north, provided advice to state and territory governments, and continues to liaise with counterparts in Indonesia.

Australia has an overseas FMD vaccine bank and vaccine is available for use if there is an incursion in Australia.

How to prepare?

  • With Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) on our borders it's vital that you and your farm are prepared
  • All livestock owners should have stringent biosecurity measures in place on their property, including accurate records of livestock movement
  • Ensure your farm biosecurity plan is up-to-date and equipped for an outbreak
  • Have a biosecurity plan ready
  • Take EAD training courses

How can livestock owners reduce the risk?

Feeding meat, animal products and imported dairy goods to pigs are illegal throughout Australia. This practice is known as swill feeding and can provide a high-risk pathway for FMD to enter Australia.

Livestock producers must be alert for signs of disease in their animals. If animals are showing signs of illness that are consistent with FMD, this needs to be reported as a matter of urgency to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 or to your local veterinarian.

What to do if you suspect an outbreak?

It is critical that all livestock owners here in Australia know what FMD looks like, and that they check their animals regularly. If you suspect any signs of FMD it must be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 or a local veterinarian immediately.

Click here for the full fact sheet on FMD as provided by Agriculture Victoria.

Click here for the full fact sheet on lumpy skin disease (LSD) as provided by Agriculture Victoria.

SUBSCRIBE TO AN E-ALERT FROM ANIMAL HEALTH AUSTRALIA ON FMD AND LSD.

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