An outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) was detected in cattle in Indonesia in early May 2022.
FMD is considered one of Australia’s greatest biosecurity risks and is a highly contagious animal disease that affects cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.
There is no threat to human health from FMD and is unrelated to human Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease.
FMD has not been detected in Australia. The risk of an incursion remains low in the absence of close contact between animals or the importation of infected animal products.
We all have
General Biosecurity Duty to report any suspected signs of exotic diseases in livestock. An early diagnosis is essential in managing and containing a possible outbreak. It’s best to be cautious with any potential signs of an exotic disease, and even if the diagnosis is found to be negative for FMD, the test results can only benefit the ongoing health and welfare of your livestock.
The Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) is reviewing import permits for animal products from Indonesia that may carry FMD and have suspended those of concern. DAWE has also raised awareness at the border, particularly in northern Australia, and has provided advice to state and territory governments, and are liaising with Australia’s Indonesian counterparts.
If FMD was to enter Australia, there are detailed response plans and arrangements in place. An FMD incursion would have severe consequences for Australia’s animal health and trade, including considerable economic losses with restrictions being placed on both domestic and international markets.
Clinical signs of FMD include:
- Cattle, pigs, sheep, buffalo, deer, camelids and goats may show fever, drooling and reluctance to move
- Blisters on the mouth, snout, tongue, lips or between and above the hooves on the feet
- Blisters may be intact or ruptured, exposing raw, painful tissue.
The FMD virus is carried by live cloven-hoofed animals and in meat and dairy products, as well as in soil, bones, untreated hides, vehicles and equipment used with these animals. It can survive in frozen, chilled and freeze-dried foods including meat and dairy products.
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 their local veterinarian.
All livestock owners should have stringent biosecurity measures in place on their property, and it is essential that accurate records of livestock movement are maintained. Visit the Biosecurity Tasmania website for more information about
livestock traceability and Property Identification Codes.