MADELEINE KING MP
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BRAND

Many people are rightly concerned about Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and the devastating impacts it could have to our livestock industry if it were to reach our shores.

In direct response to the emergence and spread of FMD to Bali, the Albanese Government have strengthened biosecurity measures to protect Australia from an FMD incursion. These new measures are stronger than those that were implemented by the former Federal Government and include:

• Heightened border activities, including wider screening of passengers, luggage,
  parcels and postage in airports and mail centres
• Increased vigilance across all flights arriving from Indonesia, including Bali
• A review of import permits for products from Indonesia that may carry FMD and a
  suspension of those of concern, including for meat and dairy, stockfeed, grain and
  some biological products
• Informing travellers and the public of FMD risk and their biosecurity responsibilities,
  including through specific FMD advice on every inbound plane from Indonesia
• Relocation of biosecurity detector dogs to key airports
• Offering assistance to Indonesia to help control the spread of FMD through the
  region. I recently travelled to Indonesia, to reinforce our interest and our offer to
  relevant Ministers in the Indonesian Government.

All livestock owners should be aware of the signs of FMD and immediately report any signs to a local veterinarian or the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.

The Government will continue to take advice from biosecurity experts and will introduce any further practical measures that will genuinely reduce the risk of FMD entering Australia.

“Everyone has a role in the protection of our national biosecurity, and I ask that everyone do all that they are asked to do by biosecurity officers at the airport. And please do not bring any meat or other banned products into Australia. Our farmers are depending on everyone playing their part.’ Ms King said.

For more information visit agriculture.gov.au/footandmouthdisease

TUESDAY 2 AUGUST 2022