Lumpy Skin Disease and Foot and Mouth Disease in Indonesia: What you need to know

By Jason Strong, Managing Director, MLA

In July, the Australian government confirmed that cases of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) had been detected in Bali, Indonesia. Earlier this year, Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) was also detected in Indonesia.

Australia is currently free from both FMD and LSD, and our priority is to keep it that way. At the same time, while we are confident in Australia’s strong biosecurity measures, we aren’t taking anything for granted.

It’s the Australian Government’s responsibility for protecting Australia from these diseases, and the industry is doing everything we can to support their work. 

The Australian government has announced a range of new measures for travellers from Bali into Australia. These include biosecurity detector dogs at airports, additional signage and information about FMD for travellers and staff, as well as biosecurity officers present on all flights from Indonesia to Australia.

The risk of these diseases is at the forefront of industry priorities. There is a very clear and robust plan in place. It’s known as the AUSVETPAN and you can read more about it online: Emergency response arrangements - Animal Health Australia

MLA, in conjunction with the Australian Government, is working closely with the Indonesian Government and Industry via a biosecurity support program to help control the spread of FMD in Indonesia.

Should the disease arrive in Australia, it would be devastating to our livestock and associated industries through international trade losses, market disruptions, animal health impacts and production losses.

Even prior to the detection of FMD in Indonesia in May 2022, a joint industry taskforce was established to ensure coordination and collaboration across all affected industry sectors. This taskforce is comprised of the Red Meat Advisory Council, National Farmers’ Federation, Australian Dairy Farmers’ and their respective industry service providers, including MLA.

Four skills-based committees have been set up by the taskforce covering overseas in-country support; trade and protocols; diagnostic capability and vaccine development; and domestic containment strategies.

MLA’s role as the marketing and research service provider for the red meat industry, is to support the industry taskforce, Federal and State governments with technical expertise and investment in potential prevention and treatment solutions against both diseases, including mRNA vaccines

It should be noted that Indonesia is one of our closest neighbours with whom we share an incredibly important bilateral trading partnership. Our best chance at keeping these diseases out of Australia is by working with our international neighbours to bring any outbreaks under control, helping to restore our biosecurity buffer.

In addition, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon Murray Watt announced a $1.5 million support package for Indonesia, including an initial $500,000 to MLA. We are responsible for coordinating support from Australian industry for the Indonesian feedlot sector’s emergency response to these diseases.

Livestock producers are strongly encouraged to be prepared, vigilant and on the lookout. Good biosecurity practices and early detection will be essential to reduce the potential impact of FMD, should it arrive in Australia.

Producers can help by:

• Making sure you are aware of the symptoms of LSD and FMD at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
• If you suspect LSD or FMD in your livestock, immediately calling the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888
• Adhering to all traceability obligations, including ensuring all documentation is correctly completed – reference to https://www.integritysystems.com.au/on-farm-assurance/livestock-movements/
• Reviewing your on-farm biosecurity plan