Foot-and-Mouth Disease risk management project

Summary

​Australia is currently free from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and an outbreak would seriously threaten our meat and livestock industries. This project was conducted to better prepare Australia, should an outbreak occur, by examining FMD viruses circulating on our region, determining the efficacy of vaccines in the Australian Vaccine Bank (AVB) against FMD viruses that might enter Australia, and developing Australia’s laboratory capability to diagnose FMD. The project facilitated an improved understanding of the FMD viruses in South East Asia (SEA), establishing networks to ensure continued monitoring of the evolution of FMD virus strains.

Vaccine trials confirmed that the AVB contains suitable vaccines and results support the continued inclusion of vaccination in Australia’s FMD response plan. High-potency vaccines were effective in cattle and sheep, but less so in pigs. New techniques simplified sample collection from animals being tested for FMD. The project also focused on improving laboratory tests and procedures to ensure that Australian laboratory staff could confidently diagnose FMD. These outcomes have enhanced Australia’s preparedness for an outbreak. This was the second phase of a program that commenced in 2010, with Phase I concluded in 2015 (project P.PSH.0558).