THE presence of FMD (Foot and Mouth Disease) detected in Bali a year ago has now been declared as an endemic in Indonesia highlighting the need for Australia to maintain its high level of biosecurity for the foreseeable future to protect our valuable agricultural export market.
Recent media reports echoed these concerns with comments from Australia's chief vet, Mark Schipp, who said people should remain alert to the risks of FMD for years to come.
"[Indonesia is] moving away from an emergency response and moving into a business–as–usual approach to foot–and–mouth disease," Dr Schipp told the ABC.
A spokesperson for Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) said, "The Australian government is aware of media reports coming out of Indonesia stating that Indonesia has revoked its emergency status conditions for foot and mouth disease (FMD), following a ministerial–level meeting held on April 3, 2023."
According to the department the Indonesian media also reported that although the "emergency status conditions" were being revoked following the peak of the epidemic, further conditions would be put in place to control FMD.
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"A joint taskforce will be developed to manage COVID–19 and FMD, at least until June 2023 at which point the need for the taskforce may be reviewed as FMD control moves to a 'business as usual' footing," the DAFF spokesperson said.
"This development is not unexpected given the complexity of dealing with this challenging disease."
DAFF added that Australian biosecurity settings were developed in the expectation that FMD would become endemic in Indonesia for some time.
With post COVID Pandemic overseas travel returning, many Australian holidaymakers are being lured to the Indonesian island of Bali with attractive package deals and potential exposure to FMD.
Biosecurity measures continue to be carried out at our borders and with returning travellers.
Closer to home, Mansfield veterinarian Dr Alana Davies continues to raise the importance of being aware of biosecurity measures to protect livestock and the spread of diseases such as FMD and others including Lumpy Skin, Bovine Tuberculosis and Johne's.
Dr Davies agreed most larger primary producers were aware of their responsibilities when it comes to biosecurity.
However, smaller landholders and newer residents in the area need to be educated about what is involved in owning any livestock, even pets.
"I remind people, especially small producers their role is still vitally important," she said.
Dr Davies stresses the need for biosecurity to form part of overall farm planning so that it can be acted on if needed.
This includes registering for a free PIC (Property Identification Code) available on–line through the Agriculture Victoria website which is required for animals you own and graze on your property.
Any cloven–hoofed animal can be at risk of exposure to FMD, Dr Davies said.
She added that invasive species such as feral deer can also pose a risk by coming onto your land where your animals are.
Dr Davies said more people are taking advantage of workshops that deal with the issue, but it needs to be ongoing as new people especially from urban areas move into rural areas.
According to the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) this is being reflected in farmers increased attendance to livestock biosecurity workshops and webinars, with its Stock Sense Project receiving extremely positive feedback and attracting a high percentage of first–time attendees.
"The peri urban farmers are still a concern for the wider agricultural community and although some have been reached and are aware of the risk of FMD, there are many more who believe that since they only have a couple of animals, FMD won't affect them and they don't need to be prepared or informed," said the VFF spokesperson.
Dr Davies urges anyone at first suspicion of disease in livestock to notify Agriculture Victoria immediately on the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline 1800 675 888 or contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria Animal Health and Welfare staff.
