Indonesia authorities have today confirmed an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) of livestock in Bali.
At the time of reporting there are 63 cases in Bali and movement restrictions have been implemented by Indonesian authorities.
FMD is a contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs with severe consequences for animal health and trade.
Australia is free from FMD.
In response to the FMD outbreak in Indonesia, frontline biosecurity officers are operating with increased vigilance across all flights arriving from Indonesia, including Bali.
Australia has strict biosecurity protocols in place to prevent high risk materials, such as contaminated equipment or clothing, animals and animal products, being brought in by travellers who may have been exposed to diseased animals.
These same biosecurity checks are in place for all travellers from Indonesia.
Response activities currently underway also include enhanced targeted communication material (distributed both on and offshore) profiling and inspecting passengers and mail users.
The Australian Government will continue to work with Indonesia to provide support where it is requested.
Australia undertakes extensive planning and preparedness activities to ensure that should an incursion occur, the disease can be contained and controlled as quickly as possible.
Australia maintains an FMD vaccine bank internationally and vaccine is available for use if there is an incursion in Australia.
Anyone keeping or working with cattle, sheep, goats or pigs should be aware of the signs of FMD: blisters on the mouth and drooling or limping animals.
If livestock exhibit any unusual signs, people are urged to call their veterinarian or Australia’s Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Anyone returning to Australia after visiting a farm or interacting with livestock abroad should declare this upon their return, so steps can be taken to remove the risk of transmission through contaminated clothing or dirty shoes.
For more information on FMD, please visit https://www.agriculture.gov.au/footandmouthdisease
