29 July 2022
Who does this notice affect?
Customs brokers, importers, vessel masters and shipping agents.
What has changed?
As many are aware, Australia’s biosecurity measures have been ramped up over the last several months in response to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Indonesia.
On confirmation that FMD had spread to Bali, additional controls were immediately imposed at major airports and international mail centres to protect Australia from this threat. This has required a significant redirection of resources with operations at airports focusing on travellers arriving in Australia from Indonesia who present a risk of carrying FMD into Australia through contaminated footwear or clothing, or bringing risk goods such as meat and dairy.
The department recognises that vessels and containers also present potential pathways for the virus and measures are already in place which extend to all countries with FMD, not just Indonesia. In May this year, vessel masters and shipping agents were reminded of their obligations to ensure requirements for cleaning and disinfection of conveyances are strictly adhered to (industry notice 74-2022). In early July, requirements for additional footbaths for entry and exit to livestock vessels whilst docked at port were implemented, and MARS directions updated.
Should additional measures be necessary across the cargo and commercial vessel pathways, we will engage with relevant industry groups and issue further advice.
Further information
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease which primarily affects cloven-hoof animals including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, camels, pigs, and deer. An FMD outbreak in Australia would be devastating to our livestock industries through international trade losses, market disruptions and health and production losses.
Additional technical detail is available on the department's website - Foot and mouth disease.