31 January 2022
We invite you to comment on the draft review by 31 March 2023.
The draft report is available for review and comment on our Have Your Say website.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has conducted a review of the biosecurity risks associated with importing dairy products for human consumption from all countries. This draft report is now available for stakeholder comment on our Have Your Say page.
Dairy products are able to transmit significant disease agents such as foot-and-mouth disease virus and peste des petits ruminants virus. Biosecurity measures are used to manage the risk of these disease agents entering Australia in imported dairy products.
In 1999, the department completed an import risk analysis on dairy products for human consumption from all countries. This led to the development of import conditions for dairy products, which have been updated over time as particular aspects were revised. In January 2021, the department invited stakeholders to provide feedback on specific issues with Australia’s current dairy import conditions.
This review aims to modernise Australia’s dairy import conditions to reflect the current and future trading environment. It considers the biosecurity risks associated with importing (from any country) dairy products for human consumption manufactured from milk obtained from domestic cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats. It takes into account new and relevant peer-reviewed scientific information, international standards, relevant changes in industry practices and operational practicalities.
The key changes proposed to import conditions are:
- expanded risk management options for countries not recognised by the department as free from foot-and-mouth disease and/or lumpy skin disease and/or sheep pox and goat pox
- addition of risk management measures for peste des petits ruminants virus in imported dairy products (except for cheese) of ovine and/or caprine origin
- butter is no longer considered separately from other dairy products.
The department invites comments on the review, in particular the technical aspects of the proposed risk management measures associated with the importation of dairy products for human consumption. All submissions received on the draft report will be carefully considered by Animal Biosecurity in finalising this review.
Submissions should be received by 31 March 2023 through the Have Your Say page.
To receive information and updates on biosecurity risk analyses subscribe to Biosecurity Risk Analysis Animal at subscribe.agriculture.gov.au/subscribe. Subscribers will receive biosecurity advice notices and other notifications about animal biosecurity policy.
Dr Peter Finnin
Assistant Secretary Animal Biosecurity
Email: animalbiosecurity@aff.gov.au