26 June 2023
We invite you to comment on the draft review by 26 July 2023.
The draft review is available on the Have Your Say website where comments can also be submitted.
We have reviewed Australia’s current entry requirements for lumpy skin disease (LSD) in fresh beef and beef products in light of recently published science on the transmissibility of this disease via beef.
This draft report is an addendum to the department’s 2017 biosecurity review, Fresh (chilled or frozen) beef and beef products from Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United States and Vanuatu – final review (the beef review). It takes into account available scientific evidence along with relevant standards, processes, production methods, inspection, sampling and testing procedures.
Existing entry requirements established in 2017 require approved countries supplying fresh beef and beef products to Australia to certify country freedom from LSD. The draft report concludes sufficient published science exists, consistent with international standards, to demonstrate that transmissibility of LSD through bovine skeletal muscle that has been produced in accordance with Australian and international standards achieves Australia’s appropriate level of protection without LSD-specific conditions.
The draft report concludes that there is no need on biosecurity grounds to certify country freedom from LSD where fresh beef has been derived exclusively from bovine skeletal muscle from approved countries. The draft report does not recommend changes to current entry requirements for offal and other beef products from approved countries.
The release of this draft provides stakeholders with the opportunity to comment on the review and recommended revision of Australia’s import conditions to recognise beef produced in approved countries from bovine skeletal muscle as a safe commodity for LSD. The 30-day comment period commenced on Monday, 26 June 2023 and will conclude at COB Wednesday, 26 July 2023.
Following the consultation period, the department will consider all comments in preparing a final report.
Dr Peter Finnin
Assistant Secretary
Animal Biosecurity
Email Peter.Finnin@aff.gov.au
For further inquiries, please contact animalbiosecurity@aff.gov.au.