4 March 2025
This Biosecurity Advice notifies stakeholders of the release of the final report for the import risk review for Dairy products for human consumption. All comments on the second draft report for this risk review (Animal Biosecurity Advice 2024-A05) have been considered in the finalisation process. The final report has now been published on the department’s website.
Updates in the final report are mainly editorial in nature and there have been no significant changes since the second draft report. Information about the risk of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) virus in imported dairy products has also been added to the final report.
The review aimed to modernise Australia’s dairy import conditions and reflect the current and future trading environment. It considered the biosecurity risks associated with dairy products manufactured from milk obtained from domestic cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats. It has considered new and relevant peer-reviewed scientific information, international standards, relevant changes in industry practices and operational practicalities.
The key changes to risk management for imported dairy products are:
- expanded risk management options for countries not recognised as free from foot-and-mouth disease and/or sheep pox and goat pox
- removal of specific risk management for lumpy skin disease virus following new available research
- addition of risk management measures for peste des petits ruminants virus in imported dairy products (except for cheese) of ovine and/or caprine origin
Imported dairy products for human consumption will also need to meet minimum requirements, which are aspects of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code that provide significant value in managing the biosecurity risk of animal diseases. As all imported food intended for sale in Australia must meet Australia’s food standards, the minimum requirements should not add any additional import restrictions.
Following release of the final report there will be a transition period for the implementation of the new biosecurity measures. The transition period has not been confirmed but is expected to be a minimum of 12 months. Trade in dairy products will continue as normal, while new health certificates are negotiated.
The final report, and more information about this risk analysis, is available on our website.
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 Rochelle Prattley
Acting Assistant Secretary
Animal Biosecurity Branch
Email: animalbiosecurity@aff.gov.au