Assisting Indonesia limit disease spread

Integrity Systems Company (ISC), as a wholly owned subsidiary of Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), is working with industry partners internationally to mitigate the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) to our livestock industry.

Representatives from the Australian industry are currently working with Indonesian feedlots to help protect their facilities from disease incursions and subsequent trade disruption – done via a biosecurity support project jointly funded by the Australian Government and MLA. As a part of this project, the Australian Government has committed an initial $500,000 grant, making MLA responsible for coordinating support from Australian industry for the Indonesian feedlot sector’s emergency response.

ISC CEO, Dr Jane Weatherley and ISC Group Operations Manager, Jo Quigley have also travelled to Jakarta to present the mechanics of our integrity systems, including the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) and the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program to share knowledge and provide insights to the Indonesian government who are looking at setting up their own traceability system.

MLA Managing Director Jason Strong said while FMD had been a threat to the industry for more than 100 years, its recent detection in Bali reinforces how vigilant we must be.

“The risk of a potential disease entering Australia is always at the forefront of our industry priorities and that is why we have some of the strictest biosecurity protocols in the world, and well-rehearsed plans to deal with them,” Mr Strong said.

“Alongside stronger biosecurity measures at the border from the Federal Government, MLA is coordinating on-the-ground support to help our Indonesian counterparts to counteract this threat. This is being done through vaccination and livestock identification and traceability guidelines, as well as training and communication plans. In addition, we will support enhanced data collection and reporting systems within Indonesia.

“MLA is developing appropriate tools, resources and strategies to empower and enable local commercial operators to understand and effectively manage disease challenges to their businesses.

“Indonesia has long been an important and major red meat and livestock trade partner for Australia. The country is Australia’s largest export market for live cattle and fifth largest for boxed beef. This comprehensive biosecurity support project will provide mutual benefits to all parts of the Indonesia-Australia value chain, including smaller livestock holdings in Indonesia.”

What Australian producers can do

The actions of every member of the value chain are critical to prevent disease spread. Livestock producers are strongly encouraged to be prepared, vigilant and on the lookout. Good biosecurity practices and early detection will be essential to reduce the potential impact of LSD or FMD, should either arrive in Australia.

Producers can help by:

• Making sure you are aware of the symptoms of LSD and FMD by reading the information provided by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
• If you suspect LSD or FMD in your livestock, immediately call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888
• Adhering to all NLIS and LPA traceability obligations, including ensuring all documentation is correctly completed
• Reviewing your on-farm biosecurity plan.