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Foot and mouth disease found in Australia

(Source: Bigstock)

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) – an outbreak of which could devastate the nation’s livestock industry – has been detected in Australia, Agriculture Minister Murray Watt has announced at a news conference

Watt has revealed that a traveller from Indonesia brought viral traces of FMD on an undeclared beef product into the country’s airport. Traces of FMD were also found on imported pork products from China being sold in the Melbourne CBD.

“At one level, these detections are very disturbing. We see the viral fragments, not a live virus but viral fragments, coming in via product,” said Watt.

“At another level, these detections show that our borders are strong and our biosecurity systems are working.”

Indonesia has been grappling with the spread of FMD after it was recently detected in Bali, a popular holiday destination for Australians.

Because of this, the government has ramped up the country’s biosecurity measures, and travellers arriving from Indonesia will now be asked to walk across sanitation foot mats laid down at airports.

The mats will contain a citric acid solution designed to dislodge dirt from the shoe’s sole and cover it in the acid.

FMD is a highly contagious animal disease that affects cattle, sheep, goats and pigs but does not pose a threat to humans. However, it can be carried on animal products, including meat and leather. Humans can also carry the disease on their shoes, clothes, and even noses – where it can survive 24 hours.

Government modelling projects that a widespread foot and mouth outbreak in Australia would have an estimated direct economic impact of around $80 billion.

“I am advised that all products now of this kind have been seized from all linked supermarkets and a warehouse in Melbourne as well,” stated Watt.

“At one level, these detections are very disturbing – that we see the viral fragments, not a live virus but viral fragments, coming in via product. At another level, these detections show that our borders are strong and our biosecurity systems are working.”

Further reading about Foot and Mouth Disease in Australia: Explainer: What is foot and mouth disease?

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