The Urgent Call for Collective Biosecurity Awareness

In a matter of weeks, the term ‘biosecurity’ has leaped from obscurity to the forefront of public attention, drawing concerns from not only those in politics and agriculture but the broader public as well.

Six months ago, few understood the gravity of this concept; now, it’s a pressing issue, and for good reason.

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) warns that an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) could result in an $80 billion loss for the country, involving export market closures, travel bans, and the culling of livestock.

FMD, a highly contagious disease affecting various animals, poses a signifcant threat to Australia’s agricultural landscape. The last occurrence of FMD in Australia was a century

CANEGROWERS has added its voice to a growing chorus of agricultural bodies from across the country demanding the Federal Government abandon plans for the introduction of a biosecurity levy on farmers.

Representatives from more than 50 peak ag groups, including CANEGROWERS, have signed a letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calling for the proposed biosecurity levy to be scrapped.

CANEGROWERS ago, making the recent outbreak in Indonesia a cause for alarm. If this disease reaches our shores, it could have dire consequences for animal health and disrupt international trade.

Refecting on the impact of FMD in the United Kingdom over two decades ago, marked by livestock pyres, travel bans, and lockdowns, underscores the potential devastation that Australia could face.

Our nation’s competitive edge in global trade relies on a reputation for high-quality, disease-free products.

An FMD outbreak would shatter export markets, plummet livestock prices, and jeopardize the livelihoods of generations of farmers.

The current surge in public interest in biosecurity is a positive development for the farming sector. For too long, the challenges faced by farmers have been overlooked in an increasingly urbanized world. Agriculture, however, affects everyone as consumers of agricultural products, from breakfast cereal to clothing. Caring about the essentials in our lives should extend to caring about farming.

The path to preventing FMD’s introduction is straightforward but demands collective compliance. Recent incidents involving imported meat products highlight the potential risk. Vigilance in supply chains, both domestic and foreign, is paramount. Transparency on incoming traveller cards, proper hygiene practices, and avoiding contact with farms in FMD-endemic regions are essential measures.

In contrast to COVID-19, FMD is a known entity with known transmission methods and prevention strategies. The shared responsibility lies in adhering to rules and safeguarding our nation from a potential outbreak that could infict fnancial losses in the tens of billions when economic resilience is paramount.