The Northern Rivers Times Rural News Edition 107

Peak agricultural body vote to support development of national electronic tagging system

National tag system no silver bullet for FMD

Members of the state’s peak agricultural body have voted to support the development of a national electronic tagging system. Last Tuesday, the state government announced it would support a national electronic tagging system for sheep and goats in response to the threat posed by foot and mouth disease. NSW Farmers Biosecurity Chair Ian McColl said while electronic tagging could be helpful, it would not be a silver bullet for the threat posed by FMD. “Our members voted to provide in principle support for the development of a national individual traceability system for sheep,” Mr McColl said. “However, this national system must have jurisdictional harmonisation, be affordable, and be developed in consultation with producers. “Traceability reforms must ensure that the costs are effectively

shared throughout the supply chain and with government.” Australia remains free of many significant pests and diseases, which provides a competitive edge in global markets, but it is dependent on a strong biosecurity system. Mr McColl said recent

outbreaks of both Lumpy Skin Disease and Foot and Mouth Disease in Indonesia had created an increased risk of a severe biosecurity incursion in Australia. Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) modelling projected

a widespread FMD outbreak in Australia would have an estimated direct economic impact of around $80 billion. “In the event of a biosecurity disaster such as an FMD outbreak, effective tracking would enable authorities to enact preventive measures

airports. “We are encouraged that governments are listening to industry and moving controls in the right direction, but we must do everything possible to keep FMD out of Australia.”

promptly and minimise an outbreak,” Mr McColl said. “But we must remember this is not something that will replace strong biosecurity controls at our borders, and our members remain concerned about returning travellers and requirements at our

Australian and Indonesian livestock sectors work together to limit disease spread

The Australian livestock industry will work with Indonesian feedlots to help protect their facilities from disease incursions and subsequent trade disruption via a biosecurity support project jointly funded by the Australian Government and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). The Australian Government recently committed an initial $500,000 grant to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). As part of this investment, MLA will be responsible for

coordinating support from Australian industry for the Indonesian feedlot sector’s emergency response to Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD). MLA Managing Director, Jason Strong, said while FMD had been a threat to the industry for over 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 wellrehearsed plans to deal with them,” Mr Strong said. “Alongside stronger biosecurity measures at the border from the Federal Government, MLA will coordinate on-the-ground support to help our Indonesian counterparts to counteract this threat. This will be 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 will also develop 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 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 at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

• If you suspect LSD or FMD in your livestock, immediately calling the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888

• Adhering to all traceability obligations, including ensuring all documentation is correctly completed – Integrity Systems Company

• Reviewing your onfarm biosecurity plan

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