While we are working to bring you the next issue of Biosecurity Matters, this special edition comes with information on what we are doing in response to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Indonesia. We also explain how you can help prevent FMD from coming into Australia, including how to identify the disease in animals. FMD is a highly contagious animal disease that affects all cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, pigs and deer. It also affects camelids, including alpacas, llamas and camels. The Australian Government is working hard to prevent FMD from entering Australia. We are internationally recognised for our capability to deal quickly and effectively with emergency animal disease outbreaks. And we have a good track record. However, an outbreak of FMD could exceed anything we have had to deal with in the past and have severe consequences for Australia's animal health and trade. Keep reading for important information for travellers, livestock owners, and all Australians, how you can help and where to find more information - including how to contact us. Biosecurity – it's everyone's business.
 Livestock owners must be prepared for FMD Farmers who own cattle, pigs, sheep, buffalo, deer, camels, alpacas, llamas or goats need to prepare in case FMD enters Australia. We are working with Indonesia to control FMD and keep it out of Australia. We have enhanced biosecurity measures in place for imports, mail and travellers arriving here. If you own livestock, you should prepare now by adopting good on-farm biosecurity practices to protect your animals and your business. Read tips on making your farm biosecurity safe and where to get free resources in our article on farm preparedness.
 VIDEO: Know the symptoms of FMD Dr Mark Schipp, Australia's Chief Veterinarian Officer, explains the symptoms of FMD and how it is transmitted in our video on our website. It is critical that all Australian livestock owners know what FMD looks like, and that they check their animals regularly. If you suspect any signs of FMD you must report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 or a local veterinarian immediately.
 Travellers from Indonesia can help keep FMD out of Australia It's everyone's responsibility to help keep Australia free from FMD – even holiday makers. Travellers arriving from Indonesia, especially the popular tourist destination Bali, will be under much stricter biosecurity scrutiny due to FMD. While FMD doesn't affect humans, the virus that causes it can be carried in meat and animal products brought in from overseas. It can also be on footwear, clothing, luggage and equipment that has been in contact with animals, soil, mud and manure. That's why it is really important that you declare any risk items when you return to Australia. This includes declaring meat products, mud on your shoes, and if you've been to rural areas overseas. Be truthful with your Incoming Passenger Card and if you are asked by a Biosecurity Officer – if you don't declare, you will face tough penalties. Find out more about how to do the right thing when travelling into Australia, and how to clean shoes and equipment to help keep FMD away from Australian livestock and do your part to protect Aussie farmers.
 What we're doing to protect Australia from FMD The Australian Government is working overseas, at our borders, and within the country to prevent FMD from establishing here. The response to FMD is an enormous group effort relying on cooperation to protect our mutual interests. We are working alongside foreign governments, Australian state and territory governments, other government departments, industry and community groups. Find out about the prevention measures being undertaken, as well as the plans in place to respond to FMD if an outbreak occurs in Australia, on our Actions by governments page. You can also read about how we're testing for FMD in meat and animal products intercepted at the border as well as those for sale in stores around Australia.
 Be on guard for FMD scam emails We've recently become aware of a fraudulent email campaign using the FMD outbreak to hook in victims. Emails claiming to be from the department, and relating to FMD, have been reported by farmers, industry and members of the community. We will never send emails asking for your online banking logins, credit card details or passwords. Find out more about phishing, and simple tips to protect yourself.
 Follow us For much more on foot-and-mouth disease, as well as our responses to other biosecurity threats, keep an eye on our information and social media platforms: - Our one-stop foot-and-mouth disease page on our website, with information and resources for livestock producers, veterinarians, travellers and all Australians
- Our News & Media Centre, with news articles, media releases, statements and videos
- Outbreak.gov.au – our website with information about exotic plant and animal disease incursions in Australia
- Note: there is no FMD incursion in Australia currently – this website has information on other diseases
- Social media:
Contact us To report FMD or any symptoms in your livestock, call 1800 675 888 or a local veterinarian immediately. For media inquiries contact: media@agriculture.gov.au For other contact information visit our website. |