The emergence and rapid spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Asia has changed the risk profile for goods arriving in Australia. While the media has focused on passengers, it must be noted that cargo vessels, along with the consignments and crew they convey, also present potential pathways for the FMD virus.
In May 2022, an outbreak of FMD was reported in cattle in Indonesia and has since spread to Bali. An incursion of the virus would have severe consequences for Australia’s animal health and trade.
It is critical that existing requirements for cleaning and disinfection of all types of conveyances are strictly adhered to. Livestock carriers, for example, need to be thoroughly cleaned of organic material and disinfected and disinfected in accordance with current requirements.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) recognises that vessels and containers present potential pathways for the virus and measures are already in place which extend to all countries with FMD, not just Indonesia. In May this year, vessel masters and shipping agents were reminded of their obligations to ensure requirements for cleaning and disinfection of conveyances are strictly adhered to (DAFF notice 74-2022). In early July, requirements for additional footbaths for entry and exit to livestock vessels whilst docked at port were implemented.
DAFF has now issued Industry Advice Notice no. 131-2022: “Impact of biosecurity measures to combat the threat of foot and mouth disease.” It is addressed to the attention of Customs brokers, importers, vessel masters and shipping agents.
This notice advises that Australia’s biosecurity measures have been ramped up over the last several months in response to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Indonesia.
IT states, in part, “On confirmation that FMD had spread to Bali, additional controls were immediately imposed at major airports and international mail centres to protect Australia from this threat. This has required a significant redirection of resources with operations at airports focusing on travellers arriving in Australia from Indonesia who present a risk of carrying FMD into Australia through contaminated footwear or clothing, or bringing risk goods such as meat and dairy.”
Additional technical detail is available on DAFF’s website – Foot and mouth disease.
FMD virus is carried by live animals and in meat and dairy products, as well as in soil, bones, untreated hides, vehicles and equipment used with these animals. It can also be carried on people’s clothing and survive in frozen, chilled and freeze-dried foods. It spreads on wool, hair, grass, plant material, wind, or mud and/or manure on footwear, clothing, equipment and tyres.
An outbreak in Australia would be devastating to our livestock industries through international trade losses, market disruptions and health and production losses. Even prior to this Indonesia situation, foot and mouth was right up there at the top of our list of biosecurity risks. The announcement of these latest measures ensures that authorities are doing everything possible to keep it out.
As licensed Customs Brokers and International Freight Forwarders, we professionally handle your shipping and Customs requirements, including quarantine treatments, warehousing and trucking – by airfreight and sea cargo, both import and export. We are based in Brisbane and offer a complete range of logistics services through all Australian ports and airports.
