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Australia strengthens temporary 'foot and mouth' controls
All imports of animals susceptible to foot and mouth disease and their products, from the European Union and from any country in which foot and mouth disease is endemic or in which there is an outbreak, will be temporarily suspended.
The temporary action follows the recent outbreak of the disease in the United Kingdom and news overnight of new outbreaks in Europe (France).
The measures are consistent with Australia's cautious approach to quarantine and will be reviewed on a daily basis and modified as necessary.
Surveillance of passengers, mail and courier items from all countries with foot and mouth disease will also be strengthened.
Additional x-ray units and three detector dog teams are being deployed at international mail and courier centres. Additional x-ray units are also being installed at airports.
These measures will be implemented progressively over the next few days, however they will apply immediately to France.
Horses and other animals which are not FMD-susceptible, but which have the potential for high-level farm contact, will also be subject to the temporary import restrictions.
The resources necessary to enforce these strengthened quarantine controls will be sourced from the private sector and other government agencies. Customs is already providing additional resourcing to assist AQIS at ports nationally, and the cooperation of States and Territories is also being sought.
Further information:
Carson Creagh
Ph: 02 6272 5156
Mobile: 0414 577 472
or
David Finlayson, AQIS media relations
Ph: 02 6272 5234
Mobile: 0414 266 256