A Review of Australia's Preparedness for the Threat of Foot-and-mouth Disease

Australia’s biosecurity system is recognised worldwide as strong, bringing benefits to our economy, our unique environment and our way of life.

Australia remains free of many significant pests and diseases enabling globally competitive and sustainable industries.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) works in partnership with other Australian Government agencies, state and territory governments, industries and the broader community to maintain our special biosecurity status.

Earlier this year, the department commissioned Mr Ken Matthews’ (AO), former Secretary of the department, to provide a qualitative assessment of Australia’s readiness to respond to the threat of foot and mouth disease.

Mr Matthews’ report , A review of Australia’s preparedness for the threat of foot-and-mouth disease PDF [1.5mb]  Word [495kb], acknowledges the strength in Australia’s biosecurity system. It highlights 11 areas where improvements would further strengthen Australia’s approach to managing the threat of this disease.

Foot and mouth disease is by far the most significant biosecurity threat to Australia’s livestock industries. An outbreak in Australia could have devastating consequences to our community in lost production, trade and tourism. It would also have social consequences resulting from movement restrictions and response activities during an outbreak.

More information about foot-and-mouth disease.

Senator the Hon. Joe Ludwig, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, has written to his counterparts in Australia’s state and territory governments seeking their commitment to work together to develop a strengthened approach, particularly in the areas of vaccination policy, sheep traceability and swill feeding.

Australian Government and state and territory senior biosecurity officials  (through the National Biosecurity Committee) are working together to develop a national action plan to be considered by ministers in April 2012.

Within the Australian Government, the department and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service have commenced closer collaboration on how to use Customs systems to more effectively target imports of potential quarantine concern.

The Australian Government is strengthening its emergency response planning and planning for community recovery in the event  of an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Australia.

Key livestock industry bodies have been invited to form an Industry-Government Working Group which will meet in December 2011. This working group will assist in developing and implementing action plans to address the issues raised in Mr Matthews’ report.

Action Areas