With FMD rampant in Indonesia and Bali at the moment every Australian livestock owner needs to know the signs and symptoms of FMD.
FMD is a highly contagious animal disease that affects all cloven-hoofed (animals with a split toe) animals including cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas, Ilamas, camels, deer and pigs. It does not affect horses.
The 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 footwear.
FMD virus can survive in frozen, chilled and freeze-dried foods including meat and dairy products. FMD is not the same as hand-foot-and-mouth disease which is a common disease in young children.
FMD clinical signs in cattle, pigs, sheep, buffalo, deer, camelids and goats may show fever, drooling and reluctance to move. These animals can suffer from blisters on the mouth, snout, tongue, lips, teats or between and above the hooves on the feet. Blisters may be intact or ruptured, exposing raw tissue which is very painful.
It is critical that all livestock owners here in Australia know what FMD looks like, and that they check their animals regularly. If you suspect any signs of FMD it must be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888, NSW DPI or a Local Land Services District Veterinarian ASAP.
Australia has detailed, well-rehearsed FMD response plans and arrangements in place currently and the governments and industry’s preparedness is continuously reviewed.
Australia has strict biosecurity protocols in place to prevent high risk materials, such as contaminated equipment or clothing, animals and animal products, being brought in by travellers who may have been exposed to diseased animals.
The AUSVETPLAN response strategy for FMD is part of the national response arrangements. The plan sets out the nationally agreed approach that would be taken to respond to FMD if it occurred in Australia. The plan includes an assessment of the role of vaccination in responding to an incursion.
Everyone has a role in preventing harmful pests and diseases from entering Australia. It is illegal to bring frozen, chilled and freeze-dried foods, including meat and dairy products, into Australia without an import permit.
Some foods, animal and plant products can carry pests or diseases that you won’t know are there. Ensure all footwear, clothing and equipment is free of mud, animal manure and mucus. It is recommended that people who have been in contact with FMD-infected animals or infected areas DO NOT visit Australian farms or handle livestock for at least 7 days after returning to Australia.
All livestock owners should have stringent biosecurity measures in place on their property, including accurate records of livestock movement.
Source: Department of Primary Industries