Foot and Mouth Disease in Australia

The following letter was sent to the Federal and State Governments:

At the July 2022 98th State Conference of the Country Women’s Association of Western Australia (Inc) represented by 107 branches of the Association, the following special motion was carried:

The conference expressed concern for all facets of the livestock industry in light of the danger of Foot and Mouth Disease entering Australia, requesting the Government urgently address biosecurity issues and educate all Australian States to be aware of and compliant with, biosecurity measures being implemented by Government authorities and rural and regional farming businesses.

The Association welcomes the Federal Government’s robust biosecurity measures introduced as a response to the FMD outbreak in Bali, Indonesia even though the initial safeguards were slow to commence.  However, our members are concerned that the threat will continue to exist for some time and would like an assurance that highly visible and frequent public education campaigns for international travellers from affected countries and communities in all Australian States, will continue to be rolled out and widely promoted and assessed and adjusted in accordance with the threat level to the farming sector.   In particular, we bring the following to your attention:

At the Farm Gate: That the Federal and State Governments continue to work with local farmers, communities, and tourists to provide regular public education campaigns (particularly on social media) on the biosecurity measures required to ensure Australia remains free from this disease.  This would keep this threat front of mind and remind everyone of their personal responsibility to remain vigilant and observe all notices and signage on farm gates.   

At the Regional Airports:  The introduction of sanitisation foot mats and other FMD biosecurity measures at major Australian international airports is welcomed but are they available at Restricted Use and Alternate airports that may receive international flights? 

In the Bag:  It is understood that travellers to Australia from Bali must declare if they have visited a rural area or been in contact with or near farm animals and present any risky goods including food, clothing, or footwear to an inspection officer on arrival.  However, given the devastating consequences of an incursion of this disease into Australia, the Association believes that this cannot be left to chance or the goodwill of travellers and therefore recommends that everyone travelling from FMD-infected countries not only use the foot mats but have their luggage opened and examined for any additional footwear, soiled clothing or high-risk foods. It is acknowledged that luggage is screened by detector dogs and /or x-ray machines but these facilities may only be available at the major airports.

The Country Women’s Association of Western Australia will also continue to do our part to support these initiatives and biosecurity measures being implemented and to promote the need for vigilance throughout our networks.

Yours sincerely

Anne Gething STATE PRESIDENT

Ministerial Replies

Please click on to the following links to read the ministerial replies to the above letter:

FMD Reply Hon. Alannah MacTiernan MLC

FMD Reply Leader of the Opposition

FMD Reply Prime Minister

FMD Reply Senator, The Hon. Murray Watt