Australia’s US$22 billion livestock industry under threat as foot and mouth disease found in imported meat

Viral fragments were found in a sample of pork floss sold in Melbourne, and traces of African swine fever were also detected in the specimen

Australia and New Zealand have boosted measures to prevent a widespread outbreak of the disease which was recently found in tourist hotspot Bali

2-MIN READ2-MIN

A marine and agricultural food security officer inspects a cow at a cattle shop to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease in Tanjung Priok, Indonesia’s North Jakarta. Photo: Reuters

Published: 9:42am, 21 Jul 2022

Australia has detected traces of foot and mouth disease on imported animal products, deepening fears about a potential outbreak that could devastate the nation’s livestock industry.

Viral fragments were found in a sample of pork floss offered for sale in Melbourne, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry said on Wednesday. Traces of African swine fever were also detected in the sample.

While the test does not indicate live virus, officers have seized the product from all linked supermarkets and a warehouse in Melbourne. Both diseases do not pose a threat to human health, the department said in a statement.

After the discovery of foot and mouth disease in Indonesia, where it has swept through cattle herds and reached tourist hotspot Bali, Australia has ramped up surveillance and measures at borders to prevent an incursion. Sanitation foot mats in international airports will be deployed this week, the department said.

Foot and mouth is a highly contagious disease that affects cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. It is characterised by fever and blister-like sores on the tongue and lips, in the mouth, on the teats and between the hooves.

The disease poses a serious threat to Australia’s A$32 billion (US$22 billion) livestock industry. A widespread outbreak could have an estimated direct economic impact of A$80 billion. A vaccine is available if there is an incursion.