The Indonesian outbreak of foot and mouth disease has been a topic of concern in the Australian livestock industry. Given the popularity of Bali as a holiday destination, it has also been an issue attracting headlines in mainstream media. Talk of a potential cost to the Australian industry of $50 billion is alarming. The most recent experience in the UK where over 6 million animals were euthanized in 2001 and brought the UK livestock industry to almost a standstill highlights how devastating it could be if it found its way to Australia.

Dairy Australia has been at the forefront of creating awareness abound dairy producers with a recent webinar sharing the Australian Government response and industry preparedness. It was viewed by a large number of industries including farmers and service providers.

At GA health and quarantine controls and always been at the front of mind as all bulls undergo an intensive series of health testing and checks before they enter the pre-quarantine property and additional testing before they can enter the collection facilities. Now all bulls are at TLG the process is no different where GA or TLG-owned bulls or third-party bulls need to not only undergo this initial testing but also in some cases undergo 6 monthly testing or a minimum of 12 monthly testingwhile a resident of the quarantine facility.

The recent Indonesian outbreak has prompted us to review all quarantine measures and implemented a series of important biosecurity measures.

Visitor access to TLG is restricted with all visitors, contractors and non-staff members will need to complete a Quarantine Declaration Form and overseas travel will need to be declared before access is allowed to any building on the Camperdown property. Protective clothing and foot ware will need to be worn. Bull inspections will not be allowed for the foreseeable future.

Staff visiting farms can only do so with the prior permission of the owner or farm manager and vehicles are to be cleaned and maintained free of mud or manure where possible. Vehicles can only be parked in general parking areas or tanker access areas and no staff vehicles can be used to drive on farms to view cows or on laneways. All GA representatives have been supplied with protective footwear, disinfectant, and a brush to clean footwear.

With the international growing interest in Australian genetics, more overseas visitors are visiting farms in Australia to view progeny, some from countries without FMD freedom. Overseas visitors will be screened prior to any farm visits and supplied with protective footwear and all clothing will be cleaned and not worn on farms in their country of origin.

More information on FMD can be found at www.dairyaustralia.com.au/eadpreparedness. We also encourage all farmers complete a farm Biosecurity Plan, the template can be found on the Dairy Australia website.