Australia to review FMD policies

National Farmers Federation's chief executive, Ben Fargher, has stated that Australia's Foot-and-Mouth policies need to be reviewed.

The World Animal Health Organisation reports that more than 33,000 livestock have been destroyed in the past month as a result of the disease in southern Japan.

The Cattle and Sheepmeat Councils of Australia, as well as the National Farmers Federation, say the outbreak is a timely reminder that biosecurity investment must be maintained, as an FMD outbreak in Australia could cost up to A$16 billion.

Meanwhile, the country is set to begin a range of new surveillance activities in July to protect the local pork industry from pig disease outbreaks.

Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said there was a need to maintain effective surveillance measures to enable the industry to protect its reputation and capitalise on market opportunities.