January 5, 2024

Australia's immunisation drive shields thousands of Indonesian cattle from LSD

In an ongoing effort to safeguard Australia's cattle industry from biosecurity threats, the Australian government has sent its final and one-millionth vaccination dose to Indonesia to combat lumpy skin disease (LSD) and foot-and-mouth diseases, The Advocate reported.

The immunisation campaign aims to prevent the spread of these diseases to Australia, where the local cattle industry plays a crucial role, with beef exports projected to exceed AUD 10 billion (US$6.6 billion) this financial year.

While Australia remains free from LSD, Agriculture Minister Murray Waitt said it is important to support Indonesia in containing these diseases. Although Australia has never experienced an outbreak, proactive measures are taken to ensure the nation remains free from LSD.

Earlier in August, Indonesia temporarily halted cattle imports from four Australian facilities after detecting LSD in a small number of animals. The suspension was lifted in September after Australia was declared free from the disease.

-      The Advocate