August 3, 2023

 

Australian cattle industry addresses Indonesia's suspension of imports over lumpy skin disease concerns

 

The Australian government is taking proactive measures to address concerns raised by international trading partners following Indonesia's decision to suspend cattle imports from four Australian pre-export quarantine facilities due to lumpy skin disease (LSD) concerns, Beef Central reported.

 

Indonesia's Agriculture and Quarantine Agency (IAQA) notified Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) of the suspension on Friday, citing the detection of LSD in a small number of Australian cattle exported to Indonesia.

 

Dr Mark Schipp, Australia's chief veterinary officer, was swift to clarify that the positive test results were identified after the cattle had already arrived in Indonesia, where LSD has been spreading since March 2022.

 

In a statement issued on Sunday, Dr Schipp underscored that lumpy skin disease has never been found in Australia, reaffirming the country's LSD-free status.

 

Murray Watt, Australia’s Federal Minister for Agriculture, echoed this sentiment, emphasising Australia's lack of any positive LSD detections.

 

Dr Schipp confirmed that live cattle exports to Indonesia are continuing, utilising 28 registered establishments that remain available for use by exporters.

 

Efforts are underway to expedite testing and restore exports from the four paused facilities. The suspended facilities will remain unable to export to Indonesia until the suspension is lifted.

 

Dr Schipp noted that given the prevalence of LSD in Indonesia, post-arrival positive test results for Australian cattle were expected and would not impact Australia's disease-free status.

 

He said there are ongoing collaboration with Indonesian counterparts to ensure exported animals meet all Indonesian requirements.

 

Dr Schipp proposed that the goat pox vaccine, based on practices in India and China, should be provided freely and administered through coordinated efforts among different administrative levels.

 

Minister Watt said that Australian officials are working closely with Indonesian authorities to reaffirm that exported animals comply with Indonesian regulations.

 

Australia's comprehensive testing across northern regions has bolstered confidence in maintaining a disease-free status.

 

Luke Bowen, chief executive officer of Cattle Australia, expressed support for Australia's veterinary officer in addressing Indonesia's concerns and maintaining Australia's disease-free reputation.

 

Bowen highlighted the strong Australia-Indonesia relationship, particularly in the context of the cattle trade, and the significance of satisfying Indonesian requirements.

 

David Littleproud, Australia’s Nationals party leader and opposition agriculture spokesperson, expressed confidence in Australia's science-backed biosecurity measures and anticipated the resumption of trade from the paused facilities soon.

 

-      Beef Central