September 5, 2023

 

Australian opposition looks to quick resolution of Indonesia's LSD-related ban on Aussie cattle

 

 

New export restrictions slapped on two West Australian cattle yards by Indonesia will need to be resolved by September 12, according to Australia's federal opposition.

 

There has been ongoing tension between Australian livestock producers and the Indonesian government since July when its authorities claimed to detect lumpy skin disease (LSD) in 13 exported Australian cattle.

 

Four facilities were banned from exporting to Indonesia until an investigation was undertaken, including Wyndham's Consolidated Pastoral Company's yards.

 

Australia's Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Beth Cookson said it had been advised by Indonesia that eight additional positive tests had been recorded in cattle from three registered establishments in Australia after the livestock arrived in Indonesia

 

"These registered establishments have not been suspended," she said.

 

The federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry confirmed two of the establishments were near Broome, while it was believed a third from the Northern Territory was under investigation.

 

Opposition agriculture spokesman David Littleproud said there had been a concerted effort by Australian authorities to rectify the issue.

 

"I am 100% confident we don't have LSD," he said.

 

Littleproud said the investigation into July's detections had since been sent back to Indonesia to "vindicate" Australia's LSD-free status.

 

"My understanding is there is a timeline," he said. "Indonesia has until September 12 to respond to that, and we are hoping at that juncture we will be able to demonstrate that the LSD in those cattle didn't come from Australia, because Australia does not have LSD."

 

Littleproud said he backed Dr. Cookson's assessment.

 

Dr. Cookson said the investigation had tested more than 1,000 cattle across Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory, and there had been no trace of the disease.

 

"Our disease status has not changed," she said. "The negative test results further highlight Australia's robust systems for the ongoing monitoring of animal diseases, including LSD.

 

"Indonesia and Malaysia have been provided the results of the testing in a technical report that each country is now considering.

 

"We continue to work closely with our Indonesian and Malaysian counterparts, including engagement at a technical official-to-official level to discuss the next steps.

 

"We are awaiting advice from the relevant Indonesian and Malaysian authorities on the lifting of their cattle and buffalo import restrictions."

- ABC