Holbrook-based Eve was one of 14 veterinarians and livestock industry professionals from across Australia given the opportunity to upskill in recognising, diagnosing, sampling and investigating the exotic disease.

The program was delivered by the European Commission for the Control of Foot and Mouth Disease.

Ms Hall said that while Australia is officially free from FMD, estimates place the cost of an outbreak in this country at $16 billion, along with disastrous economic and social impacts.

"FMD is common and widespread in Nepal's livestock population, making it an appropriate setting for intense practical training around the disease," she said.

"The skills, insight and first-hand experience I've gained enable me to join the network of people across Australia acting as the 'eyes and ears' against FMD."

FMD is a viral disease that affects cloven-hooved animals such as cattle, sheep and pigs. Australia's FMD-free status facilitates strong global market access for our livestock industries.

Although FMD is not very lethal in adult animals, it can kill young animals and have serious impacts on production, including reduced growth rates and a severe drop in milk yield. Infected animals typically develop painful, fluid-filled blisters, particularly around the mouth and feet, giving the disease its name.

"I've returned from Nepal passionate about increasing people's awareness of the disease and sharing my new skills and experience with colleagues and industry stakeholders," Ms Hall said.

"Australia's robust national biosecurity measures aim to keep the disease out. However, if the disease one day did reach our shores, it's crucial that we limit its impact through rapid detection."

- Contributed by Murray Local Land Services