Vet Dione Howard tells farmers to prepare biosecurity plan for FMD

Viral fragments of FMD have recently been found in Australia in imported pork products at a retail outlet and in an undeclared beef product on a passenger returning from Indonesia.

While instances of the disease have not been identified in Australian livestock at this stage, Riverina Local Land Services district vet Dione Howard said farmers should be vigilant.

"For livestock owners in particular, they need to have stringent biosecurity measures in place on their property," she said.

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"Being aware of what is coming and going from their property and if they don't already have one, they should be getting a farm biosecurity plan in place."

Property owners can go to the farm biosecurity website for resources to help them form a plan.

Ms Howard said FMD affected split hoof animals like cows, sheep, goats, camels and pigs, making them very sick.

"The fact that it can affect multiple species and it is highly contagious means we need to be vigilant about if we see any signs of the disease," she said.

"All travellers have been advised to avoid interacting with livestock and avoid going to farms in Indonesia.

"And if they have had contact with livestock or visited farms, to avoid contact with livestock or visiting farms when they get back to Australia for seven days after they return home."

Foot and mouth disease wont make humans sick, but people can spread the germs on their clothing and shoes.

FMD in Australia could grind Australia's export industry to a costly halt.

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