The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has announced it has been formally advised by Malaysia today that it has lifted the temporary suspension of live cattle and buffalo exports from Australia, effective immediately.

A picture of an Indonesian animal infected with Lumpy Skin Disease, which causes swelling of lymph nodes across the animal’s body.

Acting Deputy Secretary of the  DAFF Agricultural Trade Group Nicola Hinder said the announcement followed the provision of technical information to the Malaysian authority demonstrating Australia’s freedom from LSD.

“I reconfirm that lumpy skin disease (LSD) has never been detected in Australia and we remain free from the disease,” Ms Hinder said.

“Malaysia’s decision to lift the suspension is welcomed by the Australian Government and industry. It’s a result of a well-coordinated whole-of-government effort, led by the department’s technical and trade officials who helped gather the extensive evidence base that led to this determination.

“We have been advised Malaysian authorities will commence granting import permits to industry immediately.”

Indonesia’s suspension of four export yards in northern Australia and additional conditions placed on cattle exported from more, put in place over the weekend, remain in place.

Ms Hinder said Malaysia’s lifting of the suspension further highlighted Australia’s robust systems for the ongoing monitoring of Australia’s animal disease status, including LSD.

“The department will continue to engage with stakeholders to provide the necessary assurances to our trading partners on our animal health status.

“We thank our government partners in Malaysia for their continuous cooperation and are proud of our international partnership. We continue to learn from each other’s experience to ensure best practice and results in trade resumption.”

“LSD is a highly-infectious viral disease of cattle and buffalo that is transmitted by biting insects —it is not a disease that poses a risk to humans.

“There is no cause for concern for Australian cattle producers as Australia remains LSD-free.

“Australia continues to trade livestock products internationally, including live cattle to Indonesia.”

Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt also released a statement welcoming Malaysia’s decision.

“This is an important first step in the full restoration of this trade.

“We have always maintained that Australia is free of Lumpy Skin Disease, demonstrated by the results of extensive testing undertaken across Northern Australia.

“Australia also welcomes ongoing technical discussions with Indonesia.

“I want to thank DFAT and DAFF officials for their ongoing hard work on this matter.

“We will continue to take a calm and considered approach to our response on this issue.”