The Biosecurity (Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Biosecurity Response Zone) Determination 2022 covering relevant international airports has been extended to 30 June 2023.

Federal agriculture minister Murray Watt has his bag searched by an airport biosecurity detector dog earlier this year.

Director of Biosecurity and Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Andrew Metcalfe AO said the extension would continue to ensure Australia has the strongest protection from FMD being introduced by way of travellers from Indonesia.

“Biosecurity Response Zones at international airports were first established in July,” Mr Metcalfe said.

“Australia is currently free of FMD and we want to keep it that way. Extending this determination is a key part of our response.

“The response zones strengthen and widen the powers of biosecurity officers to set up and direct passengers to use foot mats and other biosecurity control measures such as the cleaning of shoes.

“The response zones are in addition to the $14 million assistance package to reduce the risk of FMD spreading from Bali to Australia which includes increased detection and protection here in Australia and a million vaccines for the Indonesian cattle industry.

“Sanitising foot mats are also installed at all international airports, and at ports where commercial or cruise vessels may arrive direct from Indonesia.

Fast Facts:

• Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease of mammals that has great potential for causing severe economic loss in susceptible cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, swine, sheep and goats.
• The disease can persist in the environment in soil, on equipment used with infected animals and on goods such as clothing and footwear.
• Biosecurity (Foot and Mouth Disease Biosecurity Response Zone) Determination 2022 provides additional powers to biosecurity officers to manage potential FMD biosecurity risks and has been extended to 30 June 2023.

Source: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry