In this episode Kerry Lonergan interviews respected Australian Cattle Vet Dr Ross Ainsworth about the growing threat of exotic livestock diseases discussed at the recent Wagyu Edge 26 conference in Brisbane.
Dr Ainsworth explains how foot-and-mouth disease could abruptly close export markets, devastate herd values and force mass culling, and describes how lumpy skin disease spreads, its impacts and available vaccines.
The conversation covers recent outbreaks in Southeast Asia, biosecurity risks from travellers and feral animals, preparedness options including vaccination and surveillance, and the importance of reporting suspected cases to protect Australia’s industry… and more.
In Australia, suspected exotic animal diseases should be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888
The Weekly Grill is brought to listeners by:
- Rhinogard and Bovi-Shield MH-One – the One Shot, One Spray, One Time BRD Vaccines by Zoetis.
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Previous series and episodes:
Series 5:
- Aussie butchers heading to Paris for World Butchers’ Challenge
- US Tariff scenarios with Simon Quilty, plus MLA’s red meat projections with Stephen Bignell
- Steve Kay – US cattle markets, tariff impacts… and more
- All roads lead to Brisbane for Angus World Congress, with Scott Wright
- Consumer behaviour researcher, Howard Parry-Husbands
- Red Meat Advisory Council Chair, John McKillop
- Regular cattle market update, with Matt Dalgleish and Chris Howie
Great to hear Dr Ross Ainsworth explain all of this so well & in easily understood terms. I have been pretty lucky to have shared a boat & fishing rod with Ross on the Murray river & have him explain just how serious these two diseases are over a couple of cordials. This could be the end of the livestock industry in Australia if we stuff up on security so we had better take his message seriously. Thanks Kerry & Dr Ross Ainsworth.