Cows are seen in a pen at a cattle export park in Noonamah, about 50km south of the city of Darwin in northern Australia. Photo by Reuters/Tim Wimborne
Indonesia has suspended imports of live cattle from four Australian facilities after lumpy skin disease (LSD) was detected in a small number of cattle some time after arrival, the Australian government has said.
Australian authorities were working with Indonesia to reassure market participants that all animals exported from Australia met Indonesian requirements, including being LSD-free, Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said in a statement on Sunday. a statement.
Livestock rapid diagnostic tests have begun to help restore exports from affected facilities, he said.
LSD, which causes blisters and reduced milk production, is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle and buffaloes that is transmitted through insect bites but poses no risk to humans.
Australia is LSD-free and livestock exports to Indonesia continue from other facilities, Watt said.
Given the presence of LSD in Indonesia, the positive results in cattle after reaching Indonesia were not unexpected, said Australian Veterinary Director Mark Schipp. LSD was first reported in cattle in Indonesia early last year.
Indonesia is the biggest market for Australia’s live cattle exports, accounting for around 56% in 2021-22, the data shows, worth around A$900 million ($600 million). It is a trade on which northern Australia is heavily dependent.
Australia did not specify how many shipments will be affected by Indonesia’s decision.
