5 September 2023.
AgForce continues to work closely with State and Federal governments and our industry partners and colleagues across the country in an act of collaboration and cooperation to demonstrate that Australia remains free from Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD). For the purpose of assuring Indonesia and Malaysia that Australia remains free of LSD, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, with the support of the Western Australian, Queensland and Northern Territory governments, and industry participants, recently conducted rapid diagnostic testing of more than 1,000 head of cattle across northern Australia. This testing confirmed that LSD is not present in Australia, confirming our view that Australia remains free from LSD and any other exotic animal disease.Read Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Beth Cookson’s media statement of September 3, 2023, confirming the results of these tests. Technical discussions between Australian officials and Indonesia and Malaysia are currently underway, with Australia working diligently to resolve these trade issues as quickly as possible.