W.IAW.2301 - Biosecurity Support in Indonesia
Australian industry is investing in biosecurity support in Indonesia to help protect Australia's biosecurity and to ensure the live cattle export trade is not disrupted during exotic disease outbreaks.
| Project start date: | 19 July 2022 |
| Project end date: | 30 September 2024 |
| Publication date: | 11 March 2024 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grass-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | International |
Summary
Both FMD and LSD entered Indonesia in 2022 and some cases were seen in Indonesian feedlots. Disease outbreaks in these facilities have severe impacts on animal health and feedlot profitability so feedlots immediately implemented biosecurity practices. MLA's live export program partnered with the Australian government to provide biosecurity support to Indonesian industry. This helped protect the welfare of Australian cattle in Indonesia and minimised disruption to trade. Risk assessments and biosecurity management plans were delivered to 33 feedlots in Indonesia; involving 57 site visits to facilities. Representatives from 30 facilities attended workshops on implementing cost-effective biosecurity measures.
Objectives
To provide biosecurity support to Indonesian industry to (a) minimise potential disruption to trade from exotic livestock diseases and (b) protect the welfare of Australian cattle in feedlots - overall ensuring the long term sustainability of the live cattle export trade to Indonesia.
Key findings
* 33 facilities in Indonesia engaged in in-depth biosecurity consultancy with Ausvet
* 57 site visits were conducted by Ausvet biosecurity experts
* 30 facilities participated in training workshops on cost-effective biosecurity
* There was no disruption to the live cattle trade from Australia as a result of FMD and LSD being detected in Indonesia
* The capacity of Indonesian feedlots to respond to exotic disease outbreaks was improved through increased knowledge, awareness and understanding of best practice biosecurity risk assessments and management plans.
Benefits to industry
The live cattle export trade to Indonesia is an essential market for Northern Australia cattle producers. Ensuring commercial feedlots in Indonesia are able to build ongoing biosecurity capacity has helped minimise the impact of Foot nd Mouth Disease (FMD) and Lumpy Skin Disease LSD). It has helped minimise trade disruption. This project demonstrated that biosecurity practice change is possible when decision-makers recognise the cost of disease outbreaks but are also concerned about the cost of biosecurity. Giving clear, concise, and tailored recommendations and following up on these was essential to the success of the project. Australia's support of Indonesian industry and government also strengthened relationships between the two trading nations.
MLA action
Provide ongoing biosecurity support to industry and government in Indonesia and Australia. Explore potential for a phase 2 biosecurity project to add value to existing work undertaken and to capitalise on skilled resources in Indonesia.
Future research
Ongoing biosecurity support will be provided through MLA's Live Export Program as part of routine in-market activities. This will ensure that biosecurity recommendations remain front of mind for importers of Australian live cattle.
More information
| Project manager: | Peter Dundon |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
