If biosecurity safeguards aren’t strengthened, Australia might face a COVID-sized financial gap, according to a leading advocacy group.
NSW Farmers Association Biosecurity Chair Ian McColl said if Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) reached Australia’s shores, the cost of an epidemic would be comparable to that of the JobKeeper program.
“The government’s own numbers estimate the potential cost of an FMD outbreak would be about $80 billion — that would absolutely smash our economic recovery from COVID. This is not the only biosecurity threat we’re facing – Lumpy Skin Disease is also present in Indonesia, and we’re seeing the continuing efforts to eradicate Varroa mite impact beekeepers and the horticulture sector,” McColl stated.
McColl added that since farmers have long lobbied for more robust biosecurity systems that are sustainably funded, it is imperative that the Federal Government increase its spending in this area on Budget Night.
According to The World Organisation for Animal Health, Foot and Mouth Disease is endemic throughout most of Africa, the Middle East, and much of Asia. McColl stated that there is a chance that commerce with or travel to any of these nations could introduce Foot and Mouth Disease into Australia, which is why it is crucial to have stringent biosecurity measures in place at our border.
“Earlier this year we saw FMD fragments detected that came in through meat products. We have strongly advocated for the federal government to boost screening and put in place a sustainable funding model for biosecurity efforts, and work hand-in-hand with states and other stakeholders to ensure everyone knows exactly who needs to do what and when,” McColl said.
According to McColl, spending a bit now on prevention rather than a lot later on the treatment is far preferable because these biosecurity risks are extremely difficult and expensive to eradicate once they arise.
