Australia has provided Indonesia with one million doses of the lumpy skin disease (LSD) vaccine, with the final shipment of the Lumpyvax vaccine arriving late last month.
The arrival of the last shipment of vaccines marks a significant step in protecting the cattle industry against the disease in 2024.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt has emphasised the importance of assisting in controlling LSD in the region.
“LSD and foot-and-mouth disease remain significant threats to the biosecurity of Australia and our neighbours,” Minister Watt said. “As a result, it is imperative that we do everything we can to support Indonesia as they work to get this outbreak under control.”
Minister Watt reported that Australia has provided a million vaccines to Indonesia over the course of one year, vaccines that are already making their way into the country’s cattle population and saving farmers’ livelihoods.
LSD is spread by mosquitos, flies, and ticks, severely impacting cattle and water buffalo, affecting milk production, producing sores, and potentially hampering trade.
“Given that Australia’s beef exports are forecast to be worth over $10 billion and live cattle exports over $1 billion this financial year, it’s vital that we protect our livestock industries,” Minister Watt said.
He noted that Australia has never experienced an LSD outbreak and remains free from this disease.
“It’s important that we work together with our neighbours to get this disease under control, while also taking steps to make sure we keep Australia safe and LSD-free.”
