Australia remains Foot and Mouth Disease Free

Last updated on 19 August 2022.

Following outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in nearby countries, Australia has activated our biosecurity farm plan and our emergency animal disease preparedness plan to manage the risk to our animal based agricultural industries, including dairy. FMD is not currently in Australia. Below are some key points in relation to how Australia is prepared to manage the risk around FMD.

Australia is recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as officially free of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
Dairy Australia is working closely with the Australian government and other industry bodies to ensure Australia remains FMD-free.
Australia’s strict biosecurity measures has meant that it is one of the few countries in the world to remain free of the world’s most invasive pests and diseases.
Dairy Australia, along with the Australian Government, is working closely with dairy farmers to ensure they are well prepared to prevent an emergency animal disease (EAD) incursion on-farm.
People cannot contract FMD from consuming pasteurised dairy products.
In the unlikely event of an FMD incursion in Australia, there is a nationally agreed approach that has been in place for more than 20 years to support an efficient, effective, and coherent response.
Dairy Australia is committed to ensuring that Australia remains a reliable supplier of the highest quality dairy products to our international trading partners and is doing everything possible to ensure the reliability of our supply, despite the global threat of FMD.