Australian Government Procures Vaccines for Cattle Disease – Securing Exports and Protecting Livestock
The Australian government has taken a proactive step in securing the country’s live animal exports by purchasing a supply of vaccines for lumpy skin disease (LSD), a highly contagious condition that affects cattle. This move aims to control the disease and ensure uninterrupted exports of live animals.
While Australia is currently free of LSD, recent infection scares have caused temporary disruptions in live cattle shipments to Malaysia and Indonesia. With concerns over potential outbreaks, the government has decided to procure vaccines to minimize risks and maintain the confidence of international buyers.
According to customs data, Australia exported 593,000 live cattle and buffalo last year, amounting to a value of $870 million. Indonesia is the largest market for Australian cattle, followed by China, Vietnam, and Israel. Any interruptions in exports could have significant economic implications for the country.
Lumpy skin disease causes blister-like lesions in cattle and buffalo, leading to a decrease in milk production. However, it poses no threat to human health and is transmitted through insect bites. To ensure the availability of vaccines, the Australian agriculture ministry has signed a contract with MSD Animal Health, a leading company in animal health solutions.
Under the agreement, an initial supply of 300,000 doses of the LSD vaccine will be secured for Australia, Timor-Leste, and Papua New Guinea. The contract is set to run for four years, with the vaccine doses stored in a secure location overseas. The exact cost of the agreement has not been disclosed.
Agriculture Minister Murray Watt emphasized that access to vaccines is a crucial aspect of the government’s strategy to mitigate offshore risks and strengthen response mechanisms. This agreement ensures priority access to a high-quality vaccine that can be swiftly administered to protect Australian animals in the event of an outbreak. Additionally, the vaccine can be shared with neighboring countries to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
To address any potential emergencies, an emergency use permit has also been issued to allow the vaccine’s use within Australia if necessary. This demonstrates the government’s commitment to safeguarding the livestock industry and maintaining strong relationships with trading partners.
Indonesia temporarily suspended imports from select Australian export facilities in July and August when LSD-positive cases were detected. However, these suspensions were lifted in September. Similarly, Malaysia paused imports in August following the detections in Indonesia but resumed trade just last month.
By taking proactive measures to address the risks associated with lumpy skin disease, the Australian government aims to ensure the ongoing success of its live animal export industry. The procurement of vaccines not only protects the country’s livestock but also strengthens its position as a reliable supplier of high-quality animals to global markets.
