Ministerial mission to Indonesia to combat foot and mouth disease

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt will hold face-to-face talks with his Indonesian counterparts in Jakarta this week, as we support Indonesia’s efforts to contain the spread of food and mouth disease.

Minister Watt will be accompanied by senior officials from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, including Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Mark Schipp, along with National Farmers’ Federation President Fiona Simson.

This high-level delegation demonstrates a united stand between government and the farm sector, to ensure we keep Australian agriculture safe.

Minister Watt said the two-day visit was the next step in the Albanese Government’s effort to combat FMD, building on new biosecurity measures introduced, including extra screening of travellers, luggage and mail, biosecurity detector dogs, more information for travellers and signage in airports.

The Ministerial mission will solidify efforts by both countries to prevent FMD spreading further.

“The Albanese Government is taking strong action on FMD at home and abroad. This two-pronged approach is about strengthening our biosecurity defences at home, and supporting Indonesia to manage and contain the outbreak there,” Minister Watt said.

The visit will build upon the strong foundation made by Prime Minister Albanese’s visit to Indonesia last month, where he offered vaccines and technical expertise to assist Indonesia responding to FMD.

“FMD would have a significant impact on Australian agriculture if it reaches our shores, and we are taking practical measures to prevent that,” Minister Watt said.

While in Indonesia, Minister Watt will meet with the Indonesian Ministers for Agriculture, Disaster Management and Fisheries, as well as with leading Indonesian agribusiness representatives.

For more information on FMD visit: www.agriculture.gov.au/footandmouthdisease