One million new vaccines to fight lumpy skin disease in Indonesia

Australia’s support to its near neighbours to control exotic animal diseases has received a boost with one million doses of lumpy skin disease (LSD) vaccines to be provided to Indonesia.

An initial 500,000 vaccine doses will be delivered in the coming months to meet Indonesia’s immediate need with more to follow throughout the year.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt made the announcement during a keynote speech at the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association conference in Darwin this morning.

He said the vaccines were a key part of the Australian Government’s ongoing support to Indonesia as they battle outbreaks of LSD and foot and mouth disease (FMD). 

“Effective biosecurity is underpinned by strong partnerships,” Minister Watt said.

“These vaccines will provide important support to Indonesia as it works to curb the spread of the disease—work that is essential to reduce the impact of the disease in Indonesia as well as the risk of LSD entering Australia.

“Australia has been working closely with Indonesia to support their efforts to combat the outbreak of LSD.

“We continue to have ongoing engagement with technical support and further vaccines to be delivered throughout the year.

“This is in addition to the 435,000 LSD vaccines Australia provided to Indonesia in 2022, along with four million doses of FMD vaccine.”

Minister Watt said LSD and FMD present the most significant threats to Australia’s biosecurity integrity in decades.

“LSD is a major threat to Australia’s livestock industry and our national economy,” Minister Watt said

“It causes milk production losses and skin sores in cattle and water buffalo, and can be spread through mosquitoes, flies and ticks

“And it would have very significant trade impacts, affecting exports of live animals, beef and dairy products, genetic material and hides.

“It’s important to remember that Australia has never experienced an outbreak of LSD and remains free from this disease.

“But our close proximity to neighbouring countries responding to these outbreaks means we need to take the threat seriously.

“The Albanese Government will continue to work in close partnership with our regional neighbours, national industries and all state and territory governments to reduce the risk of this disease reaching our shores.

For more information about the threat of LSD to Australia, visit: www.agriculture.gov.au/lumpyskin