NATIONAL Farmers Federation (NFF) president Fiona Simson has spoken in a statement regarding plans to manage an incursion of Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) if it were to come to Australia.
Ms Simson said bringing together agriculture officials and other emergency management and response agencies is the right idea.
“Industry has been planning for a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) incursion for decades,“ Ms Simson said.
“We have a world class biosecurity system, and we have detailed and effective plans in place to manage an incursion, but that doesn’t mean we should be complacent.“
Ms Simson added that if a serious disease such as FMD were to hit Australia, it would not just fall under an industry problem.
“It’s appropriate to have a broad cross section of emergency management agencies come together to support the ongoing review and enhancement of our preparedness and response plans,“ she said.
“It’s critical that this new Taskforce establish a strong working partnership with industry, including our established structures and formalised response frameworks.
“Australia remains free from FMD and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), but these threats and others are right on our doorstep.“
Ms Simson said that now was the time to check and re-check preparedness, while ensuring every step is taken to keep these diseases off of Australian shores.
The NFF has continued t call for screening of passengers returning from areas considered a high-risk, such as Indonesia, while in a period of increased threat to the country.
“In addition, we are seeking a long-term, sustainable funding pipeline for our world-class biosecurity systems and personnel,“ Ms Simson said.
“These systems have kept Australia FMD-free for 150 years, and must be given the funding and resources they need as the threat environment grows.“
