LIMESTONE Coast councils are concerned about the threat foot and mouth disease would pose to the region.
Limestone Coast Local Government Association president Erica Vickery said an outbreak of the disease would be devastating.
“An outbreak of foot and mouth disease would be a disaster for the Limestone Coast” Ms Vickery said.
“There would be significant flow-on economic losses and social impacts to our communities as well the heartbreak from farmers as they would have to destroy infected stock to try and contain the
disease.”
The Limestone Coast councils share the red meat industry’s concerns about the risk of foot and mouth disease spreading from Indonesia to Australia, particularly as holiday makers return home from Bali.
“Containing an outbreak would be difficult,” Ms Vickery said.
“Of course, the prevalence of feral species such as deer would increase the complexity of containment.”
“We support the Red Meat industry’s call for the Federal and State Government to do all they can to ensure travellers from Indonesia and returning Australian holidaymakers do not bring this devastating disease into Australia.
“We also appeal to all travellers to observe all requirements as they enter Australia to ensure they do not bring in the disease.”
In SA the Red Meat and Wool Industry generated nearly $4.6b in revenue with the Limestone Coast red meat industry representing one third of the total red meat industry in South Australia and employing about 4000 people in our region.
