ALEC welcomes additional funding for Indonesia’s LSD response

The Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council (ALEC) has welcomed the Federal Government’s move to safeguard Australia’s $1.1 billion live cattle export trade by providing additional funding to Indonesia to assist with its Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) response.

The Government announced yesterday that it will provide a further $1 million in vaccines and technical assistance to help Indonesian authorities manage the recent LSD outbreak in Bali.

The funding builds on Australia’s support since 2022 which has included the delivery of more than 1.4 million doses of LSD vaccine as well as laboratory capacity-building, disease surveillance and training programs for Indonesian animal health officials.

ALEC Chief Executive Officer Mark Harvey-Sutton said the continued provision of practical and technical programs was critical to assisting Indonesia to minimise the spread of LSD and to support its domestic cattle industry.

“It is important the Australian Government work as closely as possible with its Indonesian counterparts to minimise the spread of Lumpy Skin Disease.” Mr Harvey-Sutton said.

“An incursion of Lumpy Skin Disease in Australia would have devastating consequences for Australia’s livestock sector.

“Supporting our neighbours to detect, manage and control animal diseases is one of the most effective ways Australia can strengthen its own biosecurity defences.”

Mr Harvey-Sutton said the announcement reflected the strong partnership between Australia and Indonesia and the shared commitment of both countries to protecting animal health and supporting agricultural trade.

“Indonesia is Australia’s largest market for live cattle exports and maintaining strong animal health systems across the region is in the interests of both countries,” he said.

“We commend the Federal Government for its ongoing commitment to regional biosecurity and for recognising the importance of investing beyond our borders to protect Australian producers, exporters and rural communities.

“Biosecurity is not just an agricultural issue, it is an economic and national interest issue. Continued investment in prevention and preparedness is far more effective and cost-efficient than responding to a disease outbreak once it reaches Australia.”