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DISEASE PREPAREDNESS HUB

Resources to help your business remain alert and be prepared for an animal disease outbreak

how to prepare for a LSD or FMD outbreak

The recent confirmation of Foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Bali, and the ongoing outbreak of Lumpy skin disease (LSD) throughout several Indonesian provinces, means Australian lot feeders must remain alert and be prepared.

Foot and mouth disease (FMD)

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A highly contagious animal disease that affects all cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, sheep, goats, camelids (includes alpacas, llamas and camels), deer and pigs.

Cloven-hoofed animals are those with a split toe. It does not affect horses. 

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Lumpy skin disease (LSD)

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Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a highly-infectious disease of cattle and buffalo that does not affect humans.

 

The disease is caused by a virus similar to sheep pox and goat pox, and mostly transmitted by biting insects including flies, mosquitoes and ticks.

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How to prepare

1. Know the signs of LSD and FMD

Early detection is critical for an effective response. Everyone on your feedlot should be able to identify the signs of LSD and FMD, and know how to report a suspected case to the appropriate authorities. To assist, ALFA has developed fact sheets for you to share amongst your feedlot staff.

 

2. Report LSD or FMD, if you suspect it

LSD and FMD are reportable diseases and so if you suspect a case of either on your feedlot, you must immediately report it to:

  • The Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline – 1800 675 888; or

  • Your state or territory Chief Veterinary Officer.

 

3. Bolster your biosecurity protocols

Take the time to review your biosecurity protocols. The National Biosecurity Manual For Beef Cattle Feedlots outlines elements of best management practice that should be followed wherever possible to protect your livestock against exposure to endemic and emergency diseases.

 

4. Review your Emergency Animal Disease Action Plan

Review your Emergency Animal Disease Action Plan. The National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme (NFAS) Element LM7 – Biosecurity includes procedures to help you minimise the risk of entry and spread of a disease and/or manage an animal disease outbreak on your feedlot. Review your procedures with management and staff.

 

The procedures set out in the AUSVETPLAN Enterprise Manual for Beef Cattle Feedlots (Version 5) provide guidance to operators in the event of a disease outbreak. Feedlot operators should become familiar with these procedures and how they relate to feedlot operations. 

Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline – 1800 675 888

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