Australia’s feedlot biosecurity preparedness boosted as LSD detected in Bali
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE AUSTRALIAN LOT FEEDERS' ASSOCIATION AND MEAT & LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIA
A new report has highlighted the significant strengthening in Australia’s emergency animal disease (EAD) preparedness as regional neighbours deal with disease outbreaks and increased threats.
The recent confirmed discovery of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in Bali, while not in Australia, highlights the progression of this disease through the broader region and increased risk of LSD spreading to Australia.
The Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) in partnership with Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) have created new national biosecurity training, improved practical operational tools, and updated industry guidelines, behind a major uplift in capability across the sector.
These are the key findings of a new industry report - ALFA’s EAD Biosecurity Project: Strengthening Australia’s Readiness for Emergency Animal Disease - released today.
The report details strong progress made since 2022, including publication of the updated AUSVETPLAN Enterprise Manual for Beef Cattle Feedlots, development of seven new operational biosecurity resources, delivery of training to nearly 250 participants, and increased understanding of EAD frameworks among operators and service providers.
A key outcome of the project has been the launch of the ALFA Biosecurity Hub, which conveniently houses key resources and training opportunities to support feedlot operators increase their biosecurity capabilities.
To embed Biosecurity best practice in the feedlot sector the project has included updates to the Feedlot industry’s Quality Assurance requirements under the National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme (NFAS). These enhancements relate to Emergency Animal Disease Planning, Destruction, Disposal & Decontamination Planning, and Visitor Register & Feedlot zones.
The comprehensive biosecurity strategy was endorsed by the ALFA Board in August 2022, following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and LSD in Indonesia, with MLA investing $500,000 through grain fed levies to support delivery.
ALFA President Grant Garey said the report demonstrates the industry’s strong commitment to preparing for emerging disease risks.
“The progress we’ve made reflects the willingness of feedlot operators and service providers to lift capability quickly and consistently,” he said.
“The practical tools and training delivered through this project have helped operators embed strong day-to-day biosecurity behaviours that protect individual enterprises.
Collectively, the measures strengthen the resilience of our entire sector,” Mr Garey said.
MLA Managing Director Michael Crowley said MLA’s partnership with ALFA ensures levy investment delivers practical, on-feedlot benefits.
“Biosecurity is fundamental to our productivity, profitability and market access as a red meat industry,” he said.
“This project has built real world capability within feedlots and across their support networks. These improvements help ensure the industry is better placed to prevent, detect and respond to an EAD incursion, and to recover more quickly if one occurs,” Mr Crowley said.
Through their strategic partnership, ALFA and MLA are delivering improvements across key areas, including:
strengthened feedlot level operational procedures for prevention and response
enhanced training, guidance and extension for feedlot operators
improved knowledge and capability among service providers such as veterinarians, nutritionists and auditors
increased strategic and technical capacity to support emergency animal disease preparedness
While ALFA’s EAD Biosecurity Project has concluded, ALFA will continue to continue support feedlot operators build their biosecurity capability - registrations are now open for ALFA’s Exit-Entry Training workshop series to be conducted regionally through April and May.
Entry-Exit training is designed to be highly practical and immediately applicable, supporting feedlots to strengthen preparedness, protect animal health and reduce biosecurity risk associated with everyday movements on and off site. Feedlot operators and staff can register here to attend.
The approach to date aligns with the broader direction of the red meat and livestock industry. Under the Red Meat 2030 strategy, biosecurity is recognised as a priority area across both the Our Livestock and Our Systems pillars. The approach also reflects MLA’s 2030 plan, where biosecurity is a key component in driving profitable, productive and sustainable industry growth.
ALFA and MLA continue to demonstrate a united leadership role in building resilience within the Australian feedlot sector and contributing to strengthened national biosecurity outcomes.
ENDS.
Media Enquiries:
Grant Garey
ALFA President
(02) 9290 3700
Niamh Bartley
ALFA Marketing & Communications
0417 610 150
Jack Johnston
MLA Corporate Affairs and Media Manager
0407 282 971
