AN industry analyst has warned of the dire threat of foot and mouth disease (FMD) on Australia’s doorstep in Indonesia, telling beef producers to “get their house in order”.

FMD is a highly contagious viral disease of livestock, causing fever, followed by the development of vesicles (blisters) chiefly in the mouth and on the feet. While generally not lethal to adult animals, it can kill young animals and cause serious production losses.