AGRICULTURE Victoria (AV) is ramping up preparations to ensure its staff are ready to respond to biosecurity threats after fragments of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and African Swine Fever (ASF) were detected in pork products at a Melbourne retail outlet last week.

While the fragments are not transmissible, the detection shows how easily diseases and pests could enter Australia and served as a strong reminder to never feed food scraps containing meat to pigs.

Preparing for a potential FMD detection is the number one priority for AV and the team is working hand-in-glove with the Commonwealth, doing everything it can to keep Australia FMD-free.

The livestock industry and peak bodies are key partners that are regularly briefed to ensure they understand their responsibilities and know what to do to manage the threat of FMD.

AV staff are undertaking FMD-specific training, scenario planning, and participating in emergency exercises to ensure they’re ready to respond quickly if there is a positive detection in livestock.

New on-farm biosecurity methods regarding the safe disposal of animals in the instance of an outbreak are also being trialled, as well as an investigation of potential suspect cases on the ground.

There are over 300 dedicated biosecurity staff within the 1200-strong team at AV.

There is also a team of experts and scientists at AgriBio who test suspect animal and plant samples and are continually improving test accuracy and efficiency.

Meanwhile, Shadow Agriculture minister, Peter Walsh, has implored the State Government to do more to protect Victorian livestock.

“Victorian and Australian producers can’t afford the comprehensive trade restrictions and strict isolation protocols that would be required if an outbreak occurred.

“Farmers and the agriculture industry deserve confidence that all levels of government are prepared to take all appropriate action required – no matter how disruptive – to protect producers, livestock, and our economic future.”

Victoria is also the only jurisdiction to have a mandatory electronic National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) for sheep and goats, supporting rapid traceability, which is critical in a livestock biosecurity response.

FMD and ASF are notifiable exotic diseases and any suspected or confirmed cases must be reported to Agriculture Victoria on the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

The most significant risk of entry of FMD into Australia is through illegal meat and dairy products infected with the FMD virus being fed to pigs.

For more information about FMD, its signs and actions to reduce its spread, as well as what to do if you suspect it, visit the AV website at agriculture.vic.gov.au/fmd