The Australian Government is opening a pathway to import live lumpy skin virus, following consultation, risk assessment and appropriate regulatory controls, to accelerate diagnostic testing capability and capacity, and enable testing of lumpy skin disease vaccines.
The Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the importation would help Australia ensure industry has the best possible vaccine protection for emergency use and a well-developed national diagnostic capacity for early detection.
“Lumpy skin disease is a serious disease of cattle and water buffalo, with potential for considerable animal welfare implications and economic losses,” Minister Littleproud said.
“It has never occurred in Australia but is an emerging threat as it continues to spread through Asia and is now present in Indonesia.
“Import of live virus is our best bet to prepare and protect Australia, and it is not a decision that we have taken lightly. Live virus would only be held at our world-leading Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) under strict containment.
“Importing live virus would also lead to opportunities to develop more suitable vaccines, which will be of benefit to not just Australia but also the Asia-Pacific region.
“The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment will work with the ACDP to assess its processes and facilities to ensure the safe import. They will also consult in more detail with peak industries and states and territories.
“It is good to see we have support from our peak industry bodies and state colleagues to take this step – and to provide additional assurance, I have asked the Inspector-General of Biosecurity to review the proposed import process and compliance controls.”
“I welcome the decision by the department to appoint a dedicated senior officer to a new role to coordinate national action to protect Australia and implement preparedness strategies.
