The Albanese Labor Government is investing up to $1 million to assist Indonesia’s response to a lumpy skin disease outbreak in Bali. This funding will provide vaccines and technical assistance to protect Indonesian livestock industries and prevent the disease from entering Australia, according to official government statements.

Australia to Invest $1 Million in Indonesia to Combat Lumpy Skin Disease

While Australia remains free from lumpy skin disease, the presence of the disease in the region is considered a threat to Australian livestock industries. The disease does not pose a risk to human health.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will provide delivery support to the Indonesian Government. Technical support will be managed by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Why is Australia funding Indonesia’s livestock response?

The investment aims to bolster regional biosecurity and protect Australia’s vital cattle industry. By assisting Indonesia, Australia seeks to prevent a disease incursion that could impact its own agricultural sectors.

“Australia takes the threat from lumpy skin disease seriously,” said Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins MP. “Helping to strengthen biosecurity through partnerships with our near neighbours is another way we’re bolstering Australia’s biosecurity system and protecting our vital cattle industry.”

Collins added that the government will not compromise on biosecurity, which protects Australia’s $100 billion agriculture, fisheries, and forestry industries and the environment.

How much has been invested in regional disease preparedness?

This $1 million commitment follows previous significant investments in regional animal health. Since 2022, the Australian Government has invested over $4 million through the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.

That funding was used to deliver capacity building support for Indonesian Government laboratories. It also provided surveillance and training for animal diseases within the region.

This current initiative is part of the National Lumpy Skin Disease Action Plan. It also aligns with the more than $2 billion in additional biosecurity resourcing the Albanese Labor Government has delivered to strengthen the national biosecurity system.

What are the potential next steps for this initiative?

The provision of additional vaccines and technical assistance may lead to improved surveillance capabilities within Indonesia. This support could potentially strengthen the capacity of Indonesian laboratories to manage future outbreaks.

The ongoing technical assistance from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is likely to continue under the framework of the National Lumpy Skin Disease Action Plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lumpy skin disease a risk to human health?
No, the disease is not a human health risk.

Which Australian agencies are assisting with this response?
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing delivery support, while the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is providing technical support.

What is the goal of the National Lumpy Skin Disease Action Plan?
The plan aims to deliver improved national preparedness for lumpy skin disease.

How effective are regional partnerships in preventing domestic biosecurity threats?