This FAQ resource was developed by Agricultural Shows Australia
What happens in the event of an emergency animal disease like foot-and-mouth disease?
Australia’s policy is to eradicate an emergency animal disease (EAD) in the shortest possible time.
In the unlikely event of a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, there will be a national livestock standstill for 72 hours while the extent of the disease spread is determined. If a standstill is called, it would not be possible to move any animals that are susceptible to the disease off a property, or receive any of these animals onto a property, unless the animals are already on the road when the standstill is called, or a movement permit has been issued by the relevant state/territory authorities.
In the event of a standstill, state/territory authorities would advise livestock transporters how to manage animals that are on the road when the standstill is issued. Options may include completing their journey, returning to the property of origin, or off-loading them at a designated site.
Susceptible animals on infected properties will likely be destroyed. Properties within a declared FMD area will be subject to ongoing movement controls. Contingency provisions in a biosecurity plan should take this into account.
In the event of other EADs occurring, it is also possible that local or regional movement restrictions may be put in place.
What does this mean for your AgShow?
A national livestock standstill means that you cannot transport or admit animals to the Showgrounds while the standstill remains operative.
If there are animals currently housed at the Showgrounds, they cannot be removed and must remain until the standstill is lifted.
It may be possible for the state or territory authorities to issue a movement permit in exceptional circumstances.
Contingency plans for your AgShow
Possible scenarios a Showground may need to consider in their contingency planning:
- If the Showgrounds is declared an infected premise, no susceptible animals will be able to be transported to the Showgrounds for any events.
- If the Showgrounds is an infected premise, susceptible animals on site may be euthanised and the carcases disposed of appropriately.
- If the Showgrounds is subject to a livestock standstill or movement controls within a declared area, any susceptible animals on the property will need to be safely housed and maintained until animal movements are allowed again.
What can you do to reduce risk of an EAD incursion?
Regular revision of a property biosecurity plan is a necessary part of responsible farm management. Similarly, a biosecurity plan should be in place for a show, no matter what size it is.
A suggested guide for a Show and Event Biosecurity Plan is available in the resources section of Agricultural Shows Australia ASA’s website at: https://agshowsaustralia.org.au/member-resources/.
Animal Health Australia (AHA) has published a Livestock Biosecurity at Events factsheet providing basic advice for event holders and exhibitors.
Early detection of the EAD is a key element of the national response. Staff and volunteer training on the show biosecurity plan and what to do if someone suspects an EAD underpins this.
Calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888 and your veterinarian are the first steps in a potential disease response.
How is an outbreak of an EAD managed?
An EAD outbreak will be managed by the relevant Department of Primary Industries/ Agriculture in the jurisdiction. The management of a number of different EAD’s including FMD, lumpy skin disease (LSD) and African swine fever (ASF) is documented in the strategies and manuals of Australia’s Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN).
This contains the nationally agreed approach for the response to an FMD outbreak, for example.
Does Agricultural Shows Australia have your correct contact details?
It is important that ASA has current contact details for Agricultural Society Members to ensure messages about emergency diseases reach the right people.
If you haven’t updated your details with your State Agricultural Society recently please do so, or email current contact names, mobile telephones, and emails to execofficer@agshowsaustralia.org.au
You can also subscribe to AHA’s Animal Disease Alerts at: https://animalhealthaustralia.com.au/subscribe-to-our-animal-disease-alerts/