Lumpy Skin Disease Hits Australian Cattle Exports to Indonesia
July 31, 2023Australian cattle exports to Indonesia face a significant hurdle as lumpy skin disease (LSD) surfaces among Australian cattle, as reported by ABC News, Australia’s national news service.
Lumpy skin disease, a viral illness that affects cattle, has been identified in a number of animals exported from Australia to Indonesia. The disease, while not typically fatal, can significantly affect the quality and value of the meat and hide, and may also reduce milk production in dairy cattle.
Indonesia, a major market for Australian cattle exports, has expressed concern over the disease’s presence. The two countries have a longstanding trading relationship in this area, with Indonesia importing a substantial proportion of its beef from Australia.
The discovery of LSD in exported cattle could potentially disrupt this trade relationship. Australian authorities are expected to carry out stringent investigations and take necessary measures to control the disease and reassure trading partners of the safety and quality of its cattle exports.
The situation also highlights the challenges in maintaining biosecurity in livestock export and the potential repercussions of disease outbreaks on international trade. It underscores the need for stringent health checks and disease control measures to ensure the health of animals, safeguard trade relationships, and protect the economic interests of farmers and exporters.
In the wake of these events, stakeholders in the Australian cattle industry and government officials are closely monitoring the situation. This incidence of lumpy skin disease has thrown a spotlight on the importance of disease control and prevention in the global livestock trade, and the potential impact of disease outbreaks on international market dynamics.
