Australia is concerned about the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in livestock to its shores. This concern arises after the outbreak was detected in Bali, a popular tourist destination for Australians.
"We have kept Australia free of FMD for over 130 years, but FMD is now on our doorstep and we all have a role to play in keeping our domestic industry safe," said New South Wales Deputy Premier Paul Toole in a press release on Sunday (July 11, 2022).
He urged Australians holidaying in Bali to exercise caution upon returning home.
"If you are travelling to Bali, or anywhere else that may have been affected by FMD, please do the right thing when you return to Australia," said Paul Toole.
"Ensure that the clothes and shoes you bring are clean, free of soil and animal dung. Avoid contact with livestock during your travels, and stay away from farms or other livestock areas for seven days upon your return home," he continued.
According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, during the January-May 2022 period, 43,450 Australian citizens returned from Indonesia to their home country. The highest number was recorded in May 2022, at 29,180 people.
Meanwhile, as of July 14, 2022, the FMD outbreak had spread to 22 Indonesian provinces, with approximately 367,000 infected animals. In Bali alone, 218 livestock animals have been infected with FMD.
(Also Read: Australia Fears FMD Outbreak, This is the Value of its Livestock Exports)