FOOT and Mouth Disease Biosecurity Response Zones have been extended at Australia’s international airports until 30 June 2023.

The Biosecurity (Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Biosecurity Response Zone) Determination 2022 covers all relevant international airports.

Director of biosecurity and secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Andrew Metcalfe said the extension would continue to ensure Australia has the strongest protection from FMD being introduced by way of travellers from Indonesia.

“Biosecurity Response Zones at international airports were first established in July,” Mr Metcalfe said.

Mr Metcalfe established the zones on July 22 this year, the first time this had been done under section 365 of the Biosecurity Act 2015. At the time Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said the zones strengthen and widen the powers of biosecurity officers to direct passengers to use foot mats and other biosecurity control measures such as the cleaning of shoes.

He said Australia is currently free of FMD “and we want to keep it that way.”

“Extending this determination is a key part of our response.

“The response zones strengthen and widen the powers of biosecurity officers to set up and direct passengers to use foot mats and other biosecurity control measures such as the cleaning of shoes,” he said.

“The response zones are in addition to the $14 million assistance package to reduce the risk of FMD spreading from Bali to Australia which includes increased detection and protection here in Australia and a million vaccines for the Indonesian cattle industry.

“Sanitising foot mats are also installed at all international airports, and at ports where commercial or cruise vessels may arrive direct from Indonesia.”

Source – DAFF.