Alerts

Lumpy skin disease is not present in Australia and the introduction of this disease would have serious economic consequences for the Australian beef and dairy industries. Animals susceptible to lumpy skin disease include cattle and water buffalo.

Until recently, it was restricted to the African continent and several countries in the Middle East. The disease has since spread to south-eastern Europe.

The following countries have confirmed an outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD):

• Greece (as at 25 June 2015 inclusive)
  

• Serbia (as at 9 April 2016 inclusive)
  

• Bulgaria
  

• The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (as at 20 February 2016 inclusive)
  

• Kosovo
  

• Albania
  

• Montenegro
  

As a result of the outbreak, commodities such as bovine semen and embryos, dairy products and hides and skins may no longer meet current import requirements and may be considered to pose a biosecurity risk.

The following countries have confirmed commencement of a preventative vaccination campaign against lumpy skin disease:

• Croatia
  

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
  

Although no outbreaks of lumpy skin disease have been detected, the international standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) do not recognise countries undertaking preventative vaccination as free from lumpy skin disease. These standards are part of the criteria used by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources for recognising a country as free from lumpy skin disease for trade purposes.

Commodities affected:

Commodities such as:

• bovine semen
  

• bovine embryos
  

• dairy products (excluding cheese and butter)
  

• unprocessed hides and skins
  

• Animal fluids and tissues
  

May now pose an unacceptable biosecurity risk as Australia’s import conditions require them to be sourced from countries free from lumpy skin disease.

The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources is undertaking measures to reduce the risk of introducing lumpy skin disease into Australia. For commodities of concern, the application of these measures will be based on the date of report and the maximum incubation period. High risk items will not be permitted entry and variation of import permits will be made where necessary.

European veterinary authorities are actively engaged in the management and prevention of further outbreaks. However, as lumpy skin disease is a highly infectious and difficult to eradicate transboundary disease, further spread within Europe can be expected. The department continues to monitor the presence of lumpy skin disease in south-eastern Europe and will notify importers if additional outbreaks occur and the effect they may have on existing trade.

Further information:

Animal and Biological Import Assessments Branch

Phone: 1800 900 090

Email: imports@agriculture.gov.au