Alerts

Greece has confirmed an outbreak of lumpy skin disease.

Lumpy skin disease is not present in Australian 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.

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 Department of Agriculture 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. These changes will affect material that was sourced from or manufactured in Greece from 25 June 2015 (inclusive). High risk items will not be permitted entry and variation of import permits will be made where necessary.

Further information:

Animal and Biological Import Assessments Branch

Phone: 1800 900 090

Email: imports@agriculture.gov.au