1-8-2023 (JAKARTA) An Indonesian official revealed on Tuesday (Aug 1) that live cattle imported from Australia, a major buyer, were likely infected with lumpy skin disease (LSD) before arriving in Indonesia. As a result, Indonesia has put imports from four Australian facilities on hold.
Bambang, the head of Indonesia’s Agriculture Quarantine Agency who goes by a single name, stated that 13 cattle tested positive for LSD immediately upon arrival between May and July, transported on eight separate vessels. Some of the cows exhibited skin lumps, indicating that they were already infected prior to reaching Indonesia. The highly infectious LSD virus not only causes blisters but also reduces milk production.
“The journey from Australia took about a week at most. With the 28-day incubation period, we really believe (the LSD) could potentially have originated there,” Bambang explained during a news conference.
While Australia claims to be LSD-free, its chief veterinary officer has stated that the infections were not unexpected, considering LSD’s presence in Indonesia. The Indonesian government is still importing live cattle from other facilities, as confirmed by the Australian agriculture minister.
Bambang further revealed that LSD has been detected in cattle farms on Indonesia’s Sumatra and Java islands. An Australian investigation into the matter is set to conclude in September.
In 2021-22, Indonesia purchased approximately 56 percent of Australia’s total live cattle exports, valued at about A$900 million (US$600 million). Based on Indonesian data, over 303,000 live cattle were imported from Australia last year, with this year’s imports exceeding 153,000 cattle so far.
