2-8-2023 (JAKARTA) Indonesia has issued a 60-day ultimatum to Australia, until September 12, 2023, to investigate the discovery of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in cattle imported from the country. This move comes after the clinical detection of the disease in Australian cows.
Head of the Agricultural Quarantine Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (Barantan), Bambang, stated during a press conference at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Office on Tuesday (August 1) that they are currently examining whether the type of virus causing LSD in Indonesia is the same as in Australia.
Australia has been given 60 days from the date of detection (July 12) to conduct their investigation. Both Indonesia and Australia have conducted extensive testing in this regard.
During the 60-day period, Indonesia will not halt all cattle imports from Australia but will temporarily suspend imports from four farms suspected to be the source of the disease. LSD is characterized by lumps on the skin of cows.
“We have not completely halted imports but have temporarily stopped them from the four farms where we detected LSD. If the allegation is proven to be negative after the 60-day period, imports will continue. However, if it is confirmed as positive, we will stop importing,” Bambang explained.
The detection of LSD occurred in thirteen imported cattle from four Australian farms during document and physical examinations carried out by Tanjung Priok agricultural quarantine officers at Tanjung Priok Port, Jakarta, from May 25 to July 26.
Special marks were made on the imported cattle showing clinical symptoms for further sampling.
On July 12, Barantan initiated communication with the Australian government through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) to investigate the LSD findings.
“LSD was detected positively based on laboratory test results, and the cows were immediately destroyed under the supervision of a quarantine veterinarian,” Bambang disclosed.
“We observed that the clinical symptoms of LSD in the imported cattle continued to escalate. Consequently, we made the decision to suspend imports from the four identified facilities,” he further stated.
If it is confirmed that LSD transmission has occurred in Australian farms, Bambang emphasizes that the Australian government must not conceal the information and should take immediate action to prevent further spread.
“We believe that the findings are beneficial for both Indonesia and Australia. If that’s the case, there is no need for Australia to cover it up by claiming they are still LSD-free,” Bambang asserted.
“If it is indeed true, they should openly acknowledge that an infection occurred at the four farms and take necessary measures to shut it down, thereby discontinuing cattle shipments to Indonesia,” he added.
