Biosecurity
What is Foot and mouth Disease?
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral infection of domestic and wild cloven-hoofed animals (cloven animals have hooves that are divided into two parts such as cows). Horses are not yet affected by this disease. FMD is a prohibited matter under the Biosecurity Act 2014. FMD is considered a rare human disease and is not a public health concern as the infection is temporary and mild. FMD is not the same as hand, foot and mouth disease of humans. .
Where is Foot and mouth disease found?
Australia is currently free of FMD. Minor outbreaks were reported in the 1800s and it has not occurred in Australia since 1872. FMD is found in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and South America.
What animals are affected by Foot and mouth disease?
Animals that can spread FMD include cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, camelids (camels, alpacas, llamas), deer, buffalo and elephants. Feral, wild and native animals can become infected with FMD.
What are the signs of Foot and mouth disease?
Depending on the species, animals may exhibit high temperatures, blisters on the feet and in the mouth, excessive salivation, drooling and lameness. If you suspect the presence of FMD you must report it to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or contact the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
How is Foot and mouth disease spread?
An outbreak of FMD in Australia is most likely to be caused by feeding swill (food contaminated with animal by-products) to pigs. The primary method of transmission is by direct contact with an infected animal or via respiratory particles or droplets. The virus can also be moved from one area to another on vehicles and goods including stock feed, clothing, and footwear. The virus may remain infective in the environment for several weeks to months.
What is the impact of Foot and mouth disease to Australia?
FMD would have severe consequences for Australia’s animal health and trade including severe economic losses for livestock owners, rural workers, and communities.
How is Alexandra Park Zoo managing Foot and mouth disease?
Whilst there is no evidence that FMD is in Australia, limited studies have shown that FMD can affect Australian marsupial species, however native species are unlikely to have a significant role in an outbreak under natural conditions. Alexandra Park Zoo has taken additional precautions of providing sanitisation stations, ensuring wallabies are not involved in visitor encounters and continue to maintain high standards of hygiene throughout the zoo. If you have questions on how Alexandra Park Zoo minimises the risk, feel free to speak with one of the keepers at Alexandra Park Zoo.
How can you help stop the spread of Foot and mouth disease?
Do not feed swill to pigs. If you see a sick animal and are concerned call biosecurity and report it. Consider having dedicated shoes, clothes and equipment for farm work and leaving these on site or thoroughly clean equipment between properties. To learn more head to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website. Information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAFF) and Animal Health Australia.