As FMD spreads throughout Indonesia, New Zealand has become more vigilant about FMD, which the government calls the “worst” biosecurity risk for the country’s agricultural sector.
“It’s not a threat to humans, but it will devastate the herds of our country. Essentially all animals with hooves are at risk,” Jacinda Ardern said on July 25. He told reporters that it could endanger the employment of 100,000 people.
In New Zealand, protocols have already been implemented for Malaysian and Chinese people to combat the disease, and these measures will be applied to Indonesia as well.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said Newshub As with Australia, all parcels and freight containers from Indonesia are also checked.
“More than 60 percent of our exports come from the primary sector,” he said. “This will affect all New Zealanders, which is why we ask all of us to keep an eye out.”
“If we are traveling abroad, be aware of where we go and make sure we are not in contact with animals.”
Currently, there are no direct flights between Indonesia and New Zealand, so travelers returning from Bali via Australia will need to take a footbath, check their baggage and ask if they are near the animals. Also, bringing in meat products is prohibited.
High alert level
Changes in New Zealand’s biosecurity measures have been brought about by the detection of foot-and-mouth disease fragments in pork products at a retail store in Melbourne, Australia, “one step closer” to New Zealand.
The disease has not occurred in Australia because the detected fragments did not contain a live virus.
Barbara Kriger, a national agricultural spokesman, said it was “pleasant” to see the Department of Primary Industry (MPI) raise the rules for people returning from countries where the disease exists.
“We need to identify and be vigilant on all the ways that the disease can invade the country,” she said. statement.. “Farmers need to reaffirm that their farms have strict biosecurity measures, but all returning travelers must carefully declare their place of stay abroad.”
However, the New Zealand government has significantly strengthened its biosecurity protocol for Indonesia, but the Minister of Agriculture said the risk remains low.
“But it’s important for everyone in New Zealand to understand what the risks are,” O’Connor said. Talk radio ZB.. “Low risk does not mean that this is not important in terms of potential for New Zealand.”
The risk of foot-and-mouth disease has existed for decades, especially after the UK outbreak in 2001, causing more than £ 8 billion (US $ 9.6 billion) in damage to the economy.
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Rebecca Zhu is based in Sydney. She focuses on Australian and New Zealand national affairs. Do you have any hints? Contact her at [email protected]