International students and travellers are being called on to help stop the spread of the highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) into Western Australia.
Strict biosecurity measures are in place at our border with recent outbreaks of the livestock disease in the tourist hotspot of Bali and other parts of Indonesia.
FMD is not harmful to human health but affects all cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, pigs, deer, and camels.
An outbreak in Australia would cause sickness in animals and have a devastating impact on our meat and dairy farmers, international trade, economy, and regional communities.
Any travel to rural areas or sites where farm animals may have been, must be declared upon entry to WA.
Students relocating or returning to WA are reminded to clean and declare all shoes, clothing, luggage, and equipment used near animals or in rural areas.
High-risk animal products such as animal skins, camping or hunting products should also be declared and presented to a biosecurity officer for inspection on arrival or put in a bin.
It is important to check what you can bring or mail to Australia and to remind family and friends overseas that certain products are not permitted.
FMD can survive in frozen, chilled and freeze-dried foods including meat and dairy products therefore it is illegal to bring these foods into Australia.
For traveller biosecurity advice and alerts about FMD, visit the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.
More information about FMD is available on the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development WA website.
Travellers are warned that breaches to Australia’s biosecurity laws will incur serious penalties and Visas may also be cancelled.
