AHA - Be on the lookout for lumpy skin disease and foot-and-mouth disease


17 June 2022

Articles

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)


Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) have been detected in countries close to Australia and livestock producers need to be prepared, vigilant and on the lookout.

Animal Health Australia has developed a number of resources for producers on their website to assist with the identification and steps to take if an outbreak was to occur.

Information can be found here https://www.bit.ly/3xeeW4t

** Image from DAWE website

Lsd cattle hind 450

What is Lumpy skin disease?

Lumpy skin disease is a highly infectious viral disease that affects all breeds of cattle and water buffalo. It does not affect other types of livestock or humans. Animals infected with the disease present with fever, depression, and characteristic skin nodules. It has never occurred in Australia but is an emerging threat as it continues to spread through Asia.

What is Foot-and-mouth disease?

FMD is a highly contagious animal disease that affects all cloven-hoofed animals including catle, sheep, goats, camelids, deer and pigs. Cloven-hoofed animals are those with a split toe.

How can you help? Look, check and ask a vet!

  • Know the signs to look out for. Find the signs and symptoms of FMD here and LSD here.
  • Report any unusual signs of disease observed in your livestock to the EAD Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 or your local veterinarian.

What other resources do I have access to?

Find various resources including helpful websites, factsheets and more below:

Lumpy skin disease - DAWE
Farm Biosecurity - Fast Focus
Foot & Mouth - DAWE

Farm Biosecurity - Foot & Mouth

How can you help?

Protect Australian livestock by simply reporting any unusual signs of disease observed in your livestock immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 or a local vet.


*** Image from DAWE website

Foot and mouth sypmtoms 4