Reuters – New Zealand said late July 20 that it had increased measures to prevent foot and mouth disease (FMD) from getting into the country after the illness was recently found in Indonesia.
“With FMD recently found in the tourist hotspot of Bali, we’ve taken concrete steps to boost our work at the border in recent weeks, including a public awareness campaign,” said Damien O’Connor, New Zealand’s minister of biosecurity, agriculture, trade and export growth, land information and rural communities.
“I call on everyone to be vigilant in playing their part to protect New Zealand’s economic security,” he said.
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Foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious virus that affects cloven-hooved animals. An outbreak of the virus in New Zealand would severely impact key exports of dairy, red meat and pork products for months or even years, according to the nation’s Ministry for Primary Industries.
The federal department introduced foot mats with disinfecting chemicals for those arriving from Indonesia to ensure footwear is clear of the virus. A campaign has been launched to educate travellers going to Bali of the issues.
There is also an on-the-ground audit of the supply chain for palm kernel animal feed and New Zealand is providing equipment to Indonesia to help contain the virus.
