How could FMD be introduced into Tasmania?
The FMD virus is not present in Australia, so any outbreak would have to be the result of the virus being brought in from overseas. The most likely path is through the importation of infected animals, semen or infected food. That’s why Australia doesn’t allow imports of any live animals, semen, uncooked meat or unprocessed dairy products from FMD affected countries. Other risks are soil, straw and other material that might be on imported farm machinery or on footwear or clothing and that could harbour the FMD virus. Also used animal handling equipment such as halters. The UK outbreak in 2001 was started by a farmer who fed his pigs swill, which included infected meat that had come from overseas. Swill feeding is banned in Tasmania.
