What happens when an FMD outbreak is over?
• Thirty days after the slaughter and decontamination of the last FMD case, sentinel animals are placed on the previously infected properties. These animals are regularly tested for FMD for at least another 60 days. If no sign of FMD is detected, an application for the reinstatement of FMD free status can be made to the World Animal Health Organisation (OIE); • If the OIE approves the reinstatement of FMD free status, our key export markets can be re-opened. This will not necessarily mean we resume trade. It simply means we can now compete with those countries that have been supplying our traditional export markets during the FMD outbreak; • The process of rebuilding the ravaged rural communities and industry sectors, including the tourism industry, starts; • If the FMD outbreak were on the mainland only, we may be able to start trying to win back our key export markets from three months after FMD was first diagnosed; • If the FMD virus entered Tasmania, it might be at least 12 months
