The latest outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the United Kingdom highlights the need for stringent biosecurity measures in Australia, according to Director of the Veterinary Science program at Charles Sturt University (CSU), Professor Kym Abbott.

 

The debilating and extremely contagious disease was detected last week in a cattle herd south-west of London.

 

“We must hope that the detection of FMD has occurred so quickly that there has been no further spread from the first herd affected. This will become clearer over the next few days,” Professor Abbott said.

 

”If it is shown that the source of the outbreak was one of the nearby research facilities, it will be a powerful reminder of how readily this disease can spread and how important it is to have extremely stringent biosecurity measures in place.

 

“This virus is capable of spreading by airborne infection over several kilometres in suitable conditions, and very small numbers of virus particles are capable of initiating a new infection in susceptible animals.”