Member Matters
Biosecurity threats on the rise – is your business ready?
22 July 2025
Recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and lumpy skin disease (LSD) in cattle in Europe serve as a timely reminder of the growing biosecurity risks. While Australia remains free of both FMD and LSD, the implications for food manufacturers are significant — especially when it comes to trade and supply chain resilience.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has been actively responding to these outbreaks, working closely with affected importers to adjust biosecurity import permits. Fortunately, LSD-related trade impacts have been limited, after DAFF confirmed current food safety measures (pasteurisation) in place are effective to manage the risk. However, FMD poses a greater challenge, with strict trade restrictions on products sourced from affected countries.
Understanding the threat and potential impact
Though not a human health risk, FMD and LSD are among the most serious animal diseases globally. An outbreak in Australia could result in:
- Up to $80 billion in economic losses over a decade
- Major disruptions to livestock and dairy supply chains
- Immediate trade restrictions from international partners
What can you do?
With biosecurity threats becoming more frequent, the AFGC encourages members to:
- Review supply chains to identify products or ingredients vulnerable to biosecurity-related restrictions (e.g. those requiring import permits specifying country freedom for specific diseases or pests)
- Monitor developments in Europe and other sourcing regions
- Update business continuity plans to ensure readiness.
The AFGC has been actively liaising with DAFF and supporting members through potential import disruptions.
For assistance you can contact Devika Thakkar, Regulatory Advisor – Scientific and Technical at the AFGC.
