The NT Cattlemen's Association says the move is "disappointing" and the WA Farmers Association says it lacks consultation.Indonesia still has foot and mouth disease, but daily cases have declined dramatically since the outbreak in 2022.following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Indonesia, with travellers returning home required to step through the mats to kill off any potential spread.
"The FMD situation in Indonesia has stablised and we're only seeing approximately 25 cases per day compared to over 12,000 cases per day at its peak," said Dr Brant Smith, the head of animal biosecurity in the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. "Those measures include extra dogs trained to detect biosecurity risks, screening with 2D X-ray capability and trials with enhanced 3D X-rays, real-time risk assessment by Australian biosecurity officers at the border, targeted communication, and increased signage," she said.The Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association said the decision to remove biosecurity foot mats was disappointing.
"There hasn't been consultation with industry and it's a little bit concerning that this has happened with the fact there's still cases of FMDWhen the mats were first installed in July 2022, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said they served multiple purposes including being a "physical reminder to passengers to do the right thing to limit any spread of FMD".