What to do if you suspect foot-and-mouth disease
If you think an animal has foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), it's important to take the following steps to prevent the possible spread of disease.
- After contacting your local veterinarian, immediately contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. FMD is prohibited matter under Queensland's Biosecurity Act 2014, so you are legally required to report suspected cases to government.
- If possible, immediately isolate the affected animal(s) and keep them away from the edge of the property. People who have been in contact with the suspected stock must not contact other at-risk stock. Animals such as dogs, cats and poultry must not be allowed to have contact with stock as they may spread the disease.
- Do not introduce any new animals to the site.
- Do not move any animals off-site. The suspected stock should not be moved near to, or across, a public road.
- Do not move vehicles, clothing, animal feed, waste material or anything else that has been in contact with the suspect stock.
- Unless it is an emergency, all people on the property should not leave without first receiving biosecurity advice. Anybody who must leave must shower first and leave all farm clothes on the property, taking special care that footwear is particularly clean, with no dirt or dung left on the soles of the footwear or on any remaining clothing.
- Do not allow visitors or vehicles onto the property. If possible, put a 'NO ENTRY' sign on farm gates and other access points.
Biosecurity Queensland officers will contact you to provide further information and support in relation to managing the property while the investigation is in progress. If FMD is confirmed, a range of biosecurity measures will be put in place to contain and eradicate the disease on the property.