Media release

 

 

March 30, 2001

 

WAFF CALLING ON TIGHTER AIRPORT SECURITY TO PREVENT FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE ENTERING AUSTRALIA

 

The Western Australian Farmers Federation is calling on tighter airport security to ensure that the potentially devastating Foot and Mouth Disease does not enter Australia.

 

WAFF general president Colin Nicholl is calling on AQIS to step up security and inspection procedures at the Perth International and Domestic airports after a farming family from England entered Australia last week without being checked.

 

Mr Nicholl said the family’s neighbouring property in England had been placed in quarantine and had to have stock destroyed that had contracted Foot and Mouth Disease.

 

“The family was planning to visit relatives in the wheatbelt but have, however, remained in Perth for an extra week as they were worried that they may had not been scrutinised closely at the airport,” Mr Nicholl said.

 

Mr Nicholl said although WAFF was confident that inspection procedures at the ports were sufficient, it was concerned over the apparent lapse in security and checking at the airports.

 

“If Foot and Mouth Disease was to enter Australia, it would be devastating for the livestock industry and WA agriculture in general,” Mr Nicholl said.

 

“It would only take one lapse of vigilance by AQIS at the wrong time to risk the disease’s entry.

 

“One of the main carriers of the disease is soil and that can quite easily be brought into the country on footwear.

 

“I have addressed this issue with NFF on a phone hook-up today and will be writing to AQIS about WAFF’s concerns.

 

“To date WAFF has worked closely with AQIS to ensure everything that can be done is being done to prevent Foot and Mouth Disease entering Australia, and we hope that further measures will be taken at the airports to ensure the agriculture industry is fully protected from the disease.

 

For further information contact:

 

Colin Nicholl                                        General President                         (08) 9325 2933

 

Barry Bell                                            Meat Section President                (08) 9727 2342

                                                                                                                  0417 966 126

                                                                                                                 

Katrina Bonser                                    Communications Officer              (08) 9325 2933

                                                                                                                  0427 911 871