ANIMAL HEALTH

Early disease warning system set up in Timor-Leste

Sentinel cattle herd stands guard against disease

Kristy Moroney

This article is 8 years old. Images might not display.

Known as the sentinel herd early warning system, it is part of Department of Agriculture and Water Resources’ $200 million investment to protect Australia’s valuable livestock industries and exports through biosecurity surveillance and analysis.

Head of biosecurity Lyn O’Connell said the establishment of a sentinel cattle herd in the town Asalaino in the Lautem represented an improvement to the nation’s offshore surveillance network, as well as enhancing Timor-Leste’s capacity to detect and prevent the establishment of exotic diseases.

“The sentinel herd program provides early warning of changes to exotic animal disease risks in our region that are of importance to Australia and our neighbouring countries,” O’Connell said.

“The establishment of the Timor-Leste sentinel herd provides another level of protection in Australia’s biosecurity surveillance network, complementing existing programs including the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS), the National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP) and the sentinel herds already established in Papua New Guinea and far north areas of Queensland and the Northern Territory. 

“Timor-Leste Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries officers will collect samples from the sentinel cattle herd and insect traps on a monthly basis, with the first collection scheduled in March, while testing of the samples will be conducted in both Timor-Leste and Australia.

“They’ll be monitored for foot and mouth disease (FMD), screw-worm fly and blue tongue disease.

“Advanced warning of the presence of diseases like FMD will allow Australia to work collaboratively with Timor-Leste to respond to exotic disease incursions and effectively contain and eradicate outbreaks.

“The program will also help to support Australia’s important trade in livestock and livestock products by giving our trading partners confidence in our ability to detect disease incursions early and keep our exports safe and of the highest quality. 

“It has been estimated that a medium to large outbreak of FMD in Australia could cost the Australian economy more than $50 billion over ten years, so it’s important we do all we can to protect our vital industries.”

Sentinel herds, which monitor what is occurring endemically, operate in about 90 locations in Australia, and involve all beef breeds, crossbreeds and dairy cattle.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Large Square Baler Testing (March 2025)

This month Kondinin Group has capacity tested four high-density, large square balers in what is believed to be a first for Australia. Balers from Krone, Kuhn, Massey Ferguson and New Holland were put through their paces, working in windrowed straw.

editions

Research Report: Rural Communications (February 2025)

With the departure of 3G technology and the emergence of 5G and satellite options, there are significant changes on the connectivity horizon. This month Kondinin Group engineers Ben White and Josh Giumelli investigate what is the best way to stay connected in regional and remote areas.

editions

Research Report: Chaser Bins (January 2025)

Chaser bins play a vital role when it comes to on-farm grain logistics. The January Research Report features a comprehensive round up of the latest chaser bins of 30 tonnes-plus capacity.

editions

Research Report: Succession Planning (December 2024)

This month's research report, compiled with the input of John White, Rural Generations, is a great resource for succession planning. A key message from the report is to start succession planning as soon as possible.