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Department of Agriculture

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  1. Home
  2. Biosecurity and trade
  3. Pests, diseases and weeds
  4. Animal pests and diseases
  5. Lumpy skin disease

Sidebar first - Pests diseases weeds

  • Animal pests and diseases
    • Avian influenza (bird flu)
      • Facts about avian influenza
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Lumpy skin disease

If your livestock are showing signs of lumpy skin disease, immediately call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 (free call within Australia)

Australia is free from lumpy skin disease (LSD) and has never had an incursion of the disease, according to World Organisation for Animal Health standards.

Further information can be found at Australia’s freedom from lumpy skin disease.

LSD is a serious viral disease that primarily affects cattle and buffalo. The disease can result in animal welfare issues and significant production losses. LSD is a disease of animals, not humans, it is not transmitted to humans by eating affected meat.

LSD is carried by live animals and reproductive material. It can also be spread by contaminated equipment and biting insects or parasites, such as flies, mosquitos and ticks.

Latest on LSD

LSD was reported in Indonesia on 2 March 2022. LSD has since been detected in a number of Indonesia’s provinces.

The emergence and continued spread of LSD in Indonesia changed the risk profile for Australia. As a result, we have been working with government and industry groups to strengthen our disease preparedness activities. Australia has nationally agreed response and cost-sharing arrangements in place to respond to exotic disease incursions, including for LSD.

On 30 July 2023, Australia’s then Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Mark Schipp, confirmed that the Indonesian Agriculture and Quarantine Agency advised the department that a small number of Australian cattle exported to Indonesia returned positive results for LSD.

On 9 September 2023, the department announced an agreement with the Indonesian Agriculture and Quarantine Agency to lift the suspensions and restriction on live cattle and buffalo exports from across northern Australia. No cases of LSD were detected in Australia as a result of the extensive testing associated with that incident.

The department will continue to engage with stakeholders and provide trading partners with assurances of our animal health status.

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Australia's freedom from lumpy skin disease

Read more about Australia’s animal health systems and information to support Australia’s freedom from infection.

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The facts about lumpy skin disease

About the disease and the risk to Australia.

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Government actions

Learn more about the measures in place to prevent and prepare for LSD.

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Livestock producers

Find out what signs to look for in cattle, how to report a suspect case, and what you can do to protect your animals.

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Veterinarians

Learn more about diagnosing, sampling and reporting LSD.

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National Lumpy Skin Disease Action Plan

Find out more about the agreed priorities for actions to strengthen Australia’s preparedness for a potential LSD incursion.

Watch

In this video Australia’s recently retired Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Mark Schipp, provides information about Lumpy skin disease, including its potential impacts and the need for disease vigilance.

Video transcript - lumpy skin disease information

Media enquiries

For media enquiries visit our News and media centre, email us or phone (61 2) 6272 3232.

LSD information from your state or territory department

  • Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
  • Biosecurity Queensland
  • NSW Department of Primary Industries
  • Agriculture Victoria
  • Tasmania
  • Primary Industries and Regions South Australia 
  • Western Australia Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development

Latest LSD news

Decorative image

Indonesian authorities lift trade restrictions on live cattle and buffalo exports from Australia

  • Statement
  • Live animal exports
09 September 2023
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Malaysian authorities have lifted the temporary suspension of live cattle and buffalo exports from Australia

  • Statement
  • Live animal exports
05 September 2023
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Australia remains free from lumpy skin disease

  • Media release
  • Live animal exports
03 September 2023
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Suspension of live cattle and buffalo exports to Malaysia

  • Statement
  • Live animal exports
09 August 2023
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The detection of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in Australian cattle exported to Indonesia

  • Statement
  • Live animal exports
30 July 2023
All news and media

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Page last updated: 18 December 2023

We acknowledge the continuous connection of First Nations Traditional Owners and Custodians to the lands, seas and waters of Australia. We recognise their care for and cultivation of Country. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognise their knowledge and contribution to the productivity, innovation and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.

Artwork: Protecting our Country, Growing our Future
© Amy Allerton, contemporary Aboriginal Artist of the Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Gamilaroi nations.

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