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Collaborative preparation key to preventing LSD in Aus

Collaborative preparation key to preventing LSD in Aus.

27 February 2026

A collaborative, risk-based approach, connecting producers, industry and government, is critical to preventing Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) from entering Australia.

In a webinar hosted by peak advocacy body, Cattle Australia (CA), and attended by more than 150 producers and industry representatives, Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Beth Cookson, detailed the importance of coordinated preparation for preventing LSD, and in a worse-case scenario, responding to its detection.

“Australia’s biosecurity strength comes from our commitment to preparedness – it is something we continue to build together,” Dr Cookson said. “It is not something that industry or governments or individuals can do alone.”

Dr Cookson said the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) was working closely with State and Territory governments, agencies including Animal Health Australia (AHA), industry bodies such as CA and Meat & Livestock Australia, as well as neighbouring countries to monitor LSD pathways and prepare joint strategies.

“We’re monitoring risk factors and making assessments about potential entry pathways, and adjusting point of entry protocols accordingly to ensure Australia’s strict biosecurity measures continue to manage the risk,” she said.

LSD was detected for the first time in parts of Europe last year, and is endemic in much of Asia and Africa, including areas of Indonesia.

CA Chief Executive, Will Evans, said the experiences of other countries with modern production and supply chain systems such as France, Spain and Italy, provided valuable lessons for Australia when developing prevention and response plans.  

“In many cases overseas the cause of LSD spread was the illegal movement of infected cattle, but there are other pathways which DAFF and CSIRO are researching, including movement of insect populations on the wind,” Mr Evans said.

“So far that research has shown the likelihood of LSD spreading to Australia on these pathways is lower than previously thought, however, ongoing research is needed to improve our ability to quickly detect and diagnose the disease, and further strengthen our defences.”

Australia’s emergency response protocols range from movement restrictions to vaccinations of at-risk populations, with the precise measures dependent on a range of factors including the location, the number of animals affected and history of stock movement on and off the affected property.

Given its proximity to affected parts of Asia, Dr Cookson said Northern Australian producers in particular needed to remain vigilant, with the late wet and early dry seasons a particularly important time for surveillance.

“I can’t emphasise enough how important early detection is and encourage ongoing vigilance for the signs of LSD and to report any concerns immediately,” Dr Cookson said.

  • If you suspect a biosecurity incursion, contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline, 1800 675 888.
  • A full recording of the webinar will be made available on the CA YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@CattleAustralia_

Further resources for producers and industry

Producers are encouraged to undertake the online training courses in Emergency Animal Disease response, available from AHA at www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/online-training-courses/.

ENDS

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

Stacey Wordsworth
stacey.wordsworth@bluehillagency.com.au
0438 394 371

Michael Thomson
michael.thomson@bluehillagency.com.au
0408 819 666

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Will Evans

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Will Evans brings extensive leadership, advocacy and policy experience to the role of Cattle Australia CEO. 

Prior to joining CA in July 2025, he held the role of CEO of the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association.

Prior to leading the NTCA, Will held industry positions in the areas of policy development with the former Cattle Council of Australia and for the Northern Territory Live Exporters Association.

Garry Edwards

Managing Director and CEO, Maureen Pastoral Company

Garry was born and raised on a commercial beef cattle property south of Gloucester in New South Wales. Garry has personal cattle production interests in this region today as well as his corporate role as the Managing Director and CEO of AAM, a business that has a significant focus in continuing to expand beyond our cattle production interests in Central West NSW, near Forbes and Bective Station near Tamworth, NSW.

Garry has over 25 years’ experience in large scale livestock production management within the Australian agribusiness sector. His experience spans across a vast array of areas of the agricultural supply chain and includes managing businesses involved in livestock breeding, growing and finishing, financing of agricultural projects, implementation of precision agriculture practices, investigation and implementation of sustainability and innovation initiatives and developing and operating integrated agricultural businesses.

In 2007, Garry founded the company that today is AAM, commencing the development, operation and management of a portfolio of agricultural assets valued at $887 million and he remains the major shareholder of AAM.

Garry has a unique skill set across multiple facets of the grass-fed cattle production supply chain, from production through to finishing, as well as a unique perspective of the challenges facing all grass-fed producers within Australia through his involvement in the modernisation and development of livestock marketing facilities throughout Victoria, NSW and Queensland.

George King

Managing Director, The Whitney Pastoral Co and Manager, "Coombing Park"
George is a seventh generation Australian farmer, currently managing his family property which they have held since 1880. George operates an Angus breeding and finishing operation joining 1,500 cows per year, with a low-cost model turning off steers at feeder weights and direct sales of females.

George has long been on a regenerative agriculture path as it was the only way he could see to renovate their property 25 years ago without employed equity or working capital, which at the time they didn’t have. He continues with this model as it provides outstanding cost containments, continued production and profitability.

George is married with four (4) children, Harry 24, Emma 22, Dave 15 and Tom 13. He also enjoys flying and has his pilot’s license.

George is also a Founding Director of The Wellness House and a Founding Director of ONFARM CO. He has a strong voluntary involvement with his community including as the NSW Rural Fire Services Senior Dept Capt. and Chairman of St Paul’s Carcoar.

Bryce Camm

Grazier, camm agricultual group

Bryce Camm hails from Dalby in Queensland’s Darling Downs region where he oversees his family’s company Camm Agricultural Group; an integrated beef and cropping enterprise with interests across Queensland.

Bryce has been CEO of the group for the past eight years. Prior to that he was the Manager of the group’s award winning Wonga Plains Feedlot for eight years where he oversaw the operation triple in size. Growing up on “Natal Downs” Station in north Queensland Bryce undertook a dual degree in Business Administration and Communications at Bond University and is a graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program as well as the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course.

Bryce is currently the Chairman of Beef Australia Ltd and the Immediate Past President of the Australian Lot Feeders Council, as well as a previous Director of the Red Meat Advisory Council. 

Elke Cleverdon

FAICD, FCPA, MBA

Elke Cleverdon is an experienced non-executive director and long-term cattle producer from Harden in regional NSW. 

As Joint Owner & Director of Cleverdon Agriculture since 1993, she has managed a self-replacing Black Angus herd, raising and trading cattle with her family. Her deep connection to the land ensures she brings a genuine producer perspective to national industry leadership.

Elke has chaired Cattle Australia’s Audit & Risk Committee for the past three years, strengthening governance, financial accountability, and member confidence during a critical stage of the organisation’s development. She is passionate about ensuring producers have a strong, credible voice and that their interests are advanced in a fair, profitable, and sustainable supply chain.

Her professional background includes more than 16 years in executive leadership in customer-owned banking and eight years as a rural financial coach, supporting farming businesses across NSW. She has also been recognised nationally through the National Farmers’ Federation Diversity in Ag Leadership program.

Elke currently serves as a non-executive director with Horticulture Innovation Australia, Murrumbidgee Local Health District (NSW Health), and SWS Bank. She is a Fellow CPA, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and holds a Master of Business Administration.

Elke brings critical thinking, strong financial and risk management skills, and a passion for strategy and sustainability. She is committed to advancing the long-term interests of Australia’s cattle producers by ensuring Cattle Australia remains a trusted, effective, and transparent advocate for the industry.

David Foote

Director - Tandarra Partners

Nominated by: Peter Hall, Troy Setter, Bryce Camm, David Hill, Adam Coffey 

For the past 45 years, David has held rural property management, executive and senior management positions across all mainland states in areas of; beef cattle & sheep breeding, growing and lot feeding, meat retailing, small seed growing, irrigated fodder, and the further processing and exporting of primary products such as meat, grain and fodder.

His export experiences which started in 1989 included a role with Stanbroke Pastoral Company to help develop Stanbroke’ s Live cattle export program. Additionally, David managed the integration of Bottle Tree feedlot grain feeding in the production system while developing and launching their now globally recognised Diamantina beef brand.

David has been in a leadership role at the Lee Family’s, Australian Country Choice group of Companies since 1999 and progressed in that time from General Manager Properties & Livestock to Group Managing Director until stepping back in December 2020 from a full time role to a strategic advisory and board role.

Headquartered in Brisbane and employing over 1,400 staff across 42 operations, Australian Country Choice (ACC) operates Australia’s largest vertically integrated beef supply chain; encompassing cattle breeding, cattle growing and feedlotting to supply its integrated food processing facility in Brisbane that incorporates beef slaughter, beef boning, value-adding and case ready beef packing.

ACC’s cattle property portfolio of around 4 million acres in Queensland & NSW encompasses operations from the Barkly Tableland, CQ coalfields, Carnarvon ranges, Augathella, Blackall, Roma, and Moonie districts of Queensland, with a carrying capacity of 300,000 head. of cattle to support the Company’s 3 feedlots.

Additionally, David represents Agricultural & Cattle industry interests in his role as; Non-Government member Australia­ Indonesia Red Meat & Cattle Partnership, member SmartSat CRC, member Cattle Australia -Policy Council, member Australian Meat Industry Council -China & Halal Trade Groups, Chair Workplace Health & Safety Queensland -Rural Industry Sector Standing Committee, Deputy Chair Laguna Bay Pastoral investment committee and Board Member lnventia Genetic Technologies (IGT). 

Away from work David has a small cattle property in the Mt Kilcoy (Qld) district running Charolais & Charbray breeders to the delight of his four grandchildren.

David wishes to continue into a second term to help build a strong and successful Cattle Australia to represent the interest of all cattle producers