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The re-emergence of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Indonesia in 2022 has emphasised the need for Australia to be prepared for a potential incursion. An incursion in Australia is expected to dramatically impact the livestock industry, with flow-on effects to other industries.

During the control phase of a response, movement restrictions would be implemented between different zones to reduce the risk of the disease being spread by animal movements. Given horses and equipment could potentially be contaminated with, and spread, FMD virus, these restrictions have the potential to impact thoroughbred breeding industry activities, particularly if they are imposed during the breeding and yearling sale seasons, with long-term economic impacts.

This project reviewed relevant literature to assess the impacts of FMD outbreaks in other countries on the thoroughbred breeding industry, and to identify knowledge gaps and risk assessment tools. Stakeholder consultations helped determine the potential risks posed by breeding enterprises and aided identification of operationally practical solutions. The resultant outputs are a risk framework and biosecurity plan to assist the industry in being proactive and minimising the risk of movement restrictions being imposed on breeding enterprises.

While not all risk activities can be accounted for, the framework provides industry with guidance on conducting a risk assessment, using identified risk activities. The biosecurity plan is to be implemented in the event of an outbreak; while it focuses on FMD, the mitigation measures apply to various infectious diseases.