July 26, 2022 10:36 p.m
Agriculture Minister Murray Watt has said the Australian Defense Force is not on standby to combat an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, after a British MP warned military help may be needed.
UK Tory MP Neil Hudson was an equine vet during the UK’s last FMD outbreak, which saw millions of animals destroyed.
Hudson said Australian military coordination could prove crucial in the event of an outbreak.
“If the outbreak spreads, you need serious logistics to control animals and people – don’t rule out calling 911 immediately and bringing in the military,” Hudson said.
He said the UK military had helped provide water, lighting and undertakers.
But Watt told 2GB there was currently no contingency plan involving the ADF.
“We don’t think it’s necessary to involve the ADF if we have an outbreak,” he said.
“Certainly, if the view is that we need the Defense Force involved, then we would activate them very quickly.”
