Australia’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, said a more robust animal health system in Indonesia would help protect human and animal health, increase agricultural production, ease poverty and promote regional stability.

“The Australia Indonesia Partnership for Emerging Infectious Diseases program will benefit Australia and Indonesia and the region,” Minister Ludwig said.

“This program is a great example of how targeted offshore investment strengthens our capacity to prevent animal pests and diseases, such as avian influenza, from reaching our borders.

“Quarantine measures at, or before, the border are important elements of a robust biosecurity system.

“Strong biosecurity means working with our neighbours to combat emerging infectious diseases in animals, including those that could affect humans.

“Australia’s enviable animal and plant health status, and the agricultural trade that relies on it, requires strategic investment offshore, onshore and at the border so we can meet current and future biosecurity challenges.”

The Australia Indonesia Partnership for Emerging Infectious Diseases is worth $22 million over four years. It is funded by AusAID and delivered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) through the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer.

Minister Ludwig has been in Indonesia discussing trade, agriculture and food security issues.