Foot and mouth disease detected in Melbourne

Viral fragments of foot and mouth disease have been detected in Melbourne’s CBD.

It was found during a routine inspection.

The virus threatens to devastate Australia’s livestock industry.

It was found in pork products that had been imported from China, Agriculture Minister Murray Watt revealed.

The items have been seized.

In a separate detection, a passenger who recently returned from Indonesia was found with an undeclared beef product that also tested positive for foot and mouth viral fragments.

Mr Watt said it showed Australia’s detection systems were working.

Emma Germano is president of the Victorian Farmers Federation and called for calm.

“It’s of no threat to the agriculture industry, at this point,” she said on 3AW Drive.

She called for more government investment in biosecurity, while also issuing advice to anybody entering Australia.

“I think we’re at the point now – don’t bring any food, whatsoever, from overseas,” she said.

Press PLAY below to hear Emma Germano explain what it means

Picture: Getty iStock