As the threat of Foot and Mouth Disease continues to loom over Tasmania's agricultural sector, the state government has strengthened its biosecurity measures in an effort to manage potential outbreaks.
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Tasmanian Primary Industries and Water Minister Jo Palmer said the government had added eight extra Biosecurity Tasmania staff across the state in addition to the 130 current staff at the state's borders.
Ms Palmer said in a statement over the weekend she had met with federal Agricultural Minister Murray Watt to discuss border protection plans, and had requested citric-acid sanitation footmats to be placed in all entry points to the state.
She also said three X-ray machines had been ordered and will be installed in Australia Post's sorting and distribution centres at St Leonards, Mornington and Derwent Park to scan for organic matter.
Tasmania's chief veterinary officer Dr Kevin De Witt has also met with Animal Health Australia and other chief veterinary officers from Australia to discuss FMD preparedness plans.
The federal government last week announced a new animal disease preparedness taskforce comprised of border force, ADF, Department of Agriculture and Emergency Management Australia members.
Mr Watt said the Department of Agriculture estimated an 11.6 per cent risk of FMD entering the country in the next five years, but estimated the cost to the economy to be upwards of $80 billion if it reached Australia's shores.
The biosecurity announcements comes after the state government announced a $350,000 funding agreement with the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association to "continue enhanced on-farm biosecurity engagement with the industry, the community and good on-farm biosecurity practices".
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania said an outbreak of FMD would immediately close the state's meat, dairy and wool industries.
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