SYDNEY/WELLINGTON: Australia and New Zealand stated on Tuesday (Aug 16) they were conscious of Chinese media reports of a ban upon meat imports through both countries simply by Beijing but stated they had not obtained any official discover and shipments have been clearing as normal.
The Australian Financial Evaluation newspaper said a single Chinese media outlet had reported that agricultural imports, especially meat, from Quotes and New Zealand may be suspended due to concerns about feet and mouth illness.
“We are aware of rumours. The Australian Embassy in Beijing has been in contact with Cina Customs and no official notification has been released, ” a spokesperson at the Australian agricultural department said within an emailed statement.
Steve Ainsworth, Marketplace Access director at the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Sectors, said exports had been continuing as normal.
“We’ve made enquiries with Chinese authorities, including through our Embassy personnel in China. These enquiries make sure New Zealand products are continuing to be cleared through the boundary, ” he stated in a statement.
Neither Australia neither New Zealand has reported a case associated with foot and mouth disease among animals. But both countries are taking extra biosecurity precautions after the pet virus was found in the popular Indonesian holiday destination of Bali.
Foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious pet disease that affects cows, sheep, goats and pigs but does not pose a danger to humans. Australian government modelling tasks a widespread feet and mouth break out in the country could have an estimated direct economic impact of around AUD$80 billion (US$56 billion).