LOCAL agricultural producers say they’re very concerned about the threat of foot-and-mouth disease and the detection of Varroa mites, which could devastate Australia’s thriving agricultural industry.
Lake Boga’s Kibworth Park Alpaca Stud has cemented itself as an award-winning business since starting out 18 years ago, but owner Maxine Sleep fears a foot-and-mouth outbreak in Australia would have a detrimental impact on the industry.
She said a proactive approach was needed to ensure Australia’s protection against the disease, which had the potential to destroy many small Australian-owned businesses within the agricultural industry.
“This isn’t just about cows,” Ms Sleep said.
“If we had a foot-and-mouth outbreak we would lose our herd, our business and our livelihood.”
Building upon their herd and genetics, Ms Sleep said she was proud of what the stud has achieved.
“We are now starting to see the results of much patience and good breeding,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ouyen-based honey producer Percy Arkle said the detection of Varroa mites in his bees would also have a devastating impact.
“The mite causes a lot of strife,” Mr Arkle said, noting industry experts had warned of an outbreak.
“They told us this was going to happen. It’s not a matter of if, but when,” Mr Arkle said.
“That when, has now happened.”
Mr Arkle said he was taking extra precautions to ensure he could keep his bees free of the mite, while adhering to increased biosecurity measures.
He said the detection of the mite in his bees would wipe them out.
“I would have to destroy them, you want the spread to stop,” he said.
However, that outcome would prove to be very costly.
“To continue, I’d have to buy in again and that would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
