ANIMAL HEALTH

Early disease warning system set up in Timor-Leste

Sentinel cattle herd stands guard against disease

Kristy Moroney

This article is 8 years old. Images might not display.

Known as the sentinel herd early warning system, it is part of Department of Agriculture and Water Resources’ $200 million investment to protect Australia’s valuable livestock industries and exports through biosecurity surveillance and analysis.

Head of biosecurity Lyn O’Connell said the establishment of a sentinel cattle herd in the town Asalaino in the Lautem represented an improvement to the nation’s offshore surveillance network, as well as enhancing Timor-Leste’s capacity to detect and prevent the establishment of exotic diseases.

“The sentinel herd program provides early warning of changes to exotic animal disease risks in our region that are of importance to Australia and our neighbouring countries,” O’Connell said.

“The establishment of the Timor-Leste sentinel herd provides another level of protection in Australia’s biosecurity surveillance network, complementing existing programs including the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS), the National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP) and the sentinel herds already established in Papua New Guinea and far north areas of Queensland and the Northern Territory. 

“Timor-Leste Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries officers will collect samples from the sentinel cattle herd and insect traps on a monthly basis, with the first collection scheduled in March, while testing of the samples will be conducted in both Timor-Leste and Australia.

“They’ll be monitored for foot and mouth disease (FMD), screw-worm fly and blue tongue disease.

“Advanced warning of the presence of diseases like FMD will allow Australia to work collaboratively with Timor-Leste to respond to exotic disease incursions and effectively contain and eradicate outbreaks.

“The program will also help to support Australia’s important trade in livestock and livestock products by giving our trading partners confidence in our ability to detect disease incursions early and keep our exports safe and of the highest quality. 

“It has been estimated that a medium to large outbreak of FMD in Australia could cost the Australian economy more than $50 billion over ten years, so it’s important we do all we can to protect our vital industries.”

Sentinel herds, which monitor what is occurring endemically, operate in about 90 locations in Australia, and involve all beef breeds, crossbreeds and dairy cattle.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Sealable Storage Options (August 2025)

Kondinin Group researchers in collaboration with the GRDC Grain storage extension team test dozens of gas-tight sealable grain storages to Australian Standard AS2628-2010 identifying best and worst features in the ultimate grain storage buyers guide.

editions

Research Report: Cordless Impact Wrenches (July 2025)

Six battery-powered impact wrenches were bench tested in this month's Research Report, focusing on their ability to get nuts done up and undone.

editions

Research Report: Mouse Bait Applications (June 2025)

Mice remain a significant issue for cropping regions and the June Research Report, supported by an investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation, brings together the latest research and practical recommendations for bait spreading and machinery performance to help growers improve mouse control strategies.

editions

Research Report: Farm Labour (May 2025)

Farm labour, whether temporary, casual, contract or permanent staff, is an essential part of agriculture. This Research Report provides insights to help better source and manage one of the farm’s most valuable assets – its people.