Australia's Acting Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Beth Cookson, confirmed yesterday  Australia remains free from the disease after the Department finalised its investigation.

With support from industry and the Western Australian, Queensland and Northern Territory Governments, the Department conducted rapid diagnostic testing on over 1,000 head of cattle from numerous properties across WA, QLD and NT, covering an area of approximately 2800km, with no LSD detected. 

The investigation aimed to provide the assurances to Indonesia and Malaysia following the detection of LSD in a small number of Australian-origin cattle after they had arrived and spent time in Indonesia. 

"The negative test results further highlight Australia's robust systems for the ongoing monitoring of animal diseases, including LSD," Cookson said.

"Indonesia and Malaysia have been provided the results of the testing in a technical report that each country is now considering.

"We continue to work closely with our Indonesian and Malaysian counterparts, including engagement at a technical official-to-official level to discuss the next steps."

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, has expressed to his Indonesian counterpart Australia's commitment to this technical work in reaching a timely and practical solution to maintain this mutually beneficial trade.

"We are awaiting advice from the relevant Indonesian and Malaysian authorities on the lifting of their cattle and buffalo import restrictions," Cookson said.

"I would like to thank the WA, Qld and NT governments, as well as industry participants, who took part in this testing exercise.

"It illustrates the cooperation that is possible between Australian governments and industry."

Australia continues to trade livestock and animal products internationally, including live cattle to Indonesia.