The NT's livestock sector is valued at more than $1 billion annually, and an outbreak of any emergency animal disease would have significant economic impact
Australia remains free of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)
The NT Government hosted a managed biosecurity exercise, Exercise Raintree, in May 2025 to prepare for emergency animal diseases, based on a simulated LSD outbreak scenario
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has reviewed and confirmed the Northern Territory's strong biosecurity defences following the detection of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in Bali in January 2026.
Australia remains free of Lumpy Skin Disease and Foot and Mouth Disease.
Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Gerard Maley said while the Bali detection was notable, it was not unexpected, with LSD present in Indonesia since March 2022 and reported across 21 provinces.
"Territorians can be confident - Australia remains free of Lumpy Skin Disease and we are not taking anything for granted," Mr Maley said.
"2026 is our year of growth, certainty and security, and strong biosecurity is central to delivering that certainty for our pastoralists and livestock exporters.
"Our Government is focused on protecting jobs, protecting industry and protecting our economy. Strong biosecurity underpins market access, and market access underpins Territory jobs."
The Chief Veterinary Officer has engaged with the Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association (NTCA) and the NT Livestock Exporters Association to reinforce the Territory's preparedness measures.
Updated biosecurity training for pastoralists will roll out in 2026, alongside the release of a new Northern Australian Cattle Disease Guide to be distributed through the NTCA.
Recommendations from Exercise Raintree - which tested the Territory's readiness to respond to an LSD scenario - will also be workshopped with industry.
"Exercise Raintree was a good test of our systems and interoperability with other northern jurisdictions. We will continue strengthening our capability so that if a threat emerges, we act quickly, decisively and in partnership with industry," Mr Maley added.
NTCA Chief Executive Officer Romy Carey said proactive communication between government and industry was critical.
"It was constructive to meet with the Territory's Chief Veterinary Officer to discuss preparedness and confirm that our biosecurity settings remain strong and appropriate," Ms Carey said.
"Biosecurity Management Plans are fundamental to industry readiness. We welcome the opportunity to deliver further industry training and engagement, working alongside government to strengthen preparedness, maintain confidence and protect market access."
Nationally, the Australian Government continues to actively monitor the situation and support Indonesia's response, including supplying more than 1.4 million LSD vaccine doses and providing $1.65 million to the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness to strengthen technical and laboratory capacity.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government will continue working with industry and the Commonwealth to keep the Territory strong, secure and open for business - delivering growth, certainty and security for 2026 and beyond.
