Biosecurity New Zealand is stepping up its work at the border with a campaign to ensure travellers do their part to protect farmers from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is caused by a virus that infects cloven-hooved animals. This includes animals such as cows, pigs, sheep, deer, alpaca and llamas. The disease is in many countries, including Malaysia, China and most recently Indonesia, where there is currently an outbreak. 

FMD would be a problem if it arrives in New Zealand for many reasons, impacting our animals (the disease is painful for infected animals), our primary industries and the economy. All trade in animal products would be stopped immediately, meaning businesses would be affected greatly. Our exports of dairy and meat would be severely impacted for a long time after an outbreak.

Campaign to raise FMD awareness for travellers

Economic impact of FMD on New Zealand

Learn more about Foot and Mouth disease here: What you need to know about Foot-and-Mouth Disease. - YouTube