Nationals’ David Littleproud promises NT cattlemen new biosecurity game changer

New game-changing technology targeting the highly contagious lumpy skin disease will be promised by a future Coalition Government at the NT Cattlemen’s Conference in Darwin.

National Party Leader David Littleproud will announce a future Coalition Government would introduce new game-changing technology targeting the highly contagious viral Lumpy Skin Disease Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

New game-changing technology targeting the highly contagious viral lumpy skin disease that can have devastating impacts on the cattle industry, will be promised by a future Coalition Government at the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association Conference in Darwin.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is one of the biggest biosecurity threats to the Northern Territory and Australia’s $14 billion cattle (and buffalo) industries.

Detection of the disease in Australia’s livestock industries would lead to restrictions on cattle, meat and dairy exports, with serious consequences for the economy.

The Nationals Leader David Littleproud will deliver the news to the two-day NT Cattleman’s conference that a future Coalition Government will introduce a world-leading biosecurity overhaul in the Northern Territory, promising $2 million for real-time early warning surveillance technology.

Lumpy skin disease on cattle.

He said the Coalition would establish smarter technology to detect disease, a better funding model for the importation of products, and a review of the current operation to stop illegal boats.

“The technology pilot I will be announcing will allow the presence of Lumpy Skin Disease in the insect population, well in advance of a detection in a livestock herd.” he said.

“This groundbreaking trial has never been done before in Australia.

“It will help stop the spread of lumpy skin disease if it gets to the NT, saving our cattle farmers precious time and allowing detection within hours instead of days or weeks.

“By early detection from insect nests, the industry can better prepare and remain safe. LSD can spread 28 kilometres a day and would cost $7.4 billion from lost trading opportunities in the first year alone.

“Since LSD was detected in Indonesia, Labor hasn’t picked up this technology. There are fears LSD is a case of not if, but when.

“As soon as we get even one lesion, Indonesia will reject our cattle, which is a risk we simply cannot afford.”

The vector technology was a recommendation in the Red Meat Advisory Council 2025-26 Budget Submission.