National & World Ag News Headlines Australia & New Zealand Working to Combat Foot and Mouth USAgNet - 05/06/2013 A new action plan between Australia and New Zealand will see defences against the threat of Foot and Mouth Disease strengthened. Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, and New Zealand’s Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy, have announced the two countries will work more closely together focusing combined defences against the threat of FMD. "FMD poses one of the single greatest threats to livestock industries and rural communities in New Zealand and Australia. We've estimated that a large outbreak would cost Australia $16 billion to control," Minister Ludwig said. Minister Guy said both countries were extremely aware of the importance of preparing for the threat, given the importance of the agricultural sector to both economies. "This work will build on the strong relationship we already have through years of working together on animal health and biosecurity issues," Minister Guy said. While both countries will work towards a coordinated Action Plan, the best strategy is to not let FMD ever get into either country in the first place, Minister Guy added. Send this article to a friend Other National Headlines Meatless Mondays Being Dropped From House Cafeterias China's Farm Produce Prices Going Up Monsanto Receives Approval for Intacta RR2 PRO Soybeans AAW Holds Annual Symposium in Washington, D.C. Cargill to Acquire Northstar Grain LLC Another Attempt to Remove Stabilization From DSA Cornell: Farm Bill Dairy Will Cost More Than Goodlatte-Scott Copyright © 2013 - USAgNet.com. All Rights Reserved.