They’ve only just returned to Bali after COVID-19 closed the border, but an analyst is calling for Aussies to be banned from the tourist hotspot to stop the spread of a disease.
Indonesia is currently battling a shocking outbreak of foot and mouth disease, the first outbreak of the disease in the country in over 35 years. Over 2,000 head of cattle are believed to be infected with the disease in provinces across North Sumatra and East Java.
As Australia is currently free from foot and mouth disease, one industry expert thinks tourists should be blocked from travelling to Bali. As per Yahoo! News, Global AgriTrends analyst Simon Quilty is concerned about the “slow response” in Indonesia to the rapid outbreak. He thinks more serious action is needed, with the disease able to be carried on clothes and shoes.
“As a country we seriously need to think about banning people going to Bali, as extreme as that sounds,” he insisted. According to Quilty, there’s the risk of the disease spreading to places like Papa New Guinea and East Timor if further action isn’t undertaken over the next eight to 12 months.
Aussies shouldn’t panic too early though, as the risk to the country remains low due to the absence of close contact between animals or the importation of infected products.
If someone returning to Australia visited a farm or came into contact with livestock in another country, they should declare this upon their return. Steps may need to be undertaken to deal with contaminated clothing or shoes.
It would be a pity if Bali was shut off to Aussie visitors so soon after reopening. The first flights from Australia since before the pandemic departed in March. Melbourne Tullamarine airport had Balinese-inspired entertainment to mark the occasion, with Legong dancers appearing at the check in counters, dancing to Rindik style music, a traditional Balinese instrument.
Love Travel?
Get the latest Travel news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more
Excited Aussies also documented the momentous occasion, flooding social media with their experience checking in and boarding the flight.
For more on this topic, follow the Travel Observer.
