Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt, National Farmers’ Federation president Fiona Simson and Australia’s chief vet Mark Schipp are in Indonesia today to assess the nation’s response to an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD). The highly-contagious virus affects cattle, sheep, goats and pigs and can spread between animals and objects, including feed, soil, manure, vehicles, clothing and shoes. It’s Indonesia’s first FMD outbreak in nearly 40 years, and there are fears it could cost our livestock industry $80 billion if it arrives on Aussie shores – infected animals would have to be destroyed. Authorities say the risk of that happening is low, but farmers have called for beefed-up biosecurity measures. That includes a social media campaign pleading with Aussies travelling to Bali to chuck their thongs before returning home. Those particularly attached to their pluggers might be tempted by a voucher to buy a new pair – or a footbath…