Malaysia lifts suspension, Indonesia still deliberating on LSD report

Malaysia has lifted the temporary suspension of live cattle and buffalo exports from Australia, but Indonesia remains unmoved on the issue. 

Speaking from Jakarta on Wednesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was pleased by the decision from Malaysian officials and would engage Indonesian President Joko Widodo on the issue while he's in country at the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum. 

"I'm pleased that Australian and Indonesian officials are working through these issues," Mr Albanese said.

"We have provided the evidence going forward that we remain free of lumpy skin disease, and... the officials will continue to engage with it, but I will also respectfully put forward my views to [President Widodo]."

The Department of Agriculture finalised its investigation into the health status of Australia’s northern cattle herds, which was prompted by 13 cattle returning positive results for LSD when tested a number of days after arrival in Indonesia in late July and the Indonesian quarantine authority seeking assurances that live cattle exported from Australia comply with their animal health requirements.

Acting chief veterinary officer Dr Beth Cookson said the department, with the support of the WA, Queensland and NT governments, along with industry, conducted rapid diagnostic testing of more than 1,000 head of cattle across northern Australia.

"This occurred across numerous properties spanning WA, Qld and the NT, across a distance of approximately 2,800 km," Dr Cookson said.