Ben Fordham has warned the government and Agriculture Minister Murray Watt that they are “playing with fire” as concern grows about foot and mouth disease reaching Australia.

The virus has been detected in Indonesia since May, prompting fears it could be brought to Australia via Bali.

Ben isn’t convinced the government has done enough in response to the threat.

“The Minister for Agriculture Murray Watt has been hitting the snooze button,” Ben said.

Farmers are worried and Mr Watt has announced foot mats are going to be rolled out “in the coming days” at Darwin and Cairns airports.

“They need to be at every airport!

“Airlines flying from danger areas into Australia should be forced to hand out clear plastic bags for all footwear and all of that footwear should be examined when they land in Australia.

“Where’s the awareness campaign? We need to be instructing Australians to stay away from animals while visiting these parts of the world.

“The Minister Murray Watt has no history in agriculture and he’s showing it.”

Press PLAY below to hear Ben’s full comments

Image: Getty/Tracey Nearmy