Fragments of foot and mouth disease have been found in pork products entering Australia from China.

Agriculture minister Murray Watt told news.com.au there is no live virus danger to the public, but that the incident was a reminder to remain vigilant for the disease.

“We have always said that animal product imports are actually the biggest risk of foot and mouth disease entering the country,” he said.

“There is a risk of it coming in from a traveller’s shoes, but the biggest risk is the importation of animal products.

“At one level, these detections are very disturbing, but on another level, they show our borders are strong and our systems are working.”

Australia’s neighbour to the north, Indonesia, has been battling an outbreak of foot and mouth there. Travellers returning home from Bali have been encouraged to dump their shoes at the airport, as the virus can survive on footwear.

Are you worried about foot and mouth disease potentially getting in?