Walkers on the Heysen Trail are being asked to take precautions to limit the potential spread of Foot and Mouth Disease.

The 1200km long trail crosses through hundreds of private properties and livestock paddocks.

Starting at Cape Jervis, the trail winds through the Fleurieu Peninsula, the Adelaide Hills, Mid-north and up through the Flinders to Parachilna George.

The Friends of the Heysen Trail says it is important that walkers respect and protect the agricultural activities that are conducted by landholders.

The association is asking walkers to clean their footwear, clothing and equipment (including walking poles) so they are free from mud, animal manure and mucus.

They recommend using a stiff brush to clean boots and poles, to wash the equipment to remove any remaining contaminates and (if possible) to immerse boots in a foot bath.

If a footbath is not available the Friends recommends walkers use a spray bottle with a cleaning agent to clean their boots.

Australia’s agricultural sector remains on high alert of the possibility of an outbreak occurring as travellers return from Indonesia, and in particular Bali.

The South Australian Department of Primary Industries says Foot and Mouth Disease can be brought Australia on goods such as shoes, boots and clothing and camping equipment, including backpacks mountain bikes and other sporting equipment used in rural areas, markets and zoos, or near susceptible animals and have soil or manure attached.

People who may been in contact with FMD-infected animals or infected areas should not visit Australian farms or handle livestock for at least seven days after returning to Australia.

An outbreak of the disease in the UK in 2001 cost that country eight billion pounds and over six million cows and sheep were killed in the attempt to stop the disease spreading.

Mayo MP Rebekah Sharkie has called for a temporary travel ban from Indonesia until the outbreak in that country can be controlled.