Foot-and-mouth disease vaccine supply deal secured

A foot-and-mouth disease outbreak would be disastrous for Australia's livestock industry. (Con Chronis/AAP PHOTOS)

Australia is ramping up its defences against foot-and-mouth disease, after tapping a pharmaceutical company to provide antigens and vaccines.

FMD is a severe, highly contagious viral disease that affects cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and camelid species.