A traveler arriving in Australia from Indonesia has been fined nearly US$2,000 after he was caught with two McMuffins and a ham croissant in his backpack by border guards.

Sniffer dog Zinta was quick to sniff out sandwiches being smuggled into Darwin airport in Australia, earning the traveler a hefty fine, authorities said on Monday.

"This will be the most expensive McDonald's meal this passenger has ever had" in his life, Australian Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said.

Australia has very strict biosecurity legislation to protect the country's important agricultural industry from potential pests or diseases.

Australian authorities are currently on high alert following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Indonesia, and all meat imports from that country are being checked.

This disease poses no risk to humans, but remains a serious and highly contagious viral disease for livestock.

Amounting to 2664 Australian dollars, the fine is equivalent to the cost of 567 McMuffins in Sydney, or several return flights to Bali.