Farm biosecurity

• Video transcript

  Biosecurity is about managing animal and plant health, and the risks and impacts of animal and plant, pests and diseases, weeds, pest animals, marine pests and contaminants.

  Queensland’s large coastline diverse landscape and climate, and our close proximity to South East Asia, together with increasing global trade and greater movement of people and products, increase our biosecurity risks.

  We need to look out for, and report and manage these potential biosecurity risks to maintain our access to export markets and protect our economy, environment, and way of life.

  New laws were introduced on the 1 July 2016, that makes biosecurity everyone’s responsibility. You need to understand and manage your day-to-day biosecurity risks, and industry now plays a more active role in management, reporting and response.

  Biosecurity Queensland also has greater capacity to respond to and manage an emergency.

  There are four key measures you can put in place to protect your property.

  Visitors can unintentionally carry diseases, pests, and weeds onto your property. This includes staff, suppliers, vets, agronomists. stock agents, contractors, and family and friends.
  
  Bacteria, pests and weed seeds are often invisible to the human eye and can be easily transferred onto skin, clothing, and machinery.

  Restricting access to your property allows you to record all movement of people, livestock, and plants.
  
  Make sure that everyone who comes to your property understands and implements your biosecurity measures.

  Good hygiene on your property is important, make sure everyone washes their hands and shoes and wears clean clothing.
  
  Think about setting up a designated cleaning area for visitors and their vehicles and equipment. Frequently clean and disinfect all tools and equipment and don’t share them.

  Keep accurate records of where your livestock or plants come from and go to and use registered suppliers. In the event of a new disease or pest, these records will help trace the source.

  When you receive new livestock or plants, isolate them from other production areas and regularly check for pests or unusual symptoms.
  
  But your responsibility doesn’t end at your front gate. If your livestock or plants are showing signs of pests or diseases, don’t let them leave your property.

  Chemicals can pose risks if not used, stored or disposed of correctly.
  
  Vaccine, antibiotics, pesticides and other chemical products, used on livestock and plants must be applied with caution and in accordance with government and industry standards.

  Make sure you obtain the appropriate training and advice before you use chemicals on your property.

  Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility. Report any unusual signs or symptoms immediately. Call Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

  Protect your property and you will protect Queensland.