Australian Biosecurity | Government organisation

Australian Biosecurity

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25.01.2022 Our natural environment, flora and fauna all make Australia unique. Biosecurity keeps it that way. Biosecurity protects Australian livelihoods and is vital to strengthening and supporting our environment and economy.... The Biosecurity Innovation Program call for projects is now open! We’re looking to partner with individuals or organisation to identify bold new ideas and to support the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of our national Australian biosecurity system. Your ideas are important and we’d love to hear from you! To apply, visit: https://www.agriculture.gov.au//research-innovation/program Act now - Applications close 12 February 2021!

24.01.2022 We all play a role in keeping Australia free from serious plant pests and diseases found overseas. From travellers arriving in Australia, to farmers monitoring their crops, to people gardening at home, and nature-lovers enjoying the environment. Find out how you can help: https://bit.ly/31rzgOL

24.01.2022 The #AusBioAwards Community category was developed because not all heroes wear capes. They also come in the form of biosecurity champions, who help deliver significant biosecurity outcomes, and spread biosecurity awareness among the community. Nominate your biosecurity champions today at awe.gov.au/ABA. ... Nominations close 02 October 2020.

24.01.2022 Time is running out to apply for a share of $13 million to help improve the management of priority established pest animals and weeds in Australia. The Advancing Pest Animal and Weed Control Solutions competitive grant round closes on 25 September 2020. If youre a research organisation with an innovation solution, put in an application today. ... For more information, or to submit an application, visit the Grant Connect website: https://bit.ly/3k629Zb

24.01.2022 Our unbeleafable biosecurity crew at Sydney international mail centre had another successful biosecurity find, intercepting a succulent garden arriving from China via express mail. Detected through X-ray screening, the article contained 43 undeclared assorted succulents with soil. Australia has strict import conditions and requirements for live plants they must be a permitted species and accompanied by a valid import permit, supporting documentation, require inspection an...d treatment on arrival, and a minimum of three months in post entry quarantine for disease screening. Plants that don’t meet conditions pose a huge risk to Australian biosecurity as they could introduce foreign pests and diseases that could be harmful to our agriculture, environment, economy, and our way of life. Breaches of Australia’s biosecurity conditions may result in an investigation and possible criminal prosecution. The travelling plants were immediately destroyed. If you’re a total succa for plants, be biosecurity aware and check the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) before buying live plants from overseas! Leran more at: awe.gov.au/bicon

23.01.2022 Exotic frogs and toads are one of many diverse groups of invasive pests that biosecurity officers work hard every day to keep out of Australia. They often arrive at our border concealed amongst imported goods such as passengers luggage and are difficult to detect. A few years ago, a black-spined toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) hitchhiked inside a shoe worn by a passenger from Bali. ... The animal was likely alive when the owner put their shoe on and died on-route. Thankfully, one of our biosecurity dogs detected it. It is that easy for an exotic species to arrive. Exotic frogs and toads pose a high biosecurity risk, as they are likely to carry exotic parasites or disease. Biosecurity is a shared responsibility and you too can help maintain Australias pest and disease free status by reporting any biosecurity concerns online www.agriculture.gov.au/report

22.01.2022 Let your parents know to leave things like rice and spices out of your care package! To prevent the entry of khapra beetle weve made changes to what you can have sent to Australia. Items like rice and lentils can no longer be sent to you in Australia by your overseas family and friends. ... You can learn more at: https://bit.ly/3hHrx5W

22.01.2022 Happy International Dog Day! What a pawfect day to raise the ruff and take some time out to appreciate the love and value our canine friends bring into our lives. Our biosecurity detector dogs work hard protecting Australias borders from biosecurity risks each day, but they also play hard and love long walks on the beach and eating lots of pasta.... Theyre trained to sniff out just about everything from large food items down to small plant seeds, detecting thousands of risky items every year at airports, seaports and mail centres around the country. We love our furry friends and the incredible work they do to! To help celebrate this special day, share a photo of your four-legged mate in the comments section below. See how we train our dogs or read more here: bit.ly/2FV8XcF

22.01.2022 With the commencement of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season on 1 September 2020, the department has again introduced the Safeguarding Arrangements Scheme (the scheme) for the 2020-21 BMSB season. The scheme provides an alternative clearance pathway for goods imported as sea cargo during the BMSB risk season and provides recognition of approved participants ability to manage seasonal hitchhiker pest risk offshore, from the point of manufacture to the point of embark...ation to Australia. Approved participants of the scheme are not required to have their goods treated under the BMSB seasonal measures, provided that the participant is compliant with the requirements outlined in their Safeguarding Arrangement with the department. For more information on the scheme, including eligibility requirements and the application process, please visit the following link: https://bit.ly/3btx25Z

22.01.2022 Our X-rays recently detected more than 5kg of salami sticks at the Perth international mail centre. The sender declared them, but thanks to our biosecurity officers the sticks were swiftly destroyed. Pig meat from overseas can carry African swine fever (ASF), which has the potential to decimate Australias $5.3 billion pork industry, destroy livelihoods and impact our economy.... What do you call a BLT without bacon? If ASF established in Australia, the humble BLT and Sunday bacon fry-up could become rarer than a flying pig. Thats food for thought. Pig meat can also carry foot-and-mouth disease, classical swine fever, swine vesicular disease and Aujeszkys disease. Jerky, biltong and other smallgoods containing pork including salami sticks are not permitted into Australia and will be destroyed. Its your responsibility to know what you can and cant send or bring into Australia agriculture.gov.au/bringing-goods

22.01.2022 Are you moving to Australia or importing personal effects or household goods? To protect against the risk of khapra beetle, from 3 September 2020, certain plant products will not be permitted entry into Australia within unaccompanied personal effects imported via air and sea freight. These plant products will be re-exported or destroyed if found during our inspection.... You can learn more at: https://bit.ly/3hHrx5W

21.01.2022 Starting this month, importers of a number of food and other agricultural commodities will find it quicker and easier to import goods into Australia. This is thanks to the expansion of the Automatic Entry Processing for Commodities (AEPCOMM) program, which has just added 7 new commodities and expanded 3 existing groups. This means quicker clearance times for those commodities and a reduction in fees for importers. The new commodities include dried willow and wicker articles, ...fertiliser, gum products, hops, pasta, permitted plant fibres and prepared cereals and muesli barswhile the expanded groups are highly processed and manufactured wooden articles, highly refined organic chemicals and unfinished timber and timber products. AEPCOMM reform has been cutting red tape on a wide range of commodity imports since 2018. Find out more about the program: bit.ly/2CjgsIS

21.01.2022 Here at the Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) facility in Melbourne, our friendly biosecurity staff inspect and monitor your pets during their stay in quarantine. All our animals receive quality care from our staff and our government veterinarians assess your animal’s health for exotic pests and diseases. This is just part of the first-class treatment our animals receive during their stay in our biosecurity facility. For more information, visit: bit.ly/32VvKhH

21.01.2022 What is worse than burnt rice or rancid peanuts? Rice or peanuts that can bring khapra beetle into Australia! Over the past few months, our 3D X-ray units have detected more than 1,300 mail packages containing items that could carry khapra beetle, like rice, peanuts , capsicums and chillies .... If khapra beetle was to establish in Australia, it would cost us $15.5 billion over 20 years, and it would deeply affect our farmers, particularly those who export grains, and our economy. To protect against khapra beetle, we introduced urgent actions in October 2020: seeds, rice, nuts, pulses, chillies and beans cannot be brought in by international travellers or sent by mail. Please play your part in protecting our farmers , our environment, our economy and our country from the effects of khapra beetle. Make sure you don’t buy or get sent any of these items from overseas. For more info visit: awe.gov.au/khapra-urgent-actions

20.01.2022 Importing agricultural products from overseas can be a risky business! Before an agricultural product can be imported into Australia, we first determine whether it is safe to do so. For some products, we do this by conducting an import risk analysis. Find out more about the import risk analysis process here: https://bit.ly/3gzJlzh

19.01.2022 Forget the cat or dog, did you know some people keep Giant African Snails as pets? In some countries they are even a delicacy! For Australia, this is one of our priority plant pests and one of the world’s most invasive biosecurity pests. There has been a number of Giant African Snail interceptions at our borders, which shows that this pest is a real risk for us. ... If it established here, it could impact many of our valuable horticulture industries, our environment and even human health, as they can carry bacteria and parasites To learn more about the Giant African Snail and what you can do to keep this pest out of Australia, visit: awe.gov.au/giant-african-snail. Dr Jessica Lye, Cesar Australia #pests #biosecurity #snails

19.01.2022 Make sure you keep biosecurity in mind for Mid-Autumn Moon festival, as some gifts sent to Australia may not be permitted. Mooncakes containing meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, including pomelo, star fruit and taro, may carry biosecurity risk. Mooncakes containing pork can carry #AfricanSwineFever, which would have a significant impact on pig health and production in Australia if it became established.... Biosecurity officers are already on alert in the lead up to the festival, with detector dogs and x-rays also in place to intercept risky mail parcels. Items containing risk material will be destroyed or re-exported to the sender. You can do your part to support Australias #biosecurity system by asking family and friends overseas to not to #mail risky goods such as moon cakes to Australia. For information on items that may not be permitted, visit: bit.ly/3ijaS9l

19.01.2022 We work hard to protect Australia from many serious plant pests and diseases that could arrive on imported agricultural products. One way we do this is by inspecting imported products at the border to keep these nasties out! You can find out more about what happens at the border here: https://bit.ly/30wEbPb

19.01.2022 Holiday plans spoilt by planes being grounded? Well it has lifted our spirits by allowing our staff to check runways and surrounds for pests and diseases that could harm Aussie ag industries. Officers are using traps and ground surveys to check bugs like ants, mosquitoes and stink bugs arent taking an unwanted holiday here.... Find out more in the latest edition of Biosecurity Matters here: https://bit.ly/2P3meB7

18.01.2022 Today is National Threatened Species Day! Ordinarily our biosecurity resources are used to keep pests and diseases out of Australia, however there is important work being undertaken to help stop the illegal trade of threatened species. Were investing in smarter ways of screening for wildlife to keep pace with increases in volumes of trade, especially in the pathways favoured by wildlife smugglers.... The Illegal Wildlife X-ray Algorithm Project will use cutting edge technologies to improve the detection of illegally traded animals. This could mean bringing exotic animals into Australia, or taking our native species out of Australia for trade on the international market. Were partnering with Taronga Zoo Sydney and Rapiscan Systems to bring together expertise in animal conservation, zoology, veterinary medicine, imaging and computer science. This is funded by the Biosecurity Innovation Program and the Environmental Biosecurity Project Fund. It is a significant step towards reducing wildlife trafficking and the biosecurity risks associated with illegal wildlife through the borders in Australia and New Zealand. To learn more visit: https://bit.ly/2DziEws

18.01.2022 On National Agriculture Day, it’s important to recognise the role of biosecurity in underpinning our agriculture industries. Our biosecurity system safeguards our industries, environment, animals, plants and human health from pest and disease risks. Australia’s freedom from these risks is critical to our market access and reputation as a producer of high quality, reliable, sustainable produce. 2020 has presented Australia with some significant biosecurity issues, and these h...ave demonstrated that biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility and we all have a role to play. Want to learn more? Visit biosecurity.gov.au

18.01.2022 Attention all researchers! Do you have an innovative solution for managing and controlling some of Australias most invasive established pest animal and weed species? How about a control that is close to ready, but just requires a bit more investment? The federal government wants to know!... The $13 million Advancing Pest Animal and Weed Control Solutions competitive grant round is now open for applications. The grant round is an opportunity for eligible organisations to advance nationally important research to develop innovative control solutions for established pest animals and weeds. The closing date for applications is 25 September 2020, so get in quick! For more information, or to submit an application, visit the Grant Connect website: https://bit.ly/3k629Zb

18.01.2022 Our new #AusBioAwards category, Environmental Biosecurity, was created to recognise an individual or group that has made a significant contribution to protect our environment from biosecurity risks. This could be through raising awareness, developing techniques, promoting collaboration, or helping to manage an incursion. To see the full criteria for this award, or submit a nomination, visit: awe.gov.au/ABA... Nominations close 02 October 2020.

17.01.2022 REMINDER don’t forget to register for the Environmental Biosecurity Office’s monthly webinar series, with the next session ‘Biosecurity in our backyard' taking place next week. Delivered using Microsoft Teams each webinar features at least three speakers and run for no more than one hour, followed by a half hour facilitated discussion for those who wish to dive deeper into the topic of the month. If you would like to participate, please follow the link below to register so ...the team can send you speaker info, an invitation and joining details for each webinar as they are confirmed. Current 2020 webinar program 24 November: Biosecurity in our backyard 3 December: Myrtle rust We look forward to you joining us for this engaging series! To register, visit https://bit.ly/3g2ruAN

15.01.2022 The latest edition of Biosecurity Matters is here! In this edition, read about the latest in detections, testing and innovations like DNA fingerprinting of dogs to meet import conditions. You can also learn how COVID-19 is providing rare opportunities for airport surveillance and our staff. Ship is happening to prevent pests onboard yachts, in road fill and strawberry plant material getting into the country. Meanwhile, stink bugs are taking their stench elsewhere thanks to n...ew biosecurity measures. You can read the July edition here: https://bit.ly/39CYn4H

15.01.2022 Antimicrobials have saved millions of lives and have kept us safe. But antimicrobials are losing their effectiveness. This is known as Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). ... AMR is a serious global threat to human and animal health. We can stop AMR if we all work together to use fewer antimicrobials. Not all sick animals need antimicrobials. Only use antimicrobials under veterinary supervision. You can prevent your animals from getting sick by regularly vaccinating them, making sure their environment is clean, and providing good nutritious food. You can help stop AMR - to find out how visit: www.amr.gov.au/

15.01.2022 Congratulations to Biosecurity Queensland's Panama TR4 Program, one of the winners of the 2020 round 2 #AusBioAwards - Community category The Panama TR4 Program is successfully managing Panama disease tropical race 4 in Queensland. Panama TR4 is a serious banana disease impacting growers in Queensland and the Northern Territory. To learn more, visit awe.gov.au/aba... @BiosecurityQld

15.01.2022 Our Melbourne Biosecurity detector dogs and their handlers have had a huge week already. On just one shift they intercepted 200 individual seed packets. Seeds that do not meet biosecurity conditions can threaten our environment, agricultural industries and even backyard gardens With the new stage 4 lockdown restrictions in Victoria, the Melbourne Biosecurity detector dogs and their handlers continue to manage biosecurity risks to Australian agriculture, the environment and o...ur way of life. They are screening 100% of the mail arriving into Melbourne, as well as expanding their training to ensure their efficiency. The training never stops for these pups, and Bridie and Qubit are currently working on lowering their odour thresholds down to just 1 gram of seed.

14.01.2022 Protect your animals from antimicrobial resistance by keeping them from getting sick. Have your animals regularly vaccinated, make sure their environment is clean, practice good biosecurity, and provide good nutritious food. By keeping our animals healthy we can use fewer antimicrobials and this will help stop the spread of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).... AMR means that we can no longer depend on antimicrobials to keep us or our animals safe. Together we can stop the spread of AMR by using antimicrobials only when absolutely necessary and only under the supervision of a qualified vet. Antimicrobials - handle with care. To find out how you can protect your animals visit: www.amr.gov.au/

14.01.2022 Have you received seeds in the mail that you didnt purchase? Dont plant them or throw them away, report them! The department has seen an increase in reports of unsolicited seeds arriving in Australia through the mail, and were asking all Australians to be extra biosecurity aware.... These seeds could pose a biosecurity risk, so it is important that any suspicious parcels are reported to the department. Seeds that do not meet our biosecurity conditions may carry a range of invasive species or harmful plant diseases that can threaten your backyard garden, our environment and our agricultural industries. We all have a role to play to protect Australia from biosecurity risks. If you receive seeds in the mail that you didnt purchase, report it immediately at awe.gov.au/report or by calling 1800 798 636.

14.01.2022 Some exotic snails can cause severe damage to our social, agricultural and environmental systems, spreading diseases that affect humans, animals and plants. The Giant African snail (GAS) Lissachatina fulica is a native of east Africa but has rapidly spread around the world and is now established in most tropical countries. GAS poses a high biosecurity risk, as it can carry a parasitic nematode that can cause meningitis in humans.... Snails are hitchhiker pests. They can arrive in Australia as eggs, juveniles or adults and are often found attached to shipping containers, machinery and motor vehicles. In 2019, more than 1,600 new imported vehicles infested with exotic snails were intercepted by biosecurity officers at Australias border. Our biosecurity officers work hard every day to keep exotic plant pests and diseases out of Australia. Have you seen this pest or something unusual? Report biosecurity concerns online at: www.agriculture.gov.au/report

13.01.2022 Spring has sprung! Are you looking to plant your own veggie garden? Remember to buy your seeds and plants from trusted suppliers. Dont be tempted to plant seeds and scraps from fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices that you buy for eating, or you could get more than you bargained for. ... Some of these may have microscopic plant pathogens that wont harm you but may harm your garden by causing diseases. So please #plateitdontplantit. Find out more at https://bit.ly/2ZFok0I

13.01.2022 Congratulations to Wellesley Islands Rangers, one of the winners of the 2020 round 2 #AusBioAwards - Community category The Wellesley Islands Rangers protect northern Australia from new pests, weeds and diseases from unregulated pathways. To learn more, visit awe.gov.au/aba

13.01.2022 Congratulations to Mr Brett Burdett, one of the winners of the 2020 round 2 #AusBioAwards - Community category Mr Burdett acted quickly to report a suspicious insect found in the packaging of his new refrigerator. The discovery of khapra beetle prompted an investigation into imported whitegoods. The khapra beetle is a serious hitchhiker pest which could have devastating impacts on Australia's grain industry and economy if it becomes established. ... The department encourages everyone to report potential biosecurity concerns at awe.gov.au/report To learn more about the winners, visit awe.gov.au/aba

13.01.2022 How does heated flooring, climate-controlled air, natural light, outdoor areas, and top-quality food sound? This is not your next holiday apartment, but the accommodation your dog or cat will enjoy during their stay at our state-of-the-art quarantine facility in Melbourne. Your pet is our top priority and our team of hard-working biosecurity officers provide essential quarantine services with the quality care of your pets during their stay. ... For more information, visit: bit.ly/32VvKhH

12.01.2022 Ever wonder how other countries get access to send their agricultural products to Australia? They submit a market access request. Find out how a country submits a Market Access Request here: https://bit.ly/31sLlD8

12.01.2022 At the Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) facility in Melbourne, our staff receive many enquiries from concerned pet owners about the quarantine process for their pets, particularly during the COVID pandemic. Your pets health and wellbeing is our teams top priority and we work hard to get your pets home safe. It’s also the best part of our job! Panda, pictured below recently left the PEQ after undertaking the 10-day quarantine process and her owner, Matt, sent us this heartfelt me...ssage. ‘I would like to thank you all for your awesome service over the last year. Thank you for making Panda's journey as smooth and comfortable as possible. Thanks for your patience and understanding when answering all my questions. It's a tough process to do by myself from abroad and answering all my questions, big and small, meant a lot. You've all played a role in helping move a sentient being into a more comfortable life. You are all wonderful people. Best wishes to you all and keep doing what you're doing. It's working! Here is a photo of Panda at Mums house. We will be joining Panda in a few weeks, moving back to Oz. I look forward to it’. Thanks for those lovely words Matt, we’re glad to hear that we made Panda’s journey as comfortable as possible. To learn more about the PEQ, visit: bit.ly/32VvKhH

12.01.2022 Retirement looks like long walks on the beach, hiking with your friends and belly scratches? Well, it does if you are a retired detector dog like Cody, who last week celebrated two years since he retired and went home with his handler Jess. After amassing more than 7500 seizures of biosecurity risk items in his career he’s certainly enjoying the retiree life and had a great time celebrating his 2 year anniversary.... Jess says, I took the day off work to take him to the beach and out hiking. He is doing really well - I’ve watched him go from a hyperactive working dog to a very chilled (lazy) and quirky household companion. He’s a pleasure to have at home, and I really do adore him. The department’s detector dog teams are deployed at international airport terminals and mail facilities throughout Australia, and continue to be a vital part of our biosecurity system, intercepting tens of thousands of risk items each year. You can learn more about our pawesome detector dog pals by visiting: https://bit.ly/3rRTtcs

09.01.2022 Thanks to our strong biosecurity system, Australia is free from many serious pests and diseases. This benefits our farmers when exporting their products overseas. Many of these exported products need to meet certain conditions. Find out what we do to help export agricultural products: https://bit.ly/3a0JKZa

09.01.2022 How much do school students know about biosecurity? A whole lot, it turns out! Read more about the STEM Professionals in Schools Program and how students at Farrer Primary School are becoming the next generation of biosecurity champions.

07.01.2022 The $13 million Advancing Pest Animal and Weed Control Solutions competitive grant round is still openbut the clock is ticking. If youre a research organisation with an innovation solution to help better manage the impact of priority established pest animals and weeds, put in an application today. Do your part to support the ongoing productivity of Australias farms and industries and safeguard our environment from these significant risks.... For more information, or to submit an application, visit the Grant Connect website: https://bit.ly/3k629Zb

07.01.2022 We are very happy to announce that nominations for the second round of the 2020 #AusBioAwards are now open! We are even more excited to share our four brand new categories: Environmental Biosecurity Award... Community Award Education Award Dr Kim Ritman Award for Science and Innovation If you know an individual, group or organisation that needs to be recognised for their contributions to protecting Australias biosecurity, jump online and nominate them at: awe.gov.au/ABA Nominations close Friday 02 October 2020.

06.01.2022 There are only 3 weeks to go before nominations for Australian Biosecurity Awards close. Dont let your biosecurity champions go unrecognised! Put in a nomination today at: awe.gov.au/ABA

06.01.2022 Khapra beetle is a small but serious agricultural pest! Khapra beetle is a significant threat to Australian plant industries, including the grain export industry. It destroys grain quality making it unfit for human or animal consumption. Over the next 2 months we will be implementing urgent actions to address the risk of khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) from entering Australia. ... The phased approach to implementation will result in changes to measures for goods on commercial and non-commercial pathways. Learn more about the urgent actions by following the link: bit.ly/2XZCRTk

06.01.2022 Australian dairy is the latest product to be exported to Japan using electronic certification (eCert), and joins commodities like meat, wool, skins and hides that are already exported to Japan using eCert processes. Australia is a world leader in eCert and paperless trading. This work forms part of the Australian Government’s Modernising Agricultural Trade work agenda. Australia has achieved several other eCert milestones over the past few months, including our department’s S...ecretary signing the most comprehensive eCert agreement in the world with the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries. Since August 2020, Australia has had a paperless eCert exchange with New Zealand for meat, dairy, seafood, and phytosanitary products. For more information visit: https://bit.ly/2GWUqhn

06.01.2022 Schools out for the departments latest graduates!! After eight weeks of jumping and weaving through the biosecurity detector dog training course, Delta, Quilly and Tyrone have successfully sniffed their way through a plethora of replicated luggage, mail and cargo articles. These talented pubs have been training five days a week over the last two months at the National Detector Dog Training Facility in Brisbane and, have already commenced their new careers at Sydney detecto...r dog operations. Here they will continue to hone their skills in the mail environment. The biosecurity detector dog program is a vital component of protecting our borders from biosecurity risks and were very proud to work alongside these cute, but very clever detectives. A big thank you to the foster parents who take in our potential recruits, making sure that they are in tip top share until theyre old enough to start training. For more information visit bit.ly/3in6si6

05.01.2022 If you found a biosecurity pest in your new fridge packaging, would you know what to do? You may have seen some news articles featuring one of our Australian Biosecurity Award winners, Brett Burdett, who reported insects that he and his wife found in their new fridge. The insects were subsequently identified as khapra beetle, the number one priority pest for grains. Their report allowed the department to effectively manage the interception and prevent a serious pest from cal...ling Australia home. Their story is a great example of the role the community plays in supporting Australia’s biosecurity system, by reporting potential risks. If you see a suspected biosecurity risk, whether it’s an unusual insect, weed, sick plant or animal, it is important that you report it. This will give us the best chance of containing and managing the risk. We work hard at the border and post border to safeguard Australia from biosecurity risksbut if we have tens of millions of eyes on the ground looking out for potential risks, we’ll have a better chance of keeping Australia clean, healthy and free of pests and diseases. For more information, visit agriculture.gov.au/pests-diseases-weeds/report

05.01.2022 Biosecurity officers have helped prevent a significant es-cargo-t risk from sliding into Australia, with a number of Giant African Snail interceptions made at the border. Last year, there were 28 Giant African Snail interceptions at the border, and we have seen ongoing interceptions this year. These snails were found in a variety of imported cargo and at different locations across the country at the border.... If the Giant African Snail was to establish in Australia, it would be a risk to more than 500 plant speciesranging from fruit and vegetables, to ornamental and native plants. These interceptions show that this pest is a real risk for Australia, so we must work together to keep it out. Make sure you follow our conditions when importing cargo to Australia and keep an eye out and report and potential biosecurity pests. For more information on the Giant African Snail visit awe.gov.au/giant-african-snail.

05.01.2022 Did you know that plant pests and diseases can have a big impact on our agricultural industries, environment and economy? This is why we all play a role in looking out for new pests and diseases that may arrive into Australia from overseas. These are called exotic pests. Find out how we deal with exotic pests that may arrive into Australia here: https://bit.ly/33vl8GM

04.01.2022 September 1 marks the start of the 2020-21 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Season. Between September 1 and April 30 there is heightened risk of BMSB arriving here in Australia, which we refer to as BMSB season. The department has again introduced heightened biosecurity measures for the 2020-21 season, in response to the rapid expansion of the pest throughout North America and Europe.... The measures will strengthen the controls we currently have in place to manage the risk of BMSB, while still supporting the safe and efficient movement of cargo. Despite a successful 2019-20 BMSB season, the risk from this highly invasive pest continues to increase, and the number of countries known to have BMSB rose between 2018 and 2020. Measures will apply to certain goods manufactured in, or shipped from, target risk countries. They will also apply to vessels that berth at, load or tranship from target risk countries. The measures apply to goods shipped from 1 September 2020 that arrive in Australia by 31 May 2021 (inclusive). We also continue to work closely with the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries on the 2020-21 measures to ensure consistency between the two countries, where possible. Learn more about the seasonal BMSB measures by following the link: agriculture.gov.au/bmsb

03.01.2022 REMINDER dont forget to register for the Environmental Biosecurity Offices new monthly webinar series, with the second session taking place tomorrow. The webinars occur during the last week of each month using Microsoft Teams, and are in place of the Environmental Biosecurity Roundtables for 2020. Each webinar features three or more keynote speakers and explore a particular environmental biosecurity theme.... The speaking sessions run for no more than one hour and are followed by a half hour facilitated discussion for those who wish to dive deeper into the topic of the month. If you would like to participate, please follow the link below to register so the team can send you speaker info, an invitation and joining details for each webinar as they are confirmed. Current 2020 webinar program* 25 August 11-12:30 AEST: Its all about the people 29 September: Flora, Fauna and Fire Regenerating a scorched landscape 27 October: Biosecurity risks in focus - Contaminants & commerce 24 November: Biosecurity in our backyard *Webinar dates are subject to change pending presenter availability. If you have a spare 60 - 90 minutes a month, well look forward to you joining us for this engaging series! To register, visit https://bit.ly/3g2ruAN

03.01.2022 Congratulations to Norfolk Island apiarists Mr Mervyn Buffett and Ms Clare McPherson, joint winners of a Biosecurity Commendation Certificate Mr Buffett and Ms McPherson won the award for their work protecting Norfolk Island's bees from pest and diseases. To learn more about the winners, visit awe.gov.au/aba

02.01.2022 Our new 3D x-ray scanning for biosecurity risk capability is the direct result of funding through the Biosecurity Innovation Program. We partnered with @Rapiscan in a world-first, to trial whether the technology would allow us to detect biosecurity risk material arriving at our airports. Do you have the next big biosecurity project? We’re looking to fund projects like this that could improve biosecurity screening of goods and passengers.... Your ideas are important and we’d love to hear from you! To apply, visit: https://www.agriculture.gov.au//research-innovation/program Act now - Applications close 12 February 2021!

02.01.2022 Do you love to start your morning with a hot cup of coffee or end your evening with a tasty chocolate treat? Trade plays a major role in our everyday lives. It allows access to some of our favourite products while also growing our economy. Watch this short video to find out how biosecurity underpins trade: https://bit.ly/2Dfy49b

02.01.2022 The banded bullfrog (Kaloula pulchra), a native to South Asia, is an invasive environmental pest that has spread to several other countries. Exotic frogs and toads can arrive as hitchhikers in all kinds of ways: on machinery, in passengers luggage, and in shipping containers. If these pests became established, they could cause significant damage to Australias environment.... When threatened, some exotic frogs and toads will inflate and secrete poisonous substances from their bodies that can affect human and animal health due to painful and severe irritation. Biosecurity officers are at the border every day, checking that arriving goods are free from these toadally awesome pests. Know what you can or cant bring into Australia. Visit www.agriculture.gov.au/travelling

02.01.2022 The quarantine facility in Melbourne is a world leading facility that plays a key role in protecting our way of life. Roger, the owner of Ceasar (pictured) and Queenie shares his pets recent experience at our facilities. ‘I wanted to say thank you so much for all your help with cats. Your professionalism, kindness and help with all the logistics are greatly appreciated. Queenie and Ceasar are at home now and we are so happyit has been a very stressful and anxious time for ...us and the cats over the last few monthsbut we finally got there’. Thanks for your kind words, Roger. We’re glad that you’re now getting to spend quality time with your cats! To learn more about the facility, visit: bit.ly/32VvKhH

01.01.2022 Companion animals from the Air Canada ‘ark in the sky’ charter flight were reunited with their owners yesterday after completing their mandatory 10-day stay at the department’s Post-Entry Quarantine (PEQ) facility in Mickleham. The 49 dogs and 19 cats arrived into Melbourne on 7 November from Vancouver as part of the final leg of a mission to bring them home after being separated from their owners because of COVID-19 restrictions. We’re pleased to report all the animals are i...n excellent health after their flight and PEQ stay. Today marked the culmination of months of planning and logistical challenges, and proved to be a very exciting and emotional time for owners and pets alike. Animals entering Australia from overseas are required to spend 10 days at PEQ to fulfill Australia’s biosecurity requirements to protect our people, agricultural industries and environment. The PEQ is very proud to have played a significant role in helping to coordinate this successful reunion while also protecting Australia’s favourable biosecurity status. So far this year the PEQ has facilitated 3635 companion animals 1157 cats and 2478 dogs; and will continue working with importers, animal transport agents and airlines on a range of options to ensure that pets ready to travel to Australia are able to do so. For more details on PEQ’s cats and dogs facilities visit: https://bit.ly/35BKV0G