Biosecurity Tasmania in Hobart, Tasmania | Community organisation

Biosecurity Tasmania

Locality: Hobart, Tasmania

Phone: +61 3 6165 3777

Address: 134 Macquarie Street 7000 Hobart, TAS, Australia

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25.01.2022 https://www.facebook.com//a.15197878716/2641011176212517/

24.01.2022 Biosecurity Tasmania (BT) recently completed the first year of a three-year volunteer plant pest surveillance program called the TPP Adopt-a-Trap Survey, where volunteers from the public and industry deployed sticky traps in their gardens or crops. The national project, led by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development - DPIRD WA, with funding provided by Hort Innovation, is designed to check for exotic pests such as tomato potato psyllid (TPP) (Bactericera c...ockerelli), which has only previously been detected in Western Australia and on Norfolk Island. TPP, a type of tiny insect measuring around 3mm in size, is a serious biosecurity threat to a variety of crops grown here in Tasmania, including potatoes, tomatoes and capsicums. Additionally, it can host a bacterium, Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum, which causes zebra chip disease in potato tubers. TPP is a regulated quarantine pest for Tasmania. In a great result, the survey results have shown that Tasmania remains TPP free, which is a fantastic outcome and demonstrates that our strict biosecurity system is working. BT would like to thank all volunteers for participating in the survey, which ran between November 2019 and April 2020. Good biosecurity is a shared responsibility and this survey is an excellent example of industry, community and government working together to help protect our important agricultural sector from the impacts of exotic pests. The program will run again this coming season and will need as many volunteers as possible. If you would like to participate, please keep an eye on our website (www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/biosecurity), Facebook page, sign up for Biosecurity advisories or send an email to [email protected].

23.01.2022 Nominations for round 2 for the 2020 Australian Biosecurity Awards are now open. 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.

22.01.2022 The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a sharp increase in the volume of packages coming into Tasmania through the mail system. To ensure that undeclared plant and animal matter doesnt enter the state, Biosecurity Tasmania uses a range of methods, including detector dogs and x-ray machines, to screen incoming packages. Heres what a typical day working on the X-ray machine at one of the mail centres might look like:... 1. Biosecurity Inspector Brent Jacobson undertakes a targeted inspection regime of packages at the mail centre to make sure they dont contain undeclared restricted plant or animal matter. 2. Brent passes the packages through the X-ray machine to find out whats inside. The colour of the X-ray image indicates the possible presence of organic matter, letting Brent know if he needs to take a closer look. 3. Uh oh! A package of undeclared rambutan fruits! These could harbour diseases or pests, like Queensland fruit fly, that could have a serious impact on Tasmanias primary industries, economy, community and environment. Great work Brent! The fruit will be disposed of securely and the importer will be contacted regarding the breach of our biosecurity import requirements. Serious or repeat offenders will receive a significant fine! Always check Tasmanian biosecurity requirements first before attempting to import plant and animal products - including fresh produce, seafood, seeds and nursery stock. Otherwise, our inspectors will seize your consignment and you may find yourself in trouble! For more information, visit www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/biosecurity, call 03 6165 3777, or email [email protected].

21.01.2022 Animal Health Australia (AHA) is the independent national animal health body in Australia. AHA works closely with government and industry on national actions and solutions to enhance, strengthen and protect Australias animal health and biosecurity systems. AHA has just released a new Strategic Plan - grab a copy now to learn more about its strategic priorities over the next 5 years.

20.01.2022 Thanks to Hagley Farm School for inviting us along last week to the school farm to talk about farm biosecurity practices. As part of the Tasmanian Agricultural Education Network, biosecurity is an integral part of the curriculum at Hagley. You know that the students take it seriously when you have Year 4 pupils lecturing the grown-ups on the importance and correct way to use boot wash stations! ... It was also a great opportunity to talk about the on-line biosecurity modules recently developed by Biosecurity Tasmania to support the Tasmanian Food and Fibre Curriculum. The visit was a fantastic reminder that we all have a responsibility to help protect Tasmania from the spread of pests, weeds and diseases. A useful starting point for learning about how you can establish good biosecurity practices on your farm, business, school, or even at home, is www.farmbiosecurity.com.au/. The Tasmanian Farmers & Graziers Association website also has some great resources too, including free farm biosecurity signage and planners: https://tfga.com.au/environment/bio-security

20.01.2022 If you live in the Cradle Coast region and would like to participate in this project, please visit: www.cradlecoast.com/cat-tracker/

19.01.2022 Biosecurity Tasmania is proud to be partnering in the recent launch of Mission: Biosecurity - a suite of interactive and entertaining digital education and information resources aimed at increasing biosecurity awareness and encouraging all Australians to take practical but effective actions to better manage biosecurity risks in their environment, communities and on their properties. Video and podcasts featuring the popular Gardening Australia host, Costa Georgiadis, provide ...fun and informative hints, tips and advice on what can be done at home, work and in our natural environment to better protect our lives and livelihoods from the damaging effects of pests, weeds and diseases the Biosecurity Baddies! Start your Mission: Biosecurity today by visiting https://www.missionbiosecurity.com.au/ Biosecurity Be a part of it! #missionbiosecurity

18.01.2022 There have been recent reports in the media of people receiving unsolicited seed packets through the mail, from overseas. Situations like this are an important reminder that biosecurity is everyones responsibility and we need to do our part to safeguard Tasmania and the rest of Australia. If you receive a parcel containing seeds you did not order, do not plant the seeds or throw them away. They could be exotic, noxious or invasive species, or be carrying diseases, and could ...cause serious damage to our agricultural industries and the environment. Please secure the seeds and immediately report them to Biosecurity Tasmania via phone: 03 6165 3777, or via email: [email protected] Reminder: If you are considering importing seeds into Tasmania, strict import conditions apply. Visit https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au//plant-/plant-biosecurity-manual for more information

17.01.2022 Are you planning on travelling to Tasmania soon? Did you know that there could be a pest like Queensland fruit fly lurking in any fruit and vegetables you might be carrying in your luggage? There could also be a nasty weed seed stuck to the soles of your walking boots.... You know that potted plant you packed as a gift for Aunty? Well it might have a plant disease that you didn’t even know was there! Please take the time to check all your luggage for restricted items before travelling to Tasmania. DO NOT BRING fruit and vegetables, seafood and some animal products, plant material, soil and seeds. If you do accidentally bring something please DISPOSE of it in the amnesty bin when you arrive, or DECLARE it to one of our biosecurity officers. For more information on Tasmanian biosecurity visit our website: https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au//travellers-guide-to-tasmanian-b For more information on Tasmanian border entry requirements visit: https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/

17.01.2022 It was a winter wonderland for staff at the DPIPWE Mt Pleasant & Prospect offices this morning! Stay safe out in the cold and slippery conditions today. Image courtesy of Bonnie Sweeney.

17.01.2022 Did you know that today is International Dog Day? However, here at Biosecurity Tasmania we recognise and thank our amazing dogs every day! Under the expert supervision of their handlers our highly trained detector dogs are working hard every day to help protect Tasmanias agricultural industries, environment and way of life.

17.01.2022 Register your interest in the next stage of the Tasmanian Weeds Action Fund. Details below...

17.01.2022 Important information regarding the 2021 RELEASE OF CALICIVIRUS in Tasmania. Rabbit management requires an integrated and strategic plan of action using a range of tools and techniques. Calicivirus is used as one option in a suite of available management options to avoid very high rabbit population numbers.... Biosecurity Tasmania officers assess properties in response to enquiries from landowners and determine the suitability for release of calicivirus or whether other control options may be more appropriate. Calicivirus is typically released during the March to July period in areas where identified rabbit numbers are problematic. WHAT IS HAPPENING IN 2021? As a consequence of the good growing conditions, this year will be a challenging year for rabbit control. With this summer’s high rainfall, there is currently an abundance of food available, especially grass, so conditions are good for rabbits to breed and they may be less likely to take calicivirus treated bait. Biosecurity Tasmania will continue to undertake property assessments across the state, however calicivirus release may be very limited this year given the amount of alternative feed available. No release sites for 2021 have been published at this stage. The release sites from last year (2020) are still available on the Department website. If properties are assessed as suitable for calicivirus release, the areas will be listed on the Department website. Individual properties are not publicly identified. WHAT STRAIN OF CALICIVIRUS IS USED IN TASMANIA FOR RABBIT CONTROL? RHDV1-K5 is the only strain released by Biosecurity Tasmania. RHDV1-K5 is a strain of the original RHDV1 virus, which was first released in Tasmania in 1997. In 2016, a new variant of calicivirus, RHDV2, was detected in Tasmania. Previously detected on the mainland, it is not known how RHDV2 arrived in Australia or Tasmania. RHDV2 is not registered for use as a biological control agent and is NOT released by the Tasmanian Government. HOW BEST TO PROTECT DOMESTIC RABBITS? Rabbit owners are encouraged to talk with their veterinarian regarding protection against caliciviruses. There is currently no approved vaccine available in Australia against RHDV2. Strategies for protecting pet and farmed rabbits from caliciviruses, including important biosecurity measures, can be found on the Department website. For more information visit: https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au//invasive-mamma/european-rabbits

17.01.2022 The Tasmania Project: New survey now open Developed by University of Tasmania to understand peoples experiences during COVID-19, The Tasmania Project aims to identify experiences and concerns of Tasmanians across the State with the findings being used as a resource for those making critical decisions in response to the pandemic. General Survey 3 closes at midnight, Sunday 6 September and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.... To find out more and get involved visit the Tasmanian Project website: https://www.utas.edu.au/tasmania-project

16.01.2022 The 2020-25 National Fruit Fly Strategy (NFFS) was recently released by the National Fruit Fly Council (NFFC). Developed as a collaborative effort between the NFFC, Plant Health Australia, Australia’s horticultural industries, state governments (including Tasmania), the Australian Government, Hort Innovation and various research institutions, the Strategy provides a coordinated framework to advance fruit fly management in Australia. The release and implementation of the NFFS,... together with a sustained, coordinated national approach to fruit fly management, lends strong support to the ongoing efforts aimed at reducing the risks of fruit fly to Tasmania. A copy of the 2020-25 National Fruit Fly Strategy (NFFS) and 2020-21 implementation plan can be downloaded from: https://preventfruitfly.com.au//national-fruit-fly-strate/

16.01.2022 Check out the great work that Nui the Wonder Dog has been doing keeping Macquarie Island free of rats and mice! An amazing biosecurity response success story!

15.01.2022 Do you work with wildlife in some capacity? Did you know that Wildlife Health Australia (WHA) has developed a key tool for you to help keep the animals you work with healthy and free from pests and diseases? The National Wildlife Biosecurity Guidelines.... Initially released in November 2018, these guidelines are a pivotal set of resources that draw together the latest information and insights on how wildlife workers in all fields can adopt best practices in applying biosecurity controls to every aspect of their work. Please share these guidelines to ensure they are used as a vital practical layer in protecting Australias wildlife health and biosecurity. You can access the guidelines, as well as other great WHA publications on a range of wildlife-related topics, at: https://www.wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/ Finally, please remember, if you SEE something unusual when you are working with wildlife that may indicate the presence of an exotic pest or disease, SECURE if possible if not, take a photo and note the location and REPORT it immediately to Biosecurity Tasmania: 03 6165 3777 or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888.

15.01.2022 Thanks for all your comments and questions on this important topic. For the most up to date information on the changes please continue to check our webpages on the links below. We will continue to update the webpages over time. >----------------------------------------------------------> Amendments to the CAT MANAGEMENT ACT 2009 are changing the way cats are cared for and managed in Tasmania. These changes will impact all cat owners and we want to tell you about the changes ...that may be important to you. Some of the changes come into effect TODAY, with other changes starting in March 2022, to give people time to adjust to the new requirements. Commencing today (1 March 2021): * A person will be permitted to trap a cat on their private property, as long as any cat that is trapped is either returned to its owner or taken to a cat management facility. * A cat that is being cared for at a cat management facility must be microchipped and desexed before being reclaimed from the facility. * Primary producers or occupiers of production premises will have more options for managing stray and feral cats affecting their land or premises. Commencing in MARCH 2022: * Cats must be microchipped and desexed by four months of age. * A person must not keep more than four cats, over the age of four months, on their property without a multiple cat permit. * The State Government will no longer be registering cat breeders. Anyone wishing to breed a cat in Tasmania will be required to be a member of a cat organisation or will have the option of applying for a conditional permit to breed a cat. * The option of a Care Agreement on the sale of a cat will be removed. Biosecurity Tasmania will be providing more information about these changes, and what they mean for cat owners over the coming months. For more information visit https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au//c/cat-management-act-amendments

15.01.2022 The Commonwealth government recently tabled a bill to strengthen penalties for travellers arriving from overseas who fail to declare high-risk biosecurity items (https://ministerag.govcms.gov.au//biosecurity-act-amendment). The amended legislation would allow the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment - Australian Biosecurity to issue larger infringement notices for goods that have not been declared and pose a high biosecurity risk. This news comes a...s a timely reminder that when interstate travel resumes that, like the Commonwealth, Tasmania also has a strong biosecurity system designed to keep our beautiful State free from exotic pests, weeds and diseases. Before you travel, make sure you check the Tasmanian biosecurity requirements at www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/biosecurity. When you arrive in Tasmania, please ensure that you DISPOSE or DECLARE fruit, vegetables, seafood, animal products, plant material, soil and seeds, and Help Keep Tassie, Tassie. Better still dont pack them in the first place, otherwise you may find yourself in trouble! But why bring those items anyway? We have some of the best produce in the world, so www.buysomethingtasmanian.com.au instead when you get here. For more information, visit www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/biosecurity, call 03 6165 3777, or email [email protected].

14.01.2022 The Tasmanian Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC) is seeking expressions of interest from suitable candidates to fill the position of Chairperson. The AWAC is established under the Animal Welfare Act 1993. Its functions are set out under section 40 of the Act and include advising the Minister on animal welfare issues and considering any proposed changes to animal welfare legislation. Section 39 of the Animal Welfare Act 1993 outlines membership of the committee. Most of ...the members are representatives of organisations specified under the Act, however the Chairperson is independent. Members of the AWAC, including the Chair, are appointed by the Minister for a maximum term of 3 years and may be reappointed. Meetings are held approximately quarterly or as required. For information on how to apply, please visit: https://biosecurityadvisory.dpipwe.tas.gov.au

14.01.2022 Khapra beetle was recently found in imported white goods in the ACT. This detection serves as a good reminder to everyone to be aware of potential unwelcome hitch hikers in newly purchased goods. Khapra beetle can infest stored food products, including grain, and can be associated with other imported non-food items (including white goods) and shipping containers. ... On this occasion, the white good shipments in question were not sent to Tasmania however, if you do spot anything unusual in imported goods at any time, please report it to Biosecurity Tasmania by calling 03 6165 3777

14.01.2022 A good opportunity for anyone with an interest in environmental biosecurity

14.01.2022 Great news beekeepers! The Biosecurity for Beekeepers online course is now free for all Australian beekeepers! Previously only available for free to commercial beekeepers with 50 hives or more, the course is now open to all, thanks to Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC) funding. ... The course, designed by Plant Health Australia (PHC), with input from AHBIC, state bee biosecurity officers and other industry representatives, is an import resource for improving bee biosecurity standards across Australia. By helping to protect the honey bee industry from pests and diseases, the industrys sustainability into the future will be much more secure. The course, which takes about 90 mins, explains why biosecurity is important, describes the main pest threats to bees and shows how to check hives for signs of pests and diseases. On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate demonstrating compliance with the Australian Honey Bee Biosecurity Code of Practice. For information on how to register for the course visit www.beeaware.org.au/training

13.01.2022 ARE YOU PLANNING TO TRAVEL TO TASMANIA? Tasmania is moving to a new online registration system for everyone wanting to enter the State. The G2G PASS replaces th...e current process and applies to everyone, including returning Tasmanian residents and Essential Travellers visiting for work or for compassionate or medical reasons. Upon registration and approval you will receive a QR code that is now required to enter the State. Approved travellers will also be advised of specific conditions that apply to them. Remember other quarantine and travel restrictions remain in place. Those who currently have Essential Traveller status will need to reapply through G2G PASS. For more information or to register your travel to Tasmania visit www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/G2G

11.01.2022 Australian Food Safety Week starts tomorrow (14 - 21 November 2020) and provides a timely reminder of the risks from food poisoning and the measures you and your family can take to reduce those risks. Food poisoning is more than a minor stomach upset, it can be life threatening especially for the elderly, pregnant women and their unborn babies and people with compromised immune systems. This year Australian Food Safety Week 2020 will be building upon the good consumer behav...iour established during the COVID-19 pandemic so we can continue to reduce the amount of foodborne disease. Continue the good work by following the five simple food safety tips in this fact sheet from the Food Safety Information Council. More information is available at: https://foodsafety.asn.au/ Food Safety It’s in your hands Food Safety Information Council (Australia)

10.01.2022 Did you know that the exotic pest Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is a serious threat to Tasmanian agriculture due to the damage it could cause to vegetable crops, fruit and ornamental trees? BMSB can also be a nuisance pest for humans due to its habit of seeking shelter in large numbers in houses, factories and machinery over winter. Fortunately, BMSB isnt present in Australia, however the high-risk season for BMSB is September to April, when it may be found hitchhiking i...n containerised cargo and on vessels from countries such as Italy and the USA. We can all help protect our country and our State from exotic pests by looking out for hitchhikers, like BMSB, in imported products SEE IT. SECURE IT. REPORT IT. Find out more about BMSB at: https://www.outbreak.gov.au/curr/brown-marmorated-stink-bug

10.01.2022 Biosecurity Tasmania is proud to support the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH) 2020. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, June was a month rich in activities aimed at promoting IYPH globally. Check out the IYPH June newsletter for a wealth of information on plant health topics from around the world, including how to become a #PlantHealth Champion, how to enter the IYPH Photo competition and heaps more.... http://newsletters.fao.org/q/1mrqN5qfI9b0zwe9JnUL/wv

09.01.2022 Plant Health Australia (PHA) has just released its National Plant Biosecurity Status Report 2019. This annual publication is a fantastic resource that provides a comprehensive overview of plant biosecurity in Australia. All Australian government jurisdictions, including Tasmania, as well as industry, research organisations and the community, contribute data to the report.... In good news, the report found that, overall, Australian crops and native plants continue to be largely protected by Australias highly effective biosecurity systems from the negative consequences of pests and diseases, relative to the impacts seen in some other countries. The report also lists nearly 400 high priority pests of Australias plant industries, identified through biosecurity planning facilitated by PHA. For the first time, there is also a list of high priority pests of our natural environment. Another key feature of the report is the profiles of over 35 plant industries. Each profile highlights the industrys economic value, major growing regions, key exotic pest threats and biosecurity initiatives. The report is well worth a look and has much information that is relevant to Tasmania. Read the full report at: www.planthealthaustralia.com.au/npbsr

07.01.2022 Biosecurity Tasmania congratulates the Department of Education Revitalising School Farms Initiative and the Hagley Farm School Visitor Centre on winning a 2020 Australian Biosecurity Award (ABA) - Education Category. This national award is a fantastic achievement recognising their strong commitment to making practical biosecurity education a key component of the agricultural curriculum at Hagley, and for the thousands of other Tasmanian students who visit the Field Study Centre each year. Good biosecurity is a shared responsibility and the receipt of this award highlights the important collaborative work being undertaken at the School, and through the broader Revitalising School Farms network. Proudly supported by Biosecurity Tasmania.

07.01.2022 Right across Tasmania, workers are needed to bring in the harvest. Earn money, improve your fitness, get outdoors, meet new people and build a career in a vibr...ant, growing industry. Tassie farms need pickers, drivers, sorters, packers and pruners, so if you need a job and would like to do your bit, go to www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/harvest-jobs or call 1800 062 332 See more

07.01.2022 Tasmania’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout has started. With such a large-scale vaccination program ahead of us, we understand that Tasmanians may still have questions about vaccines and the rollout of the program. Find answers to your most frequently asked questions at: www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/vaccine-faqs

06.01.2022 Biosecurity Tasmania would like to thank Plant Health Australia for facilitating an Industry Liaison Officer (ILO) training session, held at Campbell Town earlier this week. During a Biosecurity emergency ILOs play a vital role in ensuring that related industries have on the ground involvement in the response. ILOs also provide crucial industry-specific input and support to biosecurity emergency response planning, preparation and during the recovery phase of an emergency ...response. Thanks also to the industry representatives who attended the session - representing a broad range of Tasmanian-based plant production and support industries.

05.01.2022 An exciting funding opportunity

04.01.2022 Are you a livestock producer? Can you stand by what you sell? Tasmania is renowned for producing high quality red meat products and it is important that we protect that reputation. The foundations of Australias red meat integrity system are Livestock Production Assurance (LPA), the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) and National Vendor Declarations (NVDs).... This system means customers around the world can trust that Australian red meat is safe, ethically produced and high quality. Integrity Systems Australia, supported by the Biosecurity Tasmania and the Tasmanian Farmers & Graziers Association, is running a free one-hour webinar for the Tasmanian livestock industry about integrity record keeping. Topics covered include: - Changes to National Vendor Declarations - How to start using the faster, easier new eNVD platform - LPA accreditation and audits - NLIS transfers and reconciliations - Link all your accounts in one place using myMLA The webinar will be a great opportunity to gain some practical tips that make accessing and using LPA, NLIS and NVD easier, so you spend less time in the office. Date: Monday 13 July @ 7:30pm Register: www.integritysystems.com.au/events If you cant make it, Integrity Systems will email you a free copy of the webinar so you can catch up just email: [email protected] Alternatively, Integrity Systems Company is hosting three general webinars on the topic for a national audience on July 16, 20 and 29. Check the Integrity Systems events page for more details #standbywhatyousell

04.01.2022 The Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and Australian Biosecurity have produced Biosecurity Bite, a series of videos that highlight important aspects of Australias national biosecurity system. This video, Export Processes describes how countries like Australia have put in place certain requirements for the import of agricultural products. This may include supplying formal certification, or proving that testing or treatment for certain pests ...and diseases has been carried out prior to the goods arriving. To find out more, watch the video here: https://youtu.be/GUd1Z55vgzM Tasmanians freedom from many significant pests and diseases means that our food and fibre producers can more easily access certain high value overseas export markets

03.01.2022 The CSIRO, in partnership with Animal Health Australia, Plant Health Australia and Centre for Invasive Species Solutions has published a report on Australia's biosecurity future. Download the report here: csiro.au/biosecurityreport

03.01.2022 Don't forget to check your blueberries and blueberry plants for any signs of rust. With the weather warming, Biosecurity Tasmania needs your help with the containment strategy to manage the presence of blueberry rust in the State. Check any blueberries you have purchased as well as your blueberry plants at home for any signs of blueberry rust.... Be on the lookout for signs of brown-rust coloured lesions on the top, and yellow-orange pustules on bottom sides of leaves, yellow-orange pustules may also appear later on the fruit. If you think you may have blueberry rust, please call Biosecurity Tasmania immediately on 03 6165 3777. It is very important that you do not disturb or move the plant Biosecurity Tasmania Officers will come to you. Care should also be taken to ensure that any clothes or equipment do not become contaminated. More detailed information on blueberry rust can found on our website: www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/blueberryrust

03.01.2022 Important information to help businesses prepare COVID-19 Safe Workplace Plans

02.01.2022 Its R U OK? Day, a reminder that every day is a day to start a conversation that could change a life. Today were calling on Australians to learn what to say a...fter R U OK? so they can keep the conversation going when someone says theyre not OK. Theres more to say after R U OK? Learn what to say when listening with an open mind Learn what to say when encouraging action Learn what to say when checking in Learn how to continue a conversation that could change a life. When we know what to say next we can help someone open up and find pathways to support long before theyre in crisis. Learn what to say next and help us move closer to our vision of a world where were all connected and are protected from suicide. Head to www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

02.01.2022 Agriculture Victoria is currently responding to an outbreak of avian influenza (AI) H7N7 at a free-range egg farm near Geelong. AI is a highly contagious, viral disease of birds that can cause high mortalities in chickens. The H7N7 virus is not a risk to the public as it rarely affects humans unless there is direct and close contact with sick birds. ... The Victorian outbreak is not the highly pathogenic influenza H5N1 or H1N1 strains that have gained worldwide attention nor is it closely related to those strains. It is in no way related to the current COVID-19 pandemic. There is no current risk to Tasmania, however those who keep birds are asked to be aware of the symptoms of AI and seek immediate veterinary advice if any of their birds become sick or die suddenly. All bird owners are encouraged to adopt simple biosecurity measures to prevent wild birds from gaining access and contaminating the food and water supply of their birds with droppings. Suspect cases of avian influenza should be reported by calling the national Emergency Animal Disease Watch hotline on 1800 675 888. This can also be done by your veterinarian, who must report any suspicion or confirmed test results. Further information on avian influenza, including disease signs and a biosecurity checklist for bird keepers, can be found on the Biosecurity Tasmania website. Go to www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/biosecurity and search Avian Influenza. Further information on the AI response in Victoria can be found at www.outbreak.gov.au

01.01.2022 Introducing the GENERAL BIOSECURITY DUTY Following extensive industry and community consultation, the Biosecurity Act 2019 introduces a new legal obligation in Tasmania known as the General Biosecurity Duty, or GBD. The General Biosecurity Duty is expected to come into effect on 31 March 2021.... The GBD reinforces that everyone has a role to play in protecting our unique environment and primary industries against biosecurity risks. Understanding and meeting your GBD responsibilities will help protect your business, our primary industries, our economy, the environment, and our way of life here in Tasmania. Biosecurity Tasmania has developed a range of helpful resources to assist you to understand the GBD, to identify your GBD responsibilities and help keep Tasmania biosecurity safe. You can find more information on the website: www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/GBD We all have a General Biosecurity Duty to help protect Tasmania from pests, weeds and diseases. Check out the GBD video for more information about how you can meet your GBD. https://youtu.be/8hlfDvlsn8Y