Why should pest and weed sources be considered a risk?
There is a high potential for diseases, pests and weeds to be carried onto and around your property. To protect the health of your livestock, crops and plantations it is important to minimise the risks associated with pests and weeds.
What to consider
Reporting suspect pests and weeds
Check your farm, orchard or plantation frequently for the presence of new diseases, pests, weeds and unusual symptoms. Make sure you are familiar with common diseases, pests and weeds so you can tell if you see something different.
If you see anything unusual on your property call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 or the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
The earlier a suspect disease, pest or weed is detected and reported the higher the chance of eradication or implementation of effective control measures, and lower the long-term damage to the individual grower and the industry. It is to your benefit to report a new disease, pest or weed detection as early as possible.
Calls to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline or the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline are forwarded to an experienced person in each state or territory. Every report will be checked out and treated confidentially.
If you suspect you have found an exotic plant pest, the following general precautions should be taken:
- do not allow movement of people and equipment near the affected area
- wash hands, clothes and boots that have been in contact with affected livestock, plant material or soil
- do not touch, move or transport affected plant material without advice from your state department of primary industries
Weeds
Weed species are significant biosecurity problems in their own right, as well as acting as alternative hosts of some agricultural and horticultural pests. They can also create animal health issues. To reduce the risks:
- know what weeds are common to your property and region, as this will mean you know if something different is present
- establish a weed management plan for your property, which includes plans for eradicating, containing or managing weeds currently on your property, as well as stopping the introduction of new species
- this will reduce the chances of pests and diseases establishing in the weed population and then moving into crops
- report anything unusual immediately
Property and land destruction
Property and land destruction through fire, flood, storms etc., can lead to habitat changes, which often provide an opportunity for pests and weeds to become established and thrive. To ensure this does not become an issue on your property, regularly inspect your property for the presence of diseases, pests and weeds, particularly any areas that have been recently landscaped or affected by land destruction. Report anything new or unusual.
Feral animals
Feral animals can pose a risk to your property through direct impact on livestock and production and by carrying disease onto and around your property. To protect the health of your livestock, crops and plantations it is important to minimise the risks associated with feral animals.
Wild animal access
Wild animals can mix with your livestock and cause disease.
- develop a pest and feral animal control program
- protect feed and water sources
- regularly check and mend broken fences
- ensure farm buildings are in good repair
- dispose of any carcases properly and promptly
Vermin
Vermin can contaminate feed and water causing disease.
- develop a pest and feral animal control program
- protect feed and water sources
- keep records of vermin control
If you see anything unusual on your property call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 or the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.