Producers urged to have voices heard on biosecurity

By Country News

Jan 14, 2021

Producers have been invited to have their voices heard on Victoria’s biosecurity measures following the largest outbreak of avian influenza in decades.

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Agriculture Victoria’s Understanding Victoria’s Biosecurity System survey aims to collect information about people's attitudes towards and knowledge of the state’s biosecurity system, to improve how government can prepare for and meet future biosecurity challenges.

Several farms, including an emu farm near Kerang, were hit by three different strains of avian influenza last year.

Meanwhile, fall armyworm larvae were found in Finley recently, after the crop pest was detected in Dubbo and Narrabri midway through 2020 and in Queensland and the top end 12 months ago.

Biosecurity Services executive director Katherine Clift said farmers, businesses, industry groups and community members were invited to contribute.

“The agriculture sector contributes over $14 billion to the Victorian economy, supporting essential food supply both here in Australia and overseas, and providing thousands of jobs,” Dr Clift said.

“Managing biosecurity risks is increasingly challenging, as international and interstate migration, climate change, tourism and increased movement of goods all contribute to the risk of new incursions.”

Over the past 20 years, Australia has responded to biosecurity incursions — including varroa mite, citrus canker and equine influenza — as well as prepared for threats such as foot and mouth disease and African swine fever, all of which can have a significant economic impact.

Dr Clift said government, industry and the community needed to work together to prepare for, and respond to, current and future biosecurity risks.

“Everyone has a part to play in protecting Victoria from the impacts of pests and diseases,” she said.

“You can contribute to biosecurity by seeking advice when you see something unusual and reporting it, implementing good biosecurity measures in your business or on your property, working with your community to manage pests such as gorse, Queensland fruit fly or rabbits and practising good hygiene while travelling.

“These simple steps can help protect yourself and those around you, and keep our beautiful bush and bountiful farmland free from pests and diseases.

“Taking part in the survey lets you have your say on issues ranging from potential biosecurity threats and impacts, to where you like to get your information from and what could be improved.”

The results from the survey will be published online and will inform the development of future biosecurity initiatives.

The online survey takes about 15 minutes to complete, and is open until Thursday, February 11.

To complete the survey, visit: wmsr.com.au/agvic and for more information, visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/svbsprogram