Biosecurity - What Is It?

Biosecurity started out as a set of preventive measures designed to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases in crops and livestock, quarantined pests, invasive alien species, and living modified organisms.

Biosecurity is the protection of agricultural animals from any type of infectious agent -- viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic. People can spread diseases as they move within a facility and from one facility to another. Animals or equipment introduced into a facility can bring pathogens (disease causing bacteria) with them. Among the many biosecurity procedures that can prevent these types of disease transmission are such measures as use of protective clothing, waiting periods for new animals and visitors, and cleaning.

Biosecurity is a critical part of the government's efforts to prevent, respond to and recover from pests and diseases that threaten the economy and environment. The department of agriculture works to ensure our products maintain our high standards.

Government agencies have an important role to play in governing plant biosecurity in Australia. Landholders, managers, Indigenous people and communities in regions also have a substantial role in managing plant biosecurity risks as they occur. The next stage of the research is to refine a framework to support partnership development, decision-making and knowledge for plant biosecurity surveillance in Australia.

Farm biosecurity is a set of measures designed to tackle the spread of pests, disease and weeds within the farm.

Plant Biosecurity is a set of measures designed to protect a crop, crops or a sub-group of crops from plant pests at national, regional and individual farm levels. Biosecurity has emerged as a major global issue. Harmful plant pests and diseases can impact on food safety, trade, market access, market development and, ultimately, the profitability and sustainability of plant industries.

Animal biosecurity is the protection of the economy, human health, and the environment from problems associated with pests and diseases of animals. Biosecurity is not only needed when it comes to farming and livestock, it is also involved with wildlife and feral animals, which can infect domestic animals and humans. Some animals carry diseases that may be fatal to other animals, and can cause humans to become violently ill. An animal disease that can infect humans is called a zoonoses and approximately 75% of emerging human infectious diseases are assumed to have come from animals, including wildlife. Stock owners are asked to constantly check their livestock for any symptoms or signs of a disease, and are asked to report any signs they see immediately. 

Aquatic biosecurity is very alike to animal biosecurity, however it is part of a different trade. It aims to protect the economy, human health, and the environment from problems associated with aquatic pests, diseases, and saltwater weeds. The diseases in aquatic biosecurity damage the natural balance of aquatic plants and animals. Recreational fishers, surprisingly, are usually the first people to spot and recognise any diseases, so they are asked to immediately report anything suspicious. Fish farmers are also asked to always be on the lookout of anything that affects their business, industry, along with the natural habitats of the fish. 

Australia is relatively free from many of the plant pests and diseases which seriously impact on agricultural industries in other countries.