Farm Biosecurity program technical adviser, Duncan Rowland, says that the large proportion of mixed and multi-sector producers is the key reason why the program became an initiative run jointly by Animal Health Australia and Plant Health Australia.

“The website already provides dedicated industry pages which amalgamate all the biosecurity information, links and tools relevant to each plant and livestock industry,” Mr Rowland says. “But the personal profile builder goes one step further by allowing you to select and display as many industries as you like.”

To use the feature, simply check as many industry boxes as are relevant to your farm type and click the ‘Save farm profile’ button. 

This produces a results page which displays a snapshot of the main farm biosecurity tools available for the chosen industries with the option of going into any one of them individually.

The personalised profile remains saved while your browser is active – even if you have shut down the particular tab with containing the Farm Biosecurity website. Moreover, the personal profile builder hot button is available from the right hand column on each and every page of the website, giving easy and efficient access to your chosen industries. 

“The mix of cropping and extensive grazing is very common, as are multiple vegetable and fruit operations.” Mr Rowland adds. “It’s not usual for plant growers to own horses or to keep some chooks or pigs out the back.

“When developing the current program, we recognised that many of the fundamental messages around good on-farm biosecurity are the same for all producers; and that Australian farmers deserved a one-stop-shop where they could obtain reliable information no matter what their farm type. This unique feature of our new website is a great, innovative way to deliver that information.”   

Farm Biosecurity still has a limited number of free gate signs to give away. Simply subscribe to our monthly newsletter and order your free gate sign. But be quick, because they’re running out fast!

(Image: Misty Brae Holstein Studs proudly displaying their new free farm biosecurity sign)

The problem has become so large that WoolProducers Australia has brought together critical industry stakeholders* to develop a national action plan to combat the economic and personal devastation caused by wild dogs across rural Australia.

Apart from the obvious threat of death and injury in livestock, dogs are also a source of the spread of animal-borne diseases, including hydatids and neospora (a protozoan pathogen in cattle and dogs).

To protect the health of your livestock, crops and plantations it is important to minimise the risks associated with feral animals by adopting the following biosecurity practices:

• Develop a wild and feral animal control program for your property.
• 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.
• Consider guardian animals such as donkeys, alpacas or Maremma dogs.
• Keep records as part of your control program.

A regional approach

Wild dogs, like other pests, do not acknowledge state borders or property boundaries. The most important thing you can do to limit their impact is to work with neighbours, community and other producers in your local area to implement a coordinated approach to feral animal control.

Start by joining or forming a local steering committee to develop a management plan for the whole affected region. This could be done through existing structures like the local council, Landcare or invasive species control group. Then consider which existing and new strategies may be effective in your area. These include:

• coordinated baiting (including aerial) and trapping
• exclusion fences (including electric)
• trained doggers, trappers and licensed shooters
• a financial bounty for wild dogs.

For more information visit our Feral & Weeds page or WoolProducers Australia.

* Chaired by WoolProducers Australia vice-president Jim McKenzie, the Steering group also includes:  Animal Health Australia Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders Australian Pest Animal Strategy Cattle Council of Australia; Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities; Invasive Animal CRC; Meat and Livestock Australia; National Farmers Federation; National Wild Dog Management Advisory Group (NWDMAG); Sheepmeat Council of Australia; Vertebrate Pests Committee.

Weeds can lower crop yields and pasture quality by competing for soil moisture, nutrients, space and light; they can harbour pests and diseases and many are toxic to livestock.

Weeds can enter your property in a variety of ways:

• New or returning livestock can carry seeds in their stomach contents or on their skin or coat.
• Vehicles can carry seeds though the soil or mud on wheels or undercarriages.
• Equipment that has not been adequately cleaned may carry weed seeds in dirt or other matter.
• Wild or feral birds and animals can carry seeds in their stomachs and also on their skin or coat.
• Visitors, staff, family or seasonal workers can pick up seeds on their clothing or in mud on their boots and clothing.
•  Inadvertently introduced thinking it is a garden plant becasue some weeds are very attractive.

You should aim to reduce weed numbers and keep them low with an ongoing control program.  Tools you might use in your management program include:

Ongoing surveillance
Check your property regularly and implement a control program, especially if the weeds are toxic to livestock or have the potential to take over useful pasture or crop fields.

Crop rotation
Alternate cereal and broadleaf pasture or crops. Broadleaf weeds are easier to control in cereal crops, and grassy weeds are more easily and cheaply controlled chemically in broadleaf crops.

Haymaking
Making hay or silage from crops or pasture prior to seed set reduces the weed seed bank and possible spread of weed seeds. Cutting must be done early enough to ensure that viable seeds are not included in the hay or silage.

Pasture management
Techniques such as pasture topping by mowing or using herbicides, strategic heavy grazing or burning can all have a role in weed control programs. Cleaning grasses out of legume pastures in winter is a common practice. This involves spraying grasses such as barley grass and vulpia out of pastures in winter to stop seed set, improve nitrogen build-up and reduce root diseases in subsequent cereal crops.

Agronomic practices
Practices such as using weed-free seed (preferably registered or certified) and sowing on time with optimal plant population densities and adequate nutrition contribute to weed control. Some crops and varieties are more competitive against weeds than others.

Timely cultivation
Some producers use varying combinations of mechanical and chemical weed control to manage their fallows or stubbles. Using knockdown herbicides instead of cultivation for fallow commencement, as well as pre-planting in the autumn, can provide weed control while protecting the soil structure.

In-crop weed control
A wide range of pre-emergent and early post-emergent herbicides are available for in-crop weed control. The stage of growth of the weed and the crop are vital factors to consider when planning the successful use of post-emergent herbicides.

Herbicide resistance in weeds is a problem that is becoming more widespread through Australia, so bear this in mind when deciding on the best options for your property. Herbicide resistance can be managed by having a good crop and pasture rotation, by rotating herbicide groups and by combining both chemical and non-chemical methods of weed control.

Early detection and reporting enhances the chance of effective weed control or eradication. Any unusual weeds should be reported immediately via the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. You can also report detections of suspect weeds online through the Weeds Australia website.

Photo: Stephen Ausmus, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org

Australia’s wild European honey bees currently provide free pollination to a large number of crops. But this free service could soon come to an end.

Australia is the only country in the world with a significant beekeeping industry yet to be affected by the Varroa mite (Varroa destructor), a devastating parasitic mite of European honey bees.

Farm Biosecurity program technical adviser Brad Siebert said: “It is likely that Varroa will eventually enter and become established in Australia. And given that there is usually a 1-5 year lag before its presence is detected, complete eradication would be unlikely.”

The Australian honey bee industry is built around colonies of European honey bees, with about 10,000 registered beekeepers operating approximately 570,000 hives. Honey bees, both managed and wild, contribute to crop production by providing pollination services to many horticultural crops, as well as a few broadacre crops (see Table 1 below).

The impact of Varroa on honey production and pollination industries in Canada, the United States and New Zealand is well documented.

Mr Siebert said: “Once Varroa enters Australia, wild honey bees and the movement of managed hives have the potential to distribute Varroa mite over great distances”.

Based on overseas experience, Varroa mite will progressively kill Australia’s feral honey bee populations and over 3-4 years will kill 95-100 per cent of unmanaged hives. 

However, the full impact of an incursion of Varroa will take some years to be fully realised by both the honey bee and horticultural industries. Plant industries that previously relied on wild honey bee pollination will need to start employing the services of beekeepers which will increase production costs and competition for paid pollination services.

The Biosecurity Manual for the Honey Bee Industry provides practical advice to anyone who keeps honey bees in Australia, from commercial operators, to backyard enthusiasts and people starting up their first hives.

Each and every beekeeper has a role to play in protecting honey bees from established and exotic pests. Incorporating the recommended biosecurity processes into day-to-day operations is the best way to protect individual beekeepers and the Australian honey bee industry as a whole.

To learn more about honey bee biosecurity, visit the honey bee industry pages. If you spot anything unusual, call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

Table from research by ABARES: A benefit-cost framework for responding to an incursion of Varroa destructor (Hafi et al, 2012)

David Palmer

The Livestock Biosecurity Network (LBN) is an initiative of the Cattle Council of Australia, which has been joined by the Sheepmeat Council of Australia and WoolProducers Australia.

It will be a network of industry extension officers operating throughout the states and the Northern Territory, with funding coming from the beef-cattle, sheepmeat and wool sectors.

After over two years in the making, the LBN now has its first Board of Directors and National Manager. These were endorsed at the company’s inaugural annual general meeting early in March.

LBN’s Independent Chairman, Mr David Palmer, welcomed the four other directors:

• Mr Grant Maudsley, Qld (beef-cattle expertise)

• Mr Hamish Munro, NSW (beef-cattle expertise)

• Ms Kate Joseph, Vic (sheepmeat expertise), and

• Mr Geoff Fisken, Vic (wool expertise).

Mr Palmer also welcomed the appointment of Mr Warren Clark as the company’s National Manager.

“I am extremely enthusiastic about the future of this initiative”, said Mr Palmer. “LBN’s primary role will be to create and disseminate a wide range of extension material on national policy for the health, welfare and biosecurity of livestock.”

“All four directors have long-running industry experience and have a deep understanding of, and appreciation for, the importance of health, welfare and biosecurity in the livestock sectors. While this company will work outside the policy-making arena, the directors’ experience will prove invaluable.

“Warren Clark, who has been working in the meat and livestock sector for over 21 years with Australia Meat Holdings, the Poll Hereford Society, Herefords Australia and, more recently, Australian Rural Exports, has skills that will combine well with those of the board to ensure LBN takes maximum advantage of the opportunity provided to it by its funding providers”, said Mr Palmer.

Animal Health Australia has played a significant role in assisting with the development of the company.

“I would like to thank AHA for its input to date and look forward to working alongside it in developing and disseminating necessary material”, Mr Palmer said.

Mr Clark formally took up his position in Canberra last week. The Farm Biosecurity program has already commenced discussions with the LBN on the potential links and mutual support between the two initiatives.

According to Jim Moran, the Victorian Grains Biosecurity Officer, it can be challenging, if not a little overwhelming for producers to know where to start. That’s a major reason why the Grains Biosecurity Program was established and why the Farm Biosecurity Manual for the Grains Industry was developed.

“Reviewing current hygiene practices and making a biosecurity plan for your property is a vital first step in protecting your farm against unwanted and debilitating incursions,” said Mr Moran. “The expectation is not that improvements happen overnight, instead it’s about getting the ball rolling, a self assessment checklist – there’s one in the manual – and clearly communicating your approach to staff, family and visitors to ensure you have your business in the best possible place should something happen.”

NSW Department of Primary Industries Grains Biosecurity Officer, Louise Rossiter, said that many people think of biosecurity as something that happens at borders to keep pests out of Australia, but that farmers have most control at their farm gate when it comes to keeping out undesirable incursions.

“A simple biosecurity plan which involves identifying possible risks and how they can be best managed can save time and money for grain growers,” Dr Rossiter said.

“Unwanted weeds can be brought in with seed and grain – buying certified grain or dealing with trusted sources can greatly reduce the risk.”

“Farm visitors, contractors and vehicles can also introduce and spread weeds, pests and diseases – a ‘come clean, go clean’ policy can help address that risk.”

Dr Rossiter said farmers could support a ‘come clean, go clean’ initiative with the appropriate farm infrastructure. “A basic wash down area can be used to reduce the risk and designated parking areas can be easily inspected to help ensure no new weeds are introduced and allowed to spread undetected,” she said.

“A simple biosecurity sign with contact details located at the property entrance, farm office or a central meeting point can help manage visitors to the farm.”

Dr Rossiter advised growers to start with the greatest risks and the most easily implemented management actions.

“In time other measures can be introduced and built into the plan, which will allow gradual and continual improvement in protecting your farm.”

The Grains Farm Biosecurity Program is an initiative to improve the management of, and preparedness for, biosecurity risks in the grains industry at the farm and industry levels. Launched in 2007, the Grains Farm Biosecurity Program is managed by Plant Health Australia and funded by growers through Grain Producers Australia together with the New South Wales, Queensland, South Australian, Victorian and Western Australian governments.

Biosecurity is an important component of effective farm management. As Jim Moran puts it, “Growers have invested too much time, money and effort into their enterprises and into their industry to not effectively address biosecurity risks.”

For assistance in developing a farm biosecurity plan, producers should contact their local Grains Biosecurity Officer.

Ron, with his wife Robyn and son Kim, farms 13,000 hectares in the low-rainfall shires of Trayning and Nungarin in WA’s central wheatbelt. It is a family business that has celebrated more than 100 years of operation since its establishment by Ron’s grandparents in 1909.

Typically, Ron crops 10,000ha made up principally of wheat and lesser plantings of canola, barley and lupins. The Creaghs also run 4000 Merino breeding ewes and shear about 8000 sheep. The flock has had Dohne bloodlines incorporated to enhance meat production. 

Biosecurity has been top of mind for Ron since the late 1960s, when he observed the devastation of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak during a study tour of the UK. It was a horrifying experience that made him intent on good farm biosecurity at home.

Ron’s commitment to biosecurity extends beyond his own property. He has been on the Agriculture Protection Board of WA since the mid-1990s.

After the outbreak of lupin anthracnose in 1996 he became an inaugural member of the Grain Guard program and has also served as Grain Guard chairman.

He has been a member of the Biosecurity Council of WA and Grain Industry Association of WA (GIWA), and recently returned to the Grain Guard committee as a GIWA representative.

For Ron, biosecurity begins at the farm gate, literally, with farm biosecurity signs that direct all visitors to the property to the house or to contact Ron before they do anything else. This, Ron says, has helped to instil a degree of visitor discipline.

“It makes visitors pay attention. They know straight away that we don’t want people driving around our property without our knowledge,” he says. 

“We only use farm vehicles to get around so that new pests aren’t brought in. We never go onto another area of the property without first cleaning down all the machinery thoroughly. Investing in a good-quality air compressor and cleaning systems pays off in the long run.”

The other key biosecurity practice for Ron is making sure he has clean seed for cropping. Ron will only buy seed from a certified seller and when buying in a new variety he makes sure he gets seed certificates.

“I was astounded at how few growers actually ask for seed certification notices. Most simply take it on trust that the seed is clean. That’s a risk I’m not prepared to take and others shouldn’t either.”

While he recognises there can be savings in grower-to-grower trading of seed for new varieties, Ron maintains that it is a safer practice to source seed through certified sellers. “I’d rather take an extra year in the bulking-up phase with a smaller amount of seed from a certified source than take the risk from getting larger quantities over the fence,” he says.

Ron is similarly cautious about livestock coming onto the property. He only buys from reputable suppliers or breeders and any new animals are isolated for a quarantine period.

Keeping an eye on new animals and on his crops protects the business. “I’m well aware of the dangers that exotic pests pose because I worked on the Industry Biosecurity Plan for the Grains Industry years ago. You need to be checking and monitoring everything as part of your day-to-day work,” Ron says. “Skeleton weed, for example, is a problem around this area so we’re always keeping a look out for it.”

He is even more concerned about pests that would cause market-access issues for Australia’s grain exports. “Khapra beetle and Karnal bunt come to mind as pests that would cause havoc to Australian growers.”

“Just the mobility of people now in the farming industry is a cause for concern. The employment of seasonal labour in the district sees visitors and workers coming in from places such as the UK and New Zealand. It all increases the risks that something will be brought in.”

Looking ahead, Ron is optimistic about the future of the farm because he has passed on all of his good farm-management practices to his son, who he says also sees the sense in building biosecurity into everyday practices.

More information: Jeff Russell, WA grains biosecurity officer, 0447 851 801

Acknowledgement: Grains Research and Development Corporation

The new Farm Biosecurity website is designed as a one-stop-shop for a wealth of on-farm biosecurity resources, such as videos, records and manuals.

The site is an independent portal to reliable and up-to-date biosecurity advice, drawing on the expertise of our wide membership across government and industry.

We have just flicked the ‘on’ switch and welcome your feedback during a period of user testing over the next few weeks.

Let us know about glitches, broken links, gaps etc.; about how easy it is to read, navigate and find what you were looking for.

We also intend the site to be a dynamic and growing repository of all things farm biosecurity – and this is where your tips, tools and ideas can help. Email us at info@farmbiosecurity.com.au

Image: Les Lloyd

With the annual show season underway this month and thousands of animals about to descend on the Sydney showgrounds, it is an ideal time to consider the simple biosecurity measures which prevent unwanted diseases, pests and weeds hitching a ride back to your property.

Farm Biosecurity program technical adviser Duncan Rowland said there is a biosecurity risk whenever animals from different properties are brought together in common locations such as shows, fairs or saleyards.

“There are many ways that disease may be directly transmitted among animals and carried back to another property,” Mr Rowland said. “For example, transporting animals for others, or allowing direct nose-to-nose contact, greatly increase the chance of transmitting a disease. “But the everyday farm biosecurity practices that minimise the risk don’t have to be cumbersome, expensive or time consuming. The safest way to transport livestock, for example, is in your own, clean stock vehicle.”

Mr Rowland said disease may also be indirectly transmitted on contaminated boots and clothing, feeding and grooming equipment, tack, pens, feed and other common objects that come into contact with livestock. “We also recommend that you do not allow your livestock to use communal water troughs , graze on the event grounds or feed on hay on the ground unless it is on rubber matting, “ he said. “Avoid feeding any grain while at shows – extra roughage should do the trick.”

Transport vehicles should be thoroughly cleaned before returning home. Immediately upon return, livestock should be quarantined for at least ten days before being allowed contact with other animals. “The signs of many diseases emerge only after several days, so keeping returned stock isolated is one of the simplest ways producers can take protect both their livestock and their livelihood,” Mr Rowland said.

Similar precautions should be taken with any fodder brought back with you. Inspecting fodder for pests and weeds when purchasing , and isolating new fodder when it comes on to your property to check for the germination of any weeds, will help prevent the spread of weeds or pests that may contaminate your property.

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.

Farm Biosecurity tips for taking livestock and animals to shows or fairs:

• Only take healthy animals.
• Do not share equipment, and if you must, clean and disinfect prior to use.
• If possible, feed and water your livestock separately from others and don’t allow other people to feed them.
• Ensure pens and housing areas are properly cleaned before allowing your stock to enter.
• Regularly inspect your stock for any signs of disease while at the event.
• Always transport your own livestock; if not, verify the cleaning and hygiene practices of your transport provider.
• Seek advice from your vet on the best way to confirm livestock health.
• Isolate returning stock for 10 days.

Regular monitoring of your crops or livestock gives you the best chance of identifying a new pest before it becomes established. This can be incorporated into existing integrated pest management (IPM) or property pest management plans (PPMP) as part of your routine farm management activities.

Steps you can take to improve your chances of early pest or disease detection include:

• Establish an active monitoring program and record the results, even when nothing is found.
• Become familiar with the usual animal and plant disease symptoms, insect pests and weeds found on your property. By knowing what’s normally found on your property will increase your chances of discovering something unusual. Consult with neighbours on anything suspicious, as it is unlikely that the cause of the problem doesn’t stop at your own property boundaries.
• Know what the high priority biosecurity threats are for your industry. This information is available through your local veterinarian, industry group or state/territory department of primary industries. The ‘pests’ pages within the Crops section also contains information about high priority pests of crops.
• Ensure your farm personnel know how and where to report any unusual diseases, pests or weeds.

Any unusual pest or disease symptom should be reported immediately via the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 or the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. Early detection and reporting enhances the chance of effective pest control and/or eradication, and will also prevent or minimise the long-term damage to the individual producer and their industry.

If you suspect you have found an exotic pest, the following general precautions should be taken:

• Report it.
• If possible, photograph the pest or disease symptoms.
• Mark the location of the pest in your crop or isolate affected livestock.
• Wash hands, clothes and boots that have been in contact with affected animal, plant material or soil.
• Restrict the movement of people or equipment near the affected area.
• Do not touch, move or send affected material anywhere. Contact your state/territory department of primary industries and they will assist with the correct protocols for sampling, handling and transport of samples. Incorrect handling could further spread the pest or make the samples unfit for diagnosis.
• Identify people, stock and machinery/vehicles that have recently been the area and ready them for decontamination or treatment. Accurate records of people and equipment that has been in contact with the property will help to track the potential spread and/or origin of the pest or disease.

Visit the Records page for copies of surveillance records.