Be response ready if something happens

Many pest and disease reports are checked and ruled out without needing a major response. But if something unusual requires further investigation, being prepared can make the process easier for you, your staff and biosecurity authorities.

Being ready is not about expecting the worst. It is about having basic information, contacts and processes in place so you are not starting from scratch if a pest or disease of concern is suspected.

Why being ready matters

If a biosecurity issue is suspected, quick and coordinated action can help reduce the risk of spread.

Being prepared can help you:

• provide information quickly
• reduce unnecessary movement on and off the property
• manage access to affected areas
• keep staff and contractors informed
• follow advice from biosecurity authorities.

Good preparation can also reduce confusion if the situation is uncertain or changes quickly.

What may happen after a report

If a pest or disease of concern is reported, biosecurity staff may contact you for more information or arrange to inspect the site.

They may ask about:

• what was found
• where it was found
• what crop, plant or production area is affected
• how widespread the issue appears to be
• recent movement of people, vehicles, equipment, plant material, soil or produce
• recent inputs, deliveries or contractor activity.

Depending on the situation, biosecurity staff may review photos, collect samples, provide advice on managing the area, or put temporary movement controls in place while the issue is investigated.

Not every report leads to a major response. Being prepared helps make sure the right information is available if it is needed.

For information on how to report something unusual, read Reporting suspect pests on the Plant Health Australia website.

Information to have ready

Accurate records can help during an investigation. Useful information may include:

• a current property map
• paddock or production area records
• visitor, contractor and vehicle movement records
• machinery and equipment movement records
• input records, including seed, plants, feed, soil, compost or mulch
• product movement records
• monitoring records, including nil findings
• staff and emergency contact details.

These records do not need to be complex, but they should be easy to find and understand.

For more detail on practical record keeping, read Records that protect your business.

Plan how movement could be managed

If something unusual is found, reducing movement around the affected area can help limit the risk of spread while advice is sought.

It is useful to think about:

• how an affected area could be marked or isolated
• which access points could be used or restricted
• how staff, visitors and contractors would be informed
• where vehicles, machinery and equipment could be cleaned
• what activities may need to pause until advice is received.

If something unusual has already been found, read What to do when something looks unusual for the first steps to take before and after reporting.

Keep people informed

During an investigation or response, clear communication can help reduce confusion.

Make sure staff know:

• who is responsible for making calls and keeping records
• what areas should be avoided
• who to speak to before moving equipment, vehicles or plant material.

Contractors and visitors should also be told about any access restrictions or hygiene requirements before they enter the property.

Prepare before you need it

Simple preparation can make the first stages of an investigation easier to manage. Keep your property map, records and biosecurity plan up to date, make sure staff know what to do if something unusual is found, and check that visitor and contractor records are being used.

For more guidance on planning for your property, use the Farm Biosecurity Action Planner.

Being prepared does not remove biosecurity risk, but it can make the first steps clearer and help biosecurity staff provide timely advice.