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Foot-and-mouth disease
National Biosecurity Week runs from 24 to 30 August 2026, encouraging all Australians to take practical action to help protect the country’s food supply, economy, environment, and way of life.
This year’s campaign focuses on prevention, preparedness and early action across the whole biosecurity system, including plant, animal, aquatic, marine and environmental biosecurity.
Biosecurity helps reduce the risk of pests, diseases and weeds affecting farms, crops, animals, waterways, marine environments, natural places, supply chains, trade and local communities.
Plant Health Australia CEO Sarah Corcoran said National Biosecurity Week demonstrates that biosecurity extends beyond border control and is key to protecting the Australian way of life.
“Biosecurity operates across the entire continuum, from offshore and at the border, through to our farms, waterways and communities and plays a critical role in safeguarding the health of our people, plants, animals and environment,” Ms Corcoran said.
“Everyday decisions matter, whether it is what we bring into Australia, move between regions, purchase online or how we respond when something unusual is found. These actions collectively strengthen our national biosecurity system.”
“Good biosecurity is grounded in preparedness and shared responsibility. By understanding the risks, putting plans in place before an incident occurs, following established protocols and rules, implementing and maintaining good biosecurity practices and reporting concerns early, we can support early detection and reduce the impact of pests and diseases across Australia and on our food supply.”
Strong biosecurity underpins Australia’s ability to maintain market access and support trade, protecting the reputation of our agricultural industries both domestically and internationally.
For individuals and communities, biosecurity action can be simple and practical.
Pests, diseases and weeds can travel in mud, soil, water, seeds and plant material. People can help by cleaning shoes, tyres, clothing and camping gear etc. after visiting farms, parks, beaches, bushland or waterways.
They can also look out for unusual pests, diseases, weeds, plant or animal health signs in gardens, outdoor areas, and waterways, follow biosecurity rules when travelling between states and territories or buying goods online, and report concerns early.
For industry, business and government, preparedness means having plans and processes in place before pests, diseases or weeds are found.
That includes checking biosecurity plans, knowing reporting mechanisms, preparing staff, maintaining good records and working together across industries, jurisdictions and communities.
“Preparedness supports better decision-making, when it matters the most,” Ms Corcoran said.
“It supports early detection, faster reporting and effective responses and recovery.”
“Biosecurity starts with every Australian and everyone has a role to play. Whether it’s a grower monitoring crops, a fisher maintaining clean equipment and gear, a traveller declaring risk items, a teacher using biosecurity resources, or a gardener reporting an unusual pest, each action contributes to protecting Australia.”
National Biosecurity Week highlights how the collaborative efforts of government, industry, business, educators, community groups and individuals build a shared understanding of biosecurity and how practical everyday actions can help reduce risk and strengthen the system for the benefit of all Australians.
Animal Health Australia CEO Samantha Allan said prevention and preparedness are important for animal health and across the whole biosecurity system.
“Animal diseases can affect livestock, pets, wildlife, industries and communities,” Dr Allan said.
“Preparedness means knowing the signs, reporting concerns early and understanding what to do when animal health risks emerge.
“These actions support faster responses and help reduce the impacts of pests and diseases when they are detected.”
National Biosecurity Week is also an opportunity for organisations to take the lead and share biosecurity information, host events, promote training and encourage their staff, members and communities to take practical action.
Australians can get involved by registering an event, sharing key biosecurity messages, using biosecurity education resources, or learning more about the risks relevant to their work, home or community.
If you see something unusual, don’t ignore it. Call:
Learn more or register your event bioweek.org.au
#BioWeekAU
7 days of awareness. 365 days of action.
