Western Australians are being urged to do their part to keep our State free from devastating pests and diseases that could affect animals, primary industries, and the environment in a new biosecurity awareness campaign.
With the upcoming school holidays and travel set to increase, the State Government’s Biosecurity – We Can All Do Our Part campaign reminds everyone to do the right thing and employ simple measures to keep WA safe from threats like foot and mouth disease.
This includes making sure shoes, clothing or equipment are clean when returning from overseas or travelling in the regions, and checking what items are allowed to be brought in via the mail.
Biosecurity risks have become a global challenge in recent years, driven by increasing international travel and shipping, more complex supply chains, and a changing environment.
In the past 12 months alone, there have been five new biosecurity incidents in WA including American serpentine leafminer, polyphagous shot-hole borer, potato spindle, blueberry rust and Japanese encephalitis, in addition to seven ongoing incursions.
The McGowan Government boosted the State’s biosecurity emergency preparedness capability and capacity with a $15.1 million 2021-22 budget commitment over four years to support early detection surveillance andpest and disease responses.
Maintaining a strong biosecurity system is critical to growing WA’s economy and regions, and protecting the State’s $11 billion primary industries and natural resources.
Freedom from major animal and plant pests and diseases enables WA to access high-value markets throughout the world, crucial for the State’s export-based agricultural sector.
More information on the campaign, which commenced on radio yesterday with TV, print and social media content to follow, can be found at www.wa.gov.au/FMD.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“With several biosecurity threats knocking on the State’s door, like foot and mouth disease, lumpy skin disease and banana freckle to name but a few, it has never been more important for Western Australians to pull together and take action to minimise these risks.
“While Indonesia is making progress in FMD control, the heightened risk is still there, and we need Western Australians to be conscious of the role they can play.
“The campaign reinforces these measures, harnessing the collective effort of all Western Australians in protecting our farmers and pastoralists’ livelihoods, their animals and crops, agribusinesses, regional communities, and the economy.”
