draft western australian state biosecurity strategy of acronyms ..... 28 glossary of terms ..... 29...

DRAFT Western Australian State Biosecurity Strategy

November 2014

Important disclaimer

The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Agriculture and Food and the State

of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or

otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it.

Copyright © Western Australian Agriculture Authority, 2014

Copies of this document may be available in alternative formats upon request.

3 Baron Hay Court, South Perth WA 6151

Tel: +61 (0)8 9368 3333

Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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Table of contents

Executive summary .................................................................................................... 2

Vision ......................................................................................................................... 3

Purpose ...................................................................................................................... 3

Scope ......................................................................................................................... 3

Introduction ................................................................................................................ 3

Importance of biosecurity to Western Australia ...................................................... 3

Increasing complexity of biosecurity ....................................................................... 4

The biosecurity continuum ...................................................................................... 5

Federal and state partnerships and frameworks ..................................................... 6

Biosecurity principles .................................................................................................. 8

Principle 1. Biosecurity is a shared responsibility ............................................... 8

Principle 2. Risk-based decision making and investment is used ..................... 10

Principle 3. Effective surveillance and diagnostics are in place ........................ 11

Principle 4. Capacity and capability to prevent and manage priority pests and

diseases will be maintained .................................................................................. 12

Principle 5. Use the best science and technology to develop innovative and

cost-effective solutions to biosecurity problems .................................................... 14

Table 1 Summary of the Western Australian State Biosecurity Strategy: Principles,

Outcomes and Strategies for implementation and action ......................................... 17

Western Australian State Biosecurity Strategy Case Studies ................................... 21

List of acronyms ....................................................................................................... 28

Glossary of terms ..................................................................................................... 29

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Executive summary

Western Australia’s Biosecurity Strategy is intended to provide strategic direction for

the management of emerging and ongoing biosecurity issues that impact on the

management of agriculture, fisheries, forests and the environment within the State.

The Strategy is in draft and a period of consultation will follow.

Biosecurity incursions have the capacity to increase costs and disrupt export and

domestic trade of agriculture, forest, aquaculture and commercial fishing as well as

affecting our unique environment, biodiversity and social amenity.

Western Australia is fortunate to be free of many of the major animal and plant pests

and diseases that occur elsewhere. Effective biosecurity management underpins the

state’s reputation as a supplier of clean, safe, high quality food, and valuable market

access and trade arrangements. Of equal importance is keeping our marine areas,

conservation areas and unique natural ecosystems free from damaging pests.

The Strategy covers animal and plant pests and diseases, including weeds and

animal diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans (zoonotic

diseases). It doesn’t include chemical contamination or residue issues, animal

welfare, food safety or human health (except zoonoses), or genetically modified

organisms. The Strategy covers the 10-year period from 2015 to 2025.

The Strategy discusses the importance of biosecurity to Western Australia, the

increasing complexity of biosecurity, the biosecurity continuum, and federal and state

partnerships and frameworks.

Five principles considered essential to Western Australia’s biosecurity system are

presented, and for each principle, outcomes and strategies are outlined. The

Strategy also includes seven case studies, which provide examples of how different

organisations are managing specific biosecurity issues.

The Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia has taken the lead role

in developing the Strategy, in partnership with the Department of Parks and Wildlife,

Department of Fisheries, Forest Products Commission and Department of Premier

and Cabinet. Valued input to its development was also provided by the Western

Australian Biosecurity Council.

The Strategy is now being released for public consultation. Initial comments can be

forwarded to the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia, via the

email [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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Vision

Western Australians working together to minimise the risks to the state’s economic

development, environmental assets and social amenity from terrestrial and aquatic

pests and diseases.

Purpose

The purpose of this Strategy is to provide strategic direction for the management of

emerging and ongoing biosecurity issues within Western Australia (WA). The

Strategy covers the 10-year period 2015–2025.

Scope

This Strategy covers animal and plant pests and diseases, including weeds and

animal diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans (zoonotic

diseases). These have the potential to significantly impact on WA’s economy,

terrestrial and aquatic environments, biodiversity, agricultural resources and social

amenity.

It does not include chemical issues (including contamination or residue issues),

animal welfare, food safety and human health (except issues associated with

zoonoses), or genetically modified organisms.

Introduction

Biosecurity1 is the management of risks to the economy, the environment and the

community, of pests and diseases entering, emerging, establishing or spreading.

Importance of biosecurity to Western Australia

Economy

WA’s agriculture and food sector is world-renowned for producing high-quality, safe

and healthy agricultural, food and fibre products. Approximately 80% of our

agricultural production is exported to international markets. WA’s agriculture,

fisheries and forest product exports were valued at A$5.5b in 2011/12 (please note:

for the remainder of the document, all currencies are expressed in Australian

dollars).

Commercial fishing, including pearling and aquaculture, contributes around $1b to

the state’s economy each year, providing direct employment for about 5000 Western

Australians with many more in associated service industries. The state’s waters are

also a playground for more than 600 000 recreational fishers. This sector injects over

$570m in economic activities annually to the state’s economy and supports an

estimated 7000 jobs.

WA is free of many of the major animal and plant pests and diseases that occur

elsewhere. The state’s favourable pest and disease status is integral to the

1 definition from Australia’s Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity (IGAB)

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economic development of the agricultural, food and fibre sectors and provides

access for our agrifood products in high value markets throughout the world.

Effective biosecurity management underpins the state’s reputation as a supplier of

clean, safe, high quality food, and valuable market access and trade arrangements.

Biosecurity incursions have the capacity to disrupt export and domestic trade of

agricultural, forest and aquaculture/fish products, as well as affect local demand or

supply for these products. Such disruptions could have serious effects on the short

or longer-term viability of our food and fibre producers as well as affecting our way of

life.

Environment

Our state’s unique natural environment contributes to the value of tourism in WA,

which generated $7.5b in spending, and was responsible for 89 000 jobs in 2012/13.

Around $3b of the spending goes to regional WA, injecting much-needed economic

activity in our regional cities and towns.

WA is home to eight of the fifteen National Biodiversity Hotspots in Australia2, and

the only International Biodiversity hotspot – The South West Botanical Province of

WA3 – in recognition of the exceptional concentration of endemic species and the

ongoing threat to them, including from pests and diseases.

Aquatic pests and diseases are also a significant threat to WA’s oceans and rivers

and can devastate aquatic ecosystems, damage local economies, environments and

adversely affect community lifestyles.

WA’s unique natural ecosystems present many complex challenges to biosecurity

management, including understanding and managing risks associated with changing

land use and the risks that pests and diseases can have on biodiversity

conservation. Pests and diseases have the capacity to adversely affect the natural

environment, biodiversity and social amenity in WA.

Human health

Approximately 75% of emerging animal diseases are zoonotic. The impacts of

zoonotic diseases such as those caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza,

Australian bat lyssavirus, Hendra virus and anthrax can be severe. Management of

zoonotic biosecurity risks and incursions requires good cooperation and

collaboration between state and local government, industry and the community to be

able to minimise the risks of such animal diseases to human health.

Increasing complexity of biosecurity

A number of factors are increasing the complexity of managing biosecurity.

Population spread, shifting demographics and changing land use increases the

interface between urban and rural areas, and the natural environment, and makes

pest and disease management more complex.

2 http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/conservation/hotspots/national-biodiversity-hotspots

3 http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversityconservation/hotspots/international-biodiversity

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Globalisation increases the volume and range of products traded internationally, the

number of aircraft, ship and passenger movements, and therefore the increased risk

of pests and diseases entering and establishing in Australia. The increasing use of

the Internet for trade of products presents new challenges for biosecurity.

A changing climate may cause shifts in the potential range, habitat, spread and

impact of pests and diseases, and increases the potential for severe weather events

to assist spread of some pests and diseases.

WA needs to manage biosecurity risks over a large land mass (one third of

Australian continent) and almost 21 000km of coastline (including 12 500km of

coastline on the mainland). The state’s extensive coastline and numerous points of

entry increase the risk of animal, plant and aquatic pests and diseases being

introduced.

Figure 1 Examples of some pathways which present biosecurity risks

The biosecurity continuum

To be effective, a biosecurity system needs to manage risks across the entire

continuum of pre-border, border and post-border. Activities in all of the components

should be designed to minimise the likelihood of biosecurity incidents and to mitigate

their adverse impacts.

Pre-border and border measures such as pre-clearance checks, quality assurance,

risk assessment, establishing conditions of entry, and inspection and compliance

arrangements minimise the risk of entry of pests and diseases to WA.

Post-border measures such as surveillance, monitoring, risk assessment and

emergency preparedness planning are used to detect the presence of, and mitigate

the risk of, establishment and spread of potentially serious pests and diseases that

may enter WA through its borders, or emerge or evolve as threats within the state.

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Managing risks across the biosecurity continuum is fundamental to WA’s trade and

economic development. Maintaining, where possible, a pest and disease free

environment supports WA’s industries’ access to export markets.

Biosecurity plays an important role in protecting market access, and supporting

overseas trade consistent with Australia’s international trade obligations, including

Australia’s Appropriate Level of Protection (ALOP) Policy. WA complies with

Australia’s ALOP described as “a high or very conservative level of protection aimed

at reducing risk to very low levels, while not based on a zero risk approach”.

Federal and state partnerships and frameworks

The WA Government is an important partner in Australia’s biosecurity system. The

state is signatory to the Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity (IGAB), which

outlines arrangements for work across jurisdictions and with the Commonwealth to

reduce the likelihood of exotic pests and diseases from entering, becoming

established or spreading in Australia. The IGAB work plans are focused on

developing and implementing, national frameworks or systems to support decision-

making and investment, use of biosecurity information, surveillance and diagnostics,

managing established pests and diseases, engagement and communication,

preparedness and response arrangements, and biosecurity research development

and extension.

The WA Government is also a signatory to the National Environmental Biosecurity

Response Agreement (NEBRA), which sets out emergency response arrangements,

including cost-sharing arrangements, for responding to biosecurity incidents that

primarily impact the environment and/or social amenity and where the response is

for the public good.

WA is also a signatory to national cost sharing agreements for managing animal and

plant emergency responses (along with respective industries) including the:

Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement (EADRA) – an agreement

between government and industry on how to manage cost and responsibility for

an emergency response to an animal disease outbreak (effective March 2002)

Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) – an agreement between

government and industry for the management and funding of responses to

Emergency Plant Pest Incidents (effective October 2005).

At the state level, biosecurity is managed through a legislative framework that

includes a number of key pieces of legislation:

Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act)

Fish Resources Management Act 1994

Conservation and Land Management Act 1984

Emergency Management Act 2005

Exotic Diseases of Animals 1993.

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The state government works with industry and communities to identify and manage

biosecurity risks and is responsible for the development of policies and systems that

relate to specific pests and diseases.

The state government is also responsible for the development and application of

legislation and regulations, including in areas such as import controls. Inspection and

certification services for interstate border and post-border movements, and at our

international borders in collaboration with the federal government, are also a key role

for state government.

A cross-agency state government group – the Biosecurity Senior Officers Group

(Figure 2), is in place to develop and recommend cross-government strategies for

biosecurity management in WA and to provide strategic leadership for the

management of emerging and ongoing biosecurity issues within WA.

The Western Australian Biosecurity Council (under the BAM Act) provides strategic

advice to the Minister for Agriculture and Food, and the Director General of the

Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) and other

Ministers when required, on matters related to biosecurity (Figure 2).

Local governments play an important role in WA’s biosecurity through awareness

raising and surveillance activities within the community, particularly in relation to

invasive plant and animal pests. They also play an important role in biosecurity

incursions that impact the community, and have biosecurity responsibilities as a land

manager.

Industry success is underpinned by good biosecurity and the various industries play a key role in biosecurity planning and decision making through both national and state committee structures.

The community benefits from WA’s freedom from many pests and diseases by being

able to freely access healthy parks and gardens, waterways and oceans, and natural

heritage areas in the state, as well as the flow-on benefits of a healthy economy.

Individual community members, as well as industry, are key players in protecting the

state from biosecurity incursions. They play a key role in regulatory compliance,

surveillance, response and in influencing decision making.

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Figure 2 WA government biosecurity framework for collaboration and advice

Biosecurity principles

Five ‘principles’ considered essential to underpin WA’s biosecurity system have been

identified. Under each of these ‘principles’, outcomes and strategies to achieve the

outcomes have been developed (Table 1).

Principle 1. Biosecurity is a shared responsibility

To optimise outcomes from biosecurity within WA, responsibility must be shared

between all stakeholders: governments, industries, natural resource managers,

custodians and users of public waters and lands, communities, businesses, and

individuals. All Western Australians, along with our export customers and visitors to

our state, benefit from an effective and efficient biosecurity system.

A shared responsibility for biosecurity in WA means different things for different

stakeholders, and the involvement in decision-making differs between stakeholders

in accordance with their roles, responsibilities and contributions.

Portfolio Ministers Agriculture and Food; Fisheries;

Environment; Forestry

Through respective Directors General and

General Managers

Western Australian Biosecurity Council

Parks and Wildlife The state government manages WA’s almost 29 million hectares of national parks, marine parks, nature reserves, state forests and timber reserves for a wide range of values and uses. The department is also responsible for fire prevention, weeds and pest animal management on an additional 89 million hectares of unallocated crown land and unmanaged reserves.

Fisheries The state government manages

freshwater and marine biodiversity in WA’s waters, protecting our

marine resources from biological threats, and maintaining our lifestyle, economic opportunities

and market competitiveness.

Forest Products The Forest Products Commission supports the state forest products sector through developing, marketing and sustainably managing the state’s high quality renewable wood resources for the people of WA.

Agriculture and Food The agriculture and food sector is supported by the

state government to safeguard our agricultural resources from biological threat and to maintain

our export opportunities.

State Government Biosecurity Senior

Officers Group

Advice to Minister for Agriculture and Food and the Director General of the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia

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Existing relationships between industry, government and community provide a strong

foundation for sharing responsibility. The WA legislative framework helps clarify the

roles and responsibilities for the delivery of strong biosecurity outcomes for the state.

Outcome 1.1 Industry, government and community are partners who

understand and respect each other’s roles and responsibilities

It is important that there is a shared understanding of roles and responsibilities

between industry, government and community to support collaboration and

cooperation, and prevent gaps in biosecurity management.

Relevant biosecurity strategies, consistent with the state strategy, should be in place

for each sector.

There is a range of biosecurity related legislation which articulates roles and

responsibilities of landholders, owners, transporters and certain individuals. Given

the range of legislation and the diversity of roles, it is important that information

regarding roles and responsibilities is communicated to, and understood and

accepted by all stakeholders.

Strategies for implementation

1.1.1 Communicate roles and responsibilities in existing biosecurity legislation to

all stakeholders according to public and private benefits

1.1.2 Continue to work with industry to strengthen biosecurity and to further

develop roles and responsibilities which complement and strengthen

statutory responsibilities

1.1.3 Government biosecurity agencies continue to collaborate to ensure

appropriate policy approaches and a coordinated approach to cross-

portfolio administrative arrangements

Outcome 1.2 Increased community awareness and engagement in biosecurity

activities

A key aspect of acknowledging biosecurity as a shared responsibility is the role that

community members play in biosecurity activities. The community – fishers, campers

and bushwalkers, urban and rural landholders – are all well placed to spot and report

unwanted pests and diseases if they are given appropriate information and

mechanisms to do so. Assisting community members to understand why biosecurity

is so important, what pests and diseases to watch out for, and then what to do if they

spot something, allows for effective biosecurity surveillance and control to reach

places that could not be resourced through formal systems.


1.2.1 Develop and deliver engagement and communication strategies directed

at increasing community awareness of biosecurity issues

1.2.2 Develop programs to strengthen community engagement and participation

in biosecurity

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Principle 2. Risk-based decision making and investment is used

Biosecurity decision making and resource allocation must be transparent, objective

and efficient. The use of an evidence-based approach helps ensure that there is a

consistent approach to decision making and investment prioritisation. Biosecurity

priority setting and investments need to be based on a framework that considers:

public and private benefit

pathways of introduction

the science of pests and diseases and the feasibility of different management

options

risks, including the likelihood and consequence of an incursion or threat

likely returns to investment (to ensure cost-effective risk management)

economic and social impacts of any newly introduced pest or disease

roles and responsibilities (including risk-creating activities and beneficiaries of

biosecurity measures).

This framework should be applied to establish transparent and objective decision

making procedures to ensure efficient allocation of resources.

Outcome 2.1 State government resources targeted towards prevention and

eradication of pests and diseases

WA state government biosecurity measures target prevention, early detection and

eradication of pests and diseases as this provides the highest likely return on

investment and is often the most appropriate role for government resources.

The generalised invasion curve (Figure 3), developed for invasive pests4 but which

has applicability to a broader range of pests and diseases, provides information on

the indicative return on investment for different stages of pest or disease control

activity. Generally the greatest return on investment is achieved through investing in

prevention and early intervention, as opposed to trying to manage an incursion once

it is established. Such a framework can be applied nationally, statewide and

regionally by an industry sector, as well as at a property or business level.

The WA government targets statewide biosecurity investment at the prevention end

of the invasion curve spectrum to provide the greatest return on public funds.

Investment in containment and asset based protection may also be pursued when

there is a compelling case for intervention.

4 Developed by the Victorian Department of Primary Industries Invasive Plants and Animals Policy Group

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Figure 3 The generalised invasion curve showing the interventions or actions

appropriate to each stage of invasion


2.1.1 Improve knowledge of the costs and benefits of intervention for pests and

diseases

2.1.2 Identify and prioritise biosecurity threats across terrestrial and aquatic

environments

2.1.3 Continue to strengthen pre-border and border activities to focus on the

prevention end of the invasion curve

2.1.4 Invest in containment and asset-based protection when there is a

compelling case to do so

2.1.5 Equip industry sectors to fund biosecurity measures that provide direct

benefits to its members

Principle 3. Effective surveillance and diagnostics are in place

A level of capacity within the state for identification, diagnostics, surveillance,

reporting and tracing systems is fundamental for an effective biosecurity system.

Surveillance and intelligence strategies that target known, high priority biosecurity

threats will form the basis of the surveillance system. These strategies will focus on

entry pathways and vectors.

An effective surveillance system needs to be supported by access to fit-for-purpose

diagnostics. Maintaining access to laboratories which have the appropriate

technologies and skills, and that can provide timely advice, will continue to be a

priority.

Reporting and assurance of WA’s pest and disease status under national and

international agreements supports the state’s economic development through

ensuring access to a number of domestic and international markets.

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Outcome 3.1 Western Australia has access to effective identification,

diagnostic, surveillance, reporting and tracing systems

The earlier that we detect and accurately identify unwanted pests and diseases, and

the more information we know about them, the more likely it is that we will be able to

effectively manage them. The state needs to have provision for accessing specialist

expertise when it is not available in-house.


3.1.1 Maintain and improve early detection and reporting systems using

contemporary technologies and diagnostics

3.1.2 Undertake surveillance activities that are science based and prioritised

according to risk

3.1.3 Maintain and improve tracing systems and apply to additional high risk

pests and diseases

3.1.4 Continue to work with the Commonwealth and other states and territories

to improve the national surveillance and diagnostics systems

Outcome 3.2 Biosecurity measures underpin access to a range of markets

Due to the strong reliance of our agricultural, fishing and fibre industries on export

markets, strengthening the surveillance and diagnostic systems supports the

continued economic development of WA. Reporting and assurance of WA’s pest and

disease status under national and international agreements is pivotal to access a

number of domestic and international markets.


3.2.1 Continue to participate in national biosecurity management activities

3.2.2 Ensure surveillance and reporting activities capture data to support area

freedom declarations for trade and market access

Principle 4. Capacity and capability to prevent and manage priority pests and diseases will be maintained

Ensuring that WA has the capacity and capability to prevent and manage key pests

and diseases is a state priority. The framework for prioritising prevention and

management of pests and diseases is presented in Principle 2: Risk-based decision-

making and investment framework. The state government needs clear strategies of

how we prevent and manage pests and diseases at each stage of this framework.

To effectively manage biosecurity threats and incursions, we need to continuously

improve our capacity and capability to prevent and manage key pests and diseases.

It is also critical to maintain an effective level of emergency preparedness and

response arrangements within the state.

WA faces a particular challenge in emergency response due to the size of the state,

population distribution, long coastline and borders. This is managed by ensuring that

appropriate processes and systems are in place.

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State governments are responsible for the legislative framework that underpins

biosecurity and for managing regulatory compliance. Governments need the capacity

to effectively undertake its regulatory requirements and management responsibilities.

Various national arrangements are in place to manage any incursions of exotic pests

and diseases into Australia and WA is a signatory to these arrangements.

Outcome 4.1 Prevent the introduction and establishment of pests and diseases

by effectively regulating risk pathways

Interstate border biosecurity measures have successfully prevented a large number

of pests and diseases from entering and establishing in WA, such as codling moth

(pome fruit), Queensland fruit fly, bacterial wilt of tomato and potato, and banana

bunchy top. Detections of exotic pests in other states such as red imported fire ant,

citrus canker and myrtle rust, as well as further spread of established pests such as

European wasps and cane toads, also puts pressure on our interstate borders.

Maintaining effective and efficient interstate quarantine operations to continue to

manage possible incursions is a state priority.

In the marine environment there is a focus on both international and interstate

entries at ports and marinas (since the eastern states has a lot of marine pests that

we don’t) to prevent the introduction of exotic marine pests and diseases.

In addition, WA has responsibilities under the International Sanitary and

Phytosanitary Agreement (SPS Agreement), to which Australia is a signatory, to

ensure that domestic quarantine measures are consistent with those applied to

international imports by the Australian Customs and Border Inspection Service.


4.1.1 Maintain effective and efficient risk-based quarantine operations to

minimise the introduction of new pests and diseases and limit the risks to

market access, environment and social amenity

4.1.2 Enhance skills, knowledge and capacity within industry, government and

community for the delivery of biosecurity prevention activities

Outcome 4.2 Effective biosecurity emergency preparedness, response and

recovery

The availability of effective emergency preparedness, response and recovery

arrangements means that emergencies may be dealt with quickly and efficiently, with

minimal impact on industry, government and community. The resources required for

an emergency response will vary considerably and are determined by the incident

level. Preparation, including training and regular exercising, is critical.


4.2.1 Continue to provide and develop quality information, training, logistics and

administrative systems to underpin emergency response

4.2.2 Conduct exercises to strengthen emergency preparedness, response and

recovery

4.2.3 Develop skills, knowledge and capacity within industry, government and

community for the delivery of biosecurity eradication activities

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4.2.4 Continue to work with Commonwealth and state governments to

harmonise arrangements around national agreements

4.2.5 Make on-line emergency management awareness and logistics training

available across agencies

Outcome 4.3 Reduced impacts of established pests and diseases within

Western Australia

The decision to manage the impacts of pests and diseases is largely dependent

upon the outcomes of risk assessment of existing, or future, incursions. Both generic

and highly specific skills are required to manage biosecurity activities within the

state; these skills need to be developed and maintained to support effective

biosecurity management. Prioritisation of pests and diseases will inform the

management of established incursions.

The management and control of intrastate movement is an important aspect of

reducing aquatic and terrestrial pest and disease impacts.


4.3.1 Review and develop programs with industry and community to actively

manage established priority pests and diseases

4.3.2 Continue to contribute to national arrangements for managing exotic pests

and diseases

4.3.3 Develop skills, knowledge and capacity within industry, government and

community for the delivery of biosecurity containment and asset based

protection activities

Outcome 4.4 Effective and appropriate State biosecurity legislation across

portfolios

Biosecurity legislation provides the framework for the effective management of

biosecurity. A range of legislation exists within WA; this legislation aims to be

complementary and is supported by appropriate policies and strategies. Regular

review of all biosecurity legislation will ensure that it remains relevant and up to date.


4.4.1 Ensure legislation and regulations provide a consistent regulatory and

compliance framework

4.4.2 Biosecurity agencies work together to ensure appropriate policies and

strategies are in place to support the legislative framework

4.4.3 Conduct periodic reviews of biosecurity legislation

4.4.4 Develop skills, knowledge and capacity within government to ensure

government agencies can meet their regulatory responsibilities

Principle 5. Use the best science and technology to develop innovative and cost-effective solutions to biosecurity problems

Continued innovation is critical to maintain an effective and contemporary biosecurity

system. Science provides the foundation for effectively mitigating threats of future

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incursions, minimising the impact of incursions when they do occur, and managing

existing pests and diseases. Innovative solutions applied to managing existing and

anticipated threats will improve biosecurity within the state.

A collaborative approach to research and development is recognised as best

practice and involvement of end users in identifying knowledge gaps and developing

research priorities is crucial to ensure the research and development is well directed,

and that it maximises uptake of new knowledge and systems.

Three national strategies that fit under the IGAB research and development

framework have been developed for animal, plant and environment biosecurity

research, development and extension.

WA partners in national and international collaborations to develop new knowledge

and adapt existing knowledge and technologies to WA conditions (including with

CSIRO, federal and other state governments, universities, Cooperative Research

Centres, and other national and international research agencies and industries).

Effective collaboration ensures WA has access to the best biosecurity science and

strong research partnerships that in turn strengthens the state’s biosecurity science

and research capacity and capability.

Outcome 5.1 Strengthened biosecurity science and research capacity and

capability

Sound science and research and development is required to fill gaps in knowledge

about specific pests and diseases, and methodologies to manage incursions. Access

to appropriate local, national and international research and development capacity

and capability is important for the future of WA’s biosecurity status. Effective

translation of new or adapted knowledge to deliver innovative solutions is needed to

solve real world problems.


5.1.1 Strengthen research and development partnerships and encourage

research and development to address priority knowledge gaps in the

prevention, eradication, containment and protection of key assets from the

impacts of pests and diseases

5.1.2 Continue to develop and deliver engagement and communication

strategies directed at increasing industry, government and community

awareness and knowledge of biosecurity science and its applications

Outcome 5.2 Innovative solutions applied to improve pest and disease

management

Application of innovative solutions, including new technologies, methods and

systems will improve our ability to manage incursions and improve our biosecurity

outcomes.

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5.2.1 Access, adapt and apply relevant global knowledge and targeted research

to develop innovative solutions for better management of WA biosecurity

issues

5.2.2 Develop user-friendly technologies and information systems for reporting

of pests and diseases

Table 1 Summary of the Western Australian State Biosecurity Strategy: Principles,

Outcomes and Strategies for implementation and action

Principle 1. Biosecurity is a shared responsibility

Outcome Strategies for implementation and action

Outcome 1.1 Industry, government and community are partners who understand and respect each other’s roles and responsibilities

1.1.1 Communicate roles and responsibilities in existing biosecurity legislation to all stakeholders

according to public and private benefits

1.1.2 Continue to work with industry to strengthen biosecurity and to further develop roles and responsibilities which complement and strengthen statutory responsibilities

1.1.3 Government biosecurity agencies continue to collaborate to ensure appropriate policy approaches and a coordinated approach to cross-portfolio administrative arrangements

Outcome 1.2 Increased community awareness and engagement in biosecurity activities

1.2.1 Develop and deliver communication and engagement strategies directed at increasing community awareness of biosecurity issues

1.2.2 Develop programs to strengthen community participation and engagement in biosecurity

Principle 2. Risk-based decision making and investment is used


Outcome 2.1 State government resources targeted towards prevention and eradication of pests and diseases

2.1.1 Improve knowledge of the costs and benefits of intervention for pests and diseases 2.1.2 Identify and prioritise biosecurity threats across terrestrial and aquatic environments 2.1.3 Continue to strengthen pre-border and border activities to focus on the prevention end of the

invasion curve 2.1.4 Invest in containment and asset-based protection when there is a compelling case to do so

2.1.5 Equip industry sectors to fund its biosecurity measures that provide direct benefits to its members

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Principle 3. Effective surveillance and diagnostics are in place


Outcome 3.1 Western Australia has access to effective identification, diagnostic, surveillance, reporting and tracing systems

3.1.1 Maintain and improve early detection and reporting systems using contemporary technologies and diagnostics

3.1.2 Undertake surveillance activities that are science based and prioritised according to risk 3.1.3 Maintain and improve tracing systems and expand to capture additional priority pests and

diseases 3.1.4 Continue to work with the Commonwealth and other states and territories to improve the national

surveillance and diagnostics systems

Outcome 3.2 Biosecurity measures underpin access to a range of markets

3.2.1 Continue to participate in national biosecurity management activities 3.2.2 Ensure surveillance and reporting activities capture data to support area freedom declarations for

trade and market access

Principle 4. Capacity and capability to prevent and manage priority pests and diseases will be maintained


Outcome 4.1 Prevent the introduction and establishment of pests and diseases by effectively regulating risk pathways (Prevention stage of the invasion curve)

4.1.1 Maintain effective and efficient risk-based quarantine operations to minimise the introduction of new pests and diseases and limit the risks to market access, environment and social amenity

4.1.2 Enhance skills, knowledge and capacity within industry, government and community for the delivery of biosecurity prevention activities

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Outcome 4.2 Effective biosecurity emergency preparedness, response and recovery (Eradication stage of the invasion curve)

4.2.1 Continue to provide and develop quality information, training, logistics and administrative systems to underpin emergency response

4.2.2 Regularly conduct exercises to strengthen emergency preparedness, response and recovery, including some cross-agency training and exercises

4.2.3 Develop skills, knowledge and capacity within industry, government and community for the delivery of biosecurity eradication activities

4.2.4 Continue to work with Commonwealth and state governments to harmonise arrangements around national agreements

4.2.5 Make on-line emergency management awareness and logistics training available across

agencies

Outcome 4.3 Reduced impacts of established pests and diseases within Western Australia (Containment and asset based protection stages of the invasion curve)

4.3.1 Review and develop programs with industry and community to actively manage established priority pests and diseases

4.3.2 Continue to contribute to national arrangements for managing exotic pests and diseases 4.3.3 Develop skills, knowledge and capacity within industry, government and community for the

delivery of biosecurity containment and asset based protection activities

Outcome 4.4 Effective and appropriate state biosecurity legislation across portfolios

4.4.1 Ensure legislation and regulations provide a consistent regulatory and compliance framework 4.4.2 Biosecurity agencies work together to ensure appropriate policies and strategies are in place to

support the legislative framework 4.4.3 Conduct periodic reviews of biosecurity legislation 4.4.4 Develop skills, knowledge and capacity within government to ensure government agencies can

meet their regulatory responsibilities

Principle 5. Use the best science and technology to develop innovative and cost-effective solutions to biosecurity problems


Outcome 5.1 Strengthened biosecurity science and research capacity and capability

5.1.1 Strengthen research and development partnerships and encourage research and development to address priority knowledge gaps in the prevention, eradication, containment and protection of key assets from the impacts of pests and diseases

5.1.2 Continue to develop and deliver engagement and communication strategies directed at increasing industry, government and community awareness of biosecurity science and its applications

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Outcome 5.2 Innovative solutions applied to improve pest and disease management

5.2.1 Access, adapt and apply relevant global knowledge and targeted research to develop innovative solutions for better management of WA biosecurity issues

5.2.2 Develop user-friendly technologies and information systems for reporting of pests and diseases

Western Australian State Biosecurity Strategy Case

Studies

The following case studies demonstrate the stage on the generalised invasion curve being addressed and one or more of the Strategy principles that apply.

For example, the Bovine Johne’s disease (BJD) case study demonstrates the prevention stage of the generalised invasion curve, and highlights the shared responsibility approach taken, along with surveillance and diagnostics to help prevent BJD becoming established.

Table 2 places the example case studies under the various stages of the generalised invasion curve.

Table 2 A list of the example case studies

Case study Invasion curve stage Principle

1 Bovine Johne’s disease Prevention - Shared responsibility - Surveillance and diagnostics - Capacity to prevent and manage

priority pests and diseases

2 Khapra beetle Prevention - Innovative methods and technology

- Surveillance and diagnostics

3 Asian paddle crab Eradication - Shared responsibility - Capacity to prevent and manage


4 Eel-tailed catfish Eradication - Shared responsibility - Capacity to prevent and manage


5 Cane toad management Containment - Capacity to prevent and manage priority pests and diseases

- Innovative methods and technology

6 Baiting introduced predators

Asset based protection - Capacity to prevent and manage priority pests and diseases

7 Wild dogs Asset based protection - Shared responsibility - Capacity to prevent and manage


Case studies

1. Bovine Johne’s disease prevention

WA is the only state that is a free zone for BJD. In Victoria, where the disease is widespread, it is estimated that BJD costs that state’s producers $7.5m annually in lost production and disruption to interstate and international sales.

In November 2012 BJD was detected in Queensland in a Rockhampton stud beef cattle herd. In subsequent follow up studies the National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS) identified movements of cattle from the affected property in Queensland to a number of properties in northern WA.

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The WA cattle industry recognised the risk of these movements to WA’s area freedom status and the consequential value of their export industry, and have been working hand-in-hand with state government to maintain the state as a BJD Free Zone. Success to date has been dependent on systems (including the NLIS and the maintenance of historical state-based livestock movement databases); technical expertise and capacity of the state government in surveillance and diagnostics; development of legislation which created Industry Funding Schemes (IFS); and the desire and commitment of the WA cattle industry to use their IFS to fund a surveillance program for BJD to maintain market and trade access.

The value of the NLIS (in combination with a pre-NLIS state run database) for cattle traceability and disease control was clearly demonstrated in tracing all cattle movements from Queensland to their destination properties in WA, and for the disease risk to WA to be managed effectively.

The IFS for cattle, which is regulated under the BAM Act and managed by a cattle Industry Management Committee (IMC), enables cattle producers to identify pest and disease priorities at a whole-of-industry level. In addition, they make decisions on raising funds for programs to address their pest priorities.

Following the BJD incident in late 2012, extensive consultation was undertaken within the cattle industry and that industry decided that it was a priority to maintain WA as a BJD Free Zone. Subsequently, maintaining the BJD Free Zone status required industry to invest in funding for the collection of samples from all traced cattle.

DAFWA undertook the incident response including management of the affected properties and testing of all samples within its laboratories. Thousands of tests were conducted on five Kimberly properties in accordance with national guidelines.

WA, as a BJD Free Zone, can now continue to access BJD-sensitive international markets such as Indonesia. The work undertaken to maintain the state as a BJD Free Zone is an excellent example of an industry led and funded program, which has been supported and implemented by the state government.

2. Khapra beetle prevention

The grains industry plays a significant role in the WA agricultural sector and in 2011/12 the industry was worth around $5.5b (ABS, 2013). The Khapra beetle is one of the most serious pests of stored grain products in the world, especially under hot and dry conditions which we experience in WA. The beetle is included in the list of the top one hundred of the World's Worst Invasive Alien Species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Khapra beetle is principally a serious insect pest of stored grain and associated grain and food products. The insect larvae feed on whole or damaged grains, or grain products used for human and animal food. Larvae can survive long periods of over 13 months without food and may enter diapause under certain conditions, which then make it difficult to control them chemically. Larvae can remain in this state for several years, but the availability of food, especially in warm conditions, may stimulate renewed development and pupation. Hence they can survive away from a grain based feed source for some time and remain a risk.

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The favourable position of Australian grain on the international market would be greatly affected if somehow Khapra beetle was introduced to our country. It has been estimated that potential losses to the national cereal grains industry would be around $300 million per year if it became established in Australia.

An infestation of Khapra beetle in grain storages would not only cause grain damage and contamination, it may also cause negative changes in chemical composition in the grain, and may cause dermatitis and possible allergic reactions and potential gastric intestinal irritation in those people who ingest food products made from infested grain.

The Khapra beetle is usually spread by movement of infested grain, contaminated shipping containers or transport of goods by crawling into cracks and crevices of packing material and storage facilities. The beetle is often very difficult to identify as there are a large number of closely related and similar looking pest and native species.

Surveillance for Khapra beetle has been operating since 1985 comprised of rural and urban surveillance programs supported by DAFWA. An in-field smartphone app for growers to identify and report a range of damaging agricultural pests, including Khapra beetle, has also been developed.

3. Asian paddle crab eradication

In October 2012 a crab caught in WA’s Swan River near Mosman Bay by a recreational fisher was identified and confirmed as being the international high-risk marine pest species Asian paddle crab (Charybdis japonica). This nationally listed marine pest is listed by the Commonwealth government as one of the ten most likely invaders and potentially the most damaging marine pest species. Only two previous reports have occurred in Australia: one in Mandurah in 2010 and one in Adelaide in 2000, where only single individuals were detected despite a significant number of surveys.

This species presents a serious biological threat to WA’s marine environment due to its highly aggressive nature and its potential to out-compete native crabs for food and habitat. It can also carry the serious crustacean disease, ‘white spot syndrome virus’, which could devastate economically important species such as farmed and wild prawns, crabs and lobsters. In addition, it can carry paralytic shellfish disease, a threat to human health. Fortunately, the specimens found tested negative for these diseases.

The Department of Fisheries rapidly brought together an incident management team, with input from the Swan River Trust and other stakeholders. Response activities focused on extensive trapping in the surrounding areas, and a comprehensive public awareness campaign, with materials distributed to boat ramps, dive and tackle shops and via radio interviews. Public members were asked to look out for suspect crabs and report them to the FishWatch 1800 815 507 hotline. Fisheries officers then followed up every report they received.

These efforts resulted in over 200 public reports, including confirmation of two more Asian paddle crabs being found in the following two months, caught at the same location and also by recreational fishers. While it is unknown how the pest crabs entered the Swan River, it’s likely they came either via ballast water (as larvae or swimming adults) or biofouling (e.g. within the sea chest of a vessel hull).

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Since December 2012, over 400 public reports have been received and followed up by the Fisheries Department, but no further pest crabs were found from those reports. Follow up trapping surveys have also yielded no further Asian paddle crabs, so the focus continues to be public-awareness raising through media releases and distribution of leaflets, especially during peak crabbing season. The enormous interest and response from the public has been crucial to both the detection and response to this pest and opened the opportunity to engage the public about other similar aquatic pests.

4. Eel-tailed catfish eradication

In October 2012, Department of Fisheries research staff discovered a non-native eel-tailed catfish (Tandanus tandanus) in a small lake in Myaree during a comprehensive survey of over 500 permanent freshwater bodies in the Perth metropolitan region.

Further analysis revealed that the fish carried the bacteria Pseudomonas anguillasepta, a bacteria that causes a serious ‘red-spot disease’ that can affect multiple fish species. Neither the fish, nor the disease, had been detected in WA before.

The catfish was assessed as posing a significant biosecurity threat to the state if allowed to spread, by competing with native catfish species, being a voracious predator of fish and crustaceans, and reducing water quality.

In response the department set up an incident management team, bringing in representatives from the local shire council and the Department of Parks and Wildlife, as well as volunteer groups who were concerned about the turtles that were also resident in the lake. Research indicated that the pest was contained to that location with only a few linkages to other water bodies and a lack of any native fish. This indicated that eradication of the pest fish, and hopefully the associated disease, was a viable and achievable option.

Over the following year the response team planned eradication activities, involving significant preparation such as draining the lake and removing a choking aquatic weed, before the main eradication attempt could occur at the driest time of the year. Fish trapping activities leading up to the next summer removed over 3000 catfish of various ages, indicating that fish were breeding successfully.

A public awareness campaign for local residents involving visits, letters, signs, and information on websites, ran throughout the months leading up to the control activities to ensure the community was well informed about the situation. The week before the main eradication attempt, volunteer groups worked with the department to remove all catchable turtles for temporary rehousing. Finally in February 2014, the lake was treated with rotenone, a plant based pesticide specific to killing fish, to destroy the remaining pest fish. Subsequent surveys indicated a tiny number of ‘young of the year’ catfish still present so further trapping was done and a second dose of rotenone will be applied late 2014 to remove the last few pest fish.

A broader public education campaign with the message “Don’t dump that fish” was run during the lead-up year to bring public attention to the costs and impacts of releasing ornamental fish into our waterways, to help prevent future similar releases.

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5. Cane toad management (containment)

It is believed cane toads entered WA from the Northern Territory in 2009 and since then they have continued to spread west across the Kimberley at a rate of about 50km a year, reaching Halls Creek and Wyndham by 2014.

Cane toads attain high population densities during colonisation and when they first appear in an area their impacts can be dramatic, particularly affecting reptile species such as goannas and snakes, as well as other native fauna such as northern quolls. Some highly susceptible native animals have been known to become locally extinct as a result of cane toad impacts.

The local community near Kununurra has been active in trying to slow the spread of cane toads and Parks and Wildlife has established a number of toad drop-off points in the east Kimberley for travellers. A trained cane toad detector dog based in Kununurra is also used as a proactive quarantine measure, inspecting high priority freight for ‘hitchhiker’ toads to help prevent the spread of cane toads to other parts of the state.

These actions are part of a range of government initiatives being implemented under the Cane Toad Strategy for Western Australia 2014–19, as well as the Kimberley Science and Conservation Strategy. Associated funding has enabled investment in scientific research in cooperation with a range of partners. While a number of possible cane toad control and management projects have been thoroughly investigated, some have proven not to be useful. Work continues on investigating options for effective landscape scale methods to mitigate the impacts of cane toads on native species in WA.

6. Baiting introduced predators to protect biodiversity

A range of animals introduced since European settlement have flourished under Australian conditions and become pests (e.g. rabbits and foxes). The poison ‘1080’ is used in Australia to control a number of these non-native pests. A naturally occurring plant toxin (sodium fluroacetate), almost identical to manufactured 1080 poison, is found in native Gastrolobium species, or ‘poison peas’. The south-west of WA has the highest number of these bushy plants in Australia (39 of the 40 known species).

Through natural evolutionary processes, WA native animals have developed a high tolerance to 1080 compared to introduced animals. Research has shown that many WA species can safely ingest amounts of 1080 that would kill introduced animals, giving WA a natural advantage in the use of 1080 poison that is not replicated across parts of eastern Australia. 1080 is also readily degraded by naturally-occurring micro-organisms; hence 1080 use in WA is highly selective in targeting introduced predators and is environmentally safe.

Research has also established that the best means of ensuring survival in the wild of some now rare WA native fauna is through the control of foxes and feral cats by targeted 1080 baiting programs. Shooting is sometimes promoted as an alternative to 1080, but it is very labour-intensive and alone is not effective over the longer-term or on a large scale, especially in vegetated areas with limited visibility and accessibility. Without baiting, some of our unique native animals would be lost from the wild forever, or be found only in small fenced reserves.

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Parks and Wildlife undertakes several pest control programs that employ 1080 baiting, including the Western Shield animal conservation program which helps protect populations of a number of unique or threatened species, including the state’s faunal emblem, the numbat.

These activities are undertaken following state and national requirements, including the WA Department of Health’s ‘Code of Practice for the Safe Use and Management of 1080 in Western Australia’ and the requirements of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.

7. Management of wild dogs to protect local industry

Controlling the wild dog population is a key priority for many landholders in the rangelands of WA due to their contribution to declining sheep numbers caused by injuries and deaths when wild dogs attack sheep. The impacts of wild dogs include direct predation of livestock but also include spread of livestock disease, indirect effects on livestock, costs of control and limiting enterprise choice. Direct impacts of wild dogs in the WA rangelands, as reported in the Pastoral Lands Board Annual Returns in 2012, were losses of over 40 000 animals at a cost of $6.3m

Wild dogs are a declared pest under the BAM Act. Response to the issues caused by wild dogs is being provided by shared-responsibility partnership arrangements through the Recognised Biosecurity Group (RBG) mechanism under the BAM Act.

For example, in 2008 the Meekatharra Rangelands Biosecurity Association (MRBA) formed an RBG with a primary focus on minimising wild dog impact on sheep and goat industries within the region. The MRBA’s prescribed area is over 13 million hectares comprised of 93 pastoral leases with diverse landowners and management systems, including pastoralists, mining companies, Parks and Wildlife and indigenous groups in the region.

Wild dogs roam across multiple properties and together with the complexity of multiple management systems and stakeholders, control of wild dogs presents a major challenge. A community coordinated approach through an RBG is recognised as the best solution for this situation.

The MRBA has access to matched funding. Based on MRBA advice, the Minister for Agriculture and Food sets a rate for each pastoral lease within the prescribed area. This Declared Pest Rate is then collected by the Office of State Revenue. The rate revenue received is then matched dollar-for-dollar by state government. The MRBA uses these funds for landscape-scale control of declared pests. In their area, this is mostly for wild dogs, however other pests, including declared weeds are being controlled as well.

Control actions undertaken by the MRBA are intended to support activities undertaken by individual landholders. Responsibility for control of declared pests remains with the individual landholder under the BAM Act.

Responsibility for funding the program is shared between government and landholders. With advice from government agencies, regional NRM organisations and others, the MRBA develops, coordinates and administers its own pest control programs within the prescribed area from where their funds are collected.

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This includes a coordinated baiting program to control the population of wild dogs and by 2014 the program deploying about 500 000 dried meat baits each year, of which about 30 000 were dropped by air. In addition, they employed seven doggers to control the most troublesome wild dogs in that area.

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List of acronyms

Acronym Phrase

ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics

ALOP Appropriate level of protection

BAM Act Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007

BJD Bovine Johne’s disease

CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation

DAFWA Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia

EADRA Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement

EPPRD Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed

Fisheries Department of Fisheries, Western Australia

IFS Industry Funding Schemes

IGAB Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity

IMC Industry Management Committee

NEBRA National Environmental Biosecurity Response Agreement

NLIS National Livestock Identification Scheme

NRM Natural Resource Management

Parks and

Wildlife Department of Parks and Wildlife, Western Australia

RBG Recognised Biosecurity Group

SPS

Agreement International Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement

WA Western Australia

WSSV White spot syndrome virus

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Glossary of terms

Term Meaning

Aquatic Relates to water, including freshwater, estuarine and

marine.

Appropriate Level of

Protection

The level of protection deemed appropriate by a country

establishing a sanitary or phytosanitary measure to

protect human, animal or plant life or health within its

territory.

Ballast water Water taken up by ships to assist with vessel stability and

balance.

Biosecurity The management of the risks to the economy, the

environment, and the community, of pests and diseases

entering, emerging, establishing or spreading.

Biosecurity Council The Western Australian Biosecurity Council established

under section 48 of the Western Australia Biosecurity and

Agriculture Management Act 2007

Biosecurity activities Activities undertaken to manage biosecurity risks.

Biosecurity continuum Describes the range of locations where biosecurity risks

may arise and where biosecurity activities take place –

pre-border, at the border and post-border.

Biosecurity emergency Circumstances in which a pest or disease poses a

significant and immediate threat to part or parts of

Australia’s economy, environment or community.

Biosecurity incident An event which increases the likelihood of biosecurity risk

being realised.

Biosecurity measures Activities undertaken to manage biosecurity risks.

Biosecurity risks The potential of a disease or pest entering, emerging,

establishing or spreading in Australia; and the disease or

pest causing harm to the environment, or economic or

community activities.

Compliance Status whereby all aspects of product, facilities, people,

programs, and systems meet regulatory requirements

and, where applicable, importing jurisdiction’s official

requirements.

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Term Meaning

Declared pest A prohibited organism; or an organism for which a

declaration under section 22(2) of the Western Australia

Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 is in

force.

Disease The presence of a pathogenic agent in a host and/or the

clinical manifestation of infection that has had an impact

(i.e. significant negative consequences) or poses a likely

threat of an impact. It includes micro-organisms, disease

agents, infectious agents and parasites.

Emergency preparedness The ability to respond to an emergency allowing for the

efficient mobilisation and deployment of resources and

services needed to address the outbreak.

Established pests and

diseases

A pest or disease that is already present in Australia, or

parts of Australia.

Exotic pests and diseases Pests and diseases affecting plants or animals (and

possibly including humans) that do not normally occur in

a particular country.

Industry Refers to agriculture, forestry or fishing sector involved in

the growing, harvesting, extracting and sometimes

processing of natural resources which form the basis of

the products we use in our everyday lives.

Inspection Examination of an animal, plant, food and human health

product, vectors and/or systems to verify that they

conform to biosecurity requirements.

Public good Means the community receives significant benefit

regardless of whether that benefit is in the form of an

economic benefit, a non-economic benefit, an

environmental benefit, or an intangible benefit.

Risk assessment The evaluation of the likelihood and the biological and

economic consequences of entry, establishment, or

spread of a pest or disease within the territory of an

importing country.

Risk management The process of identifying, selecting and implementing

measures that can be applied to reduce the level of risks.

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Term Meaning

SPS Agreement The Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and

Phytosanitary Measures of the World Trade

Organisation, to which all WTO member countries are

bound.

Surveillance Activities to investigate the presence or prevalence of a

pest or disease in a given plant or animal population and

its environment.

Terrestrial Relates to the earth, or dry land, as separate from the

water.

Vector Anything capable of carrying or transmitting pests,

diseases or infections.

Zoonotic diseases Diseases of animals that can also be transmitted to

humans.

draft western australian state biosecurity strategy of acronyms ..... 28 glossary of terms ..... 29...

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