Biosecurity Commons^™

Native And Non-Native Sources Of Carbohydrate Correlate With Abundance Of An Invasive Ant, Lori Lach, Benjamin Hoffmann, Melinda L. Moir

Biosecurity Research Articles

Invasive species threaten many ecological communities and predicting which communities and sites are invasible remains a key goal of invasion ecology. Although invasive ants often reach high abundances in association with plant-based carbohydrate resources, the source and provenance of these resources are rarely investigated. We characterized carbohydrate resources across ten sites with a range of yellow crazy ant abundance in Arnhem Land, Australia and New Caledonia to determine whether yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) abundance and trophic position correlate with carbohydrate availability, as well as the relative importance of native and non-native sources of carbohydrates to ant diet. …

Grains, Seeds And Hay Industry Funding Scheme Annual Report 2019/2020, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

The Grains, Seeds and Hay Industry Funding Scheme (IFS) has been operating since 2010 to address biosecurity threats relevant to Western Australia’s (WA) grains, seeds and hay industry. The Scheme was established under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 to enable growers to identify the pest and disease priorities at a whole-of-industry level and raise funds for activities to address these priorities.

There are currently three Industry Funding Schemes in operation. In addition to the Grains, Seeds and Hay IFS, there is a Cattle IFS and a Sheep and Goat IFS. The three IFSs operate in a similar manner. …

Biosecurity Council Of Western Australia Annual Report 2019/2020, Biosecurity Council Of Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

In order to develop constructive advice, it is important for the Biosecurity Council to understand the needs and challenges of industry, government and the community, and how changes to the biosecurity system might impact these groups. During 2019/20 the Council continued to monitor biosecurity-related developments at national and State levels and proactively engaged with industry, community and government on biosecurity matters.

The key areas of advice that were progressed during the year were:

• biosecurity research and development
• border biosecurity
• the declaration of non-agricultural pests under the BAM Act; and
• recognised biosecurity groups and declared pest rates

Plant Diseases Impacting Oaten Hay Production In Australia - A Review, Kylie Chambers, Geoff J. Thomas

Bulletins 4000 -

In Australia, there are a range of fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens that infect oats, impacting on yield and quality of grain and hay crops. The overall impact of these diseases on oaten hay production is not well researched or understood, especially compared to that of other cereal crops. Export hay is evaluated on physical qualities such as stem thickness and greenness and nutritional qualities including water-soluble carbohydrates, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and dry matter digestibility. The colour/ greenness of oaten hay can be reduced by disease lesions, chlorosis and saphrophytic fungi growing on dead tissue all of …

Biosecurity Council Visit To Augusta - August 2020, Biosecurity Council Of Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

The Biosecurity Council of Western Australia has committed to holding annual regional meetings. The intent of the regional meetings is to:

• Engage with local/regional stakeholders on biosecurity matters
• Build networks/relationships with key biosecurity stakeholders
• Provide a conduit to government/DPIRD for local/regional biosecurity stakeholders.

For its second regional meeting Council agreed to visit Augusta, located in the South West Region of Western Australia. The region is home to a large and diverse horticultural sector, aquaculture enterprises as well as livestock, for which biosecurity is important. In addition, it is a biodiversity hotspot with large tracts of natural bushland and aquatic environments …

Bedstraw Eradication Program 2019/2020 - Annual Report To Grain Growers, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

Three-horned bedstraw (Galium tricornutum) is a competitive weed that can cause considerable yield loss in crops, and its seeds are contaminants of fodder and grain. The presence of bedstraw requires infested areas to be quarantined whilst a nine-year program is undertaken – six years of herbicide treatments followed by a three-year ‘release phase’.

In 2019/20 the Program reached a major milestone with quarantine restrictions fully lifted from one property and lifted from the arable areas of a second property. This is a major step toward eradicating bedstraw from Western Australia.

Skeleton Weed Program 2019/2020: Annual Report To Grain Growers, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

2019/20 saw the Skeleton Weed Program expand its surveillance and control activities, with financial support from the IFS, specifically:

- Landholder incentives for paddock surveillance were increased and made available for surveillance undertaken on reinfested ‘Code 2’ paddocks. These changes were anticipated to enhance the level of surveillance for skeleton weed, enabling plants to be identified and treated and, therefore, reducing the risk of seed-set and spread.

- The IFS covered the cost of chemical for winter spraying undertaken on heavily infested paddocks. It was anticipated that this would help landholders reduce the level of skeleton weed infestation and, in …

Anaplasmosis In Dogs, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease that occurs in dogs, caused by either the bacteria Anaplasma platys or A. phagocytophila. Illness caused by A. platys and other tick-borne parasites such as Babesia canis vogeli may be colloquially referred to as ‘tick fever’. The disease is thought to be transmitted by the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) and possibly lice.

The Growing Threat Of Agroterrorism And Strategies For Agricultural Defense, Alyssa Forrest

Senior Honors Theses

Due to the dynamic nature of human conflict, non-traditional terror tactics have evolved to undermine the socioeconomic stability of targeted societies. Considering the landscape in which terrorists operate, emphasis on more subversive methods of biological terror have become prominent in recent decades. Agroterrorism, or the use of plant pathogens to infect a nation’s cultivated crops, is an emerging topic due to its threat to global food security and economic stability. Although emergency preparedness objectives have been enacted at national, state, and even local levels, preemptive measures can no longer remain the sole responsibility of intelligence and law enforcement agencies. The …

Skeleton Weed Program Review - A Review Undertaken For The Grains, Seeds And Hay Industry Funding Scheme Management Committee 2020, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

This review was undertaken in two stages. Stage 1 reviewed the Skeleton Weed Program and the global situation on skeleton weed. Stage 2 involved targeted stakeholder consultation to build on the information identified through Stage 1 and identify perceptions and attitudes amongst the Western Australian grain/seed/hay industry with regard to the Skeleton Weed Program (the program). The results of these two processes were used to formulate the key findings and recommendations by the Review Panel to assist the Grains, Seeds and Hay Industry Funding Scheme (IFS) Management Committee in its decision-making.

Profitable Break Crops For Management Of Root Lesion Nematodes And Rhizoctonia Solani Ag8, Bec Swift, Alice Butler, Sarah Collins, Carla Wilkinson, Sean Kelly, Daniel Huberli, Vanessa Stewart, Jeremy Lemon, Paul Mattingley, Angelo Loi, Mario F. D'Antuono, Garren Knell

Biosecurity research reports

Aim

To investigate the most effective and profitable break crops in rotation with cereals (wheat) for growers with RLN and R. solani in the same paddock, a two-year (2018 & 2019) break-crop rotation trial was implemented in Dumbleyung and Grass Valley.

Key Messages

• Canola is not a break crop in paddocks if root lesion nematodes (RLN) and Rhizoctonia solani are both present
• Weed free legumes, pulses and pastures are the best options where RLN and R. solani co-exist in a paddock
• Cereals substantially increase RLN and R. solani levels while canola will also increase RLN

Blackwood Biosecurity Inc. Annual Report 2019/20, Blackwood Biosecurity Inc.

Recognised Biosecurity Group Annual Reports

Reflecting on the year from the beginning of July 2019 has not been an easy task. A big effort was put in by our office staff and on ground field officers to provide information and a presentation of the previous 12 months, at the AGM in October 2019.

Carnarvon Rangelands Biosecurity Association Inc. Annual Report 2019/20, Carnarvon Rangelands Biosecurity Association Inc.

Recognised Biosecurity Group Annual Reports

The CRBA is a not for profit association formed under the Associations Incorporation Act 2015, providing declared pest control services for land managers throughout Shark Bay, Carnarvon, Exmouth, Murchison, and Upper Gascoyne Shires. The associations’ primary purpose is the control of declared pests using funding from Declared Pest Rates paid by landholders on pastoral stations. These Declared Pest Rates funds are matched dollar for dollar by the WA Government to reflect the public benefit of controlling declared pest animals and weeds. The association is formally recognised by the Hon Minister for Agriculture and Food as a recognised biosecurity group (RBG).

Central Wheatbelt Biosecurity Association Inc. Annual Report 2019/20, Central Wheatbelt Biosecurity Association Inc.

Recognised Biosecurity Group Annual Reports

The 2019/20 financial year has produced exceptionally good results for the CWBA, particularly in reducing stock attacks by Wild Dogs. This has been the main focus of our efforts and the results speak for themselves. This has been our second year with a Declared Pest Rate and although we endured a rate rise, I feel we still have overwhelming support within the CWBA area. The system of using a DPR to control declared pests may not be perfect, but we feel it’s the fairest and most equitable way to control pests which roam free and don’t respect property boundaries. It …

Esperance Biosecurity Association Inc. Annual Dpr Report 2019/20, Esperance Biosecurity Association Inc

Recognised Biosecurity Group Annual Reports

The Esperance Biosecurity Association Inc. (EBA) originally formed as the Northern Mallee Declared Species Group Inc. (NMDSG) in 2004, following a community meeting called by concerned farmers, due to the increased livestock attacks by wild dogs within the Esperance Region.

Eastern Wheatbelt Biosecurity Group Inc. Annual Report 2019/20, Eastern Wheatbelt Biosecurity Group Inc.

Recognised Biosecurity Group Annual Reports

The Eastern Wheatbelt Biosecurity Group is playing a key role in assisting land managers to manage declared pests in the region. Data from a range of sources shows that the Eastern Wheatbelt region has significant populations of declared animal pests that pose substantial environmental and economic risks to privately held farmland, unallocated crown land and river systems.

Goldfields Nullarbor Rangelands Inc. Annual Report 2019/20, Goldfields Nullarbor Rangelands Inc.

Recognised Biosecurity Group Annual Reports

The Goldfields Nullarbor Rangelands Biosecurity Association Inc. (GNRBA) is a non-profit Incorporated Association. It trades as the GNRBA and operates using the Pest Rate, matching Government Funds and allocated Royalties for Regions (R4R) funds. Additionally, it continually attracts and acquits special purpose grants.

Kimberley Rangelands Biosecurity Association Invasive Species Activity Report 2019/20, Kimberley Rangelands Biosecurity Association

Recognised Biosecurity Group Annual Reports

The Kimberley Rangelands Biosecurity Association (KRBA) has an annual Large Feral Herbivore culling program that includes feral donkeys, horses and camels with other animals such as water buffalo and pigs targeted when located. The program focusses primarily on donkeys, using the radio telemetry technique with horses and camels culled opportunistically during tracking. Currently there are approximately 50 active collars throughout the region including three satellite collars utilised for research purposes.

Midland Biosecurity Group Final Report 2019/20, Midland Biosecurity Group

Recognised Biosecurity Group Annual Reports

I am pleased to present the final report to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, for the project “Development of the Midlands Recognised Biosecurity Group”. Through this project the Midlands Biosecurity Group has progressed from a seed of an idea to a stand-alone incorporated organisation, recognised as a Biosecurity Group by the Honourable Alannah MacTiernan, Minister for Agriculture and Food, and having a Declared Pest Rate gazetted, all within the space of 18 months.

Leschenault Biosecurity Group Inc. Annual Report 2019/20, Leschenault Biosecurity Group Inc.

Recognised Biosecurity Group Annual Reports

The Leschenault Biosecurity Group (LBG) was formed in 2014 as a not for profit group by landowners who shared mutual concerns around the increase in animal and weed pests and a lack of action to address these issues.

Meekatharra Rangelands Biosecurity Association Inc. Annual Report 2019/20, Meekatharra Rangelands Biosecurity Association Inc.

Recognised Biosecurity Group Annual Reports

The Meekatharra Rangelands Biosecurity Association Inc (MRBA) is an industry body with a membership of all pastoralists in the Shires of Yalgoo, Mount Magnet, Cue and Meekatharra. The Association is established under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 with a charter to manage and control declared pests, both animal and plant.

Northern Biosecurity Group Inc. Annual Report 2019/20, Northern Biosecurity Group Inc.

Recognised Biosecurity Group Annual Reports

The Northern Biosecurity Group (NBG) became formally recognised by the Minister for Agriculture and Food in July 2018.The group aims to take a proactive approach to facilitate declared pest management with a coordinated effort across the region and by working with landholders, government departments, industry groups and neighbouring biosecurity groups to ensure efficient and effective pest management on a regional scale or where appropriate.

Pilbara Regional Biosecurity Group Inc. Annual Report 2019/20, Pilbara Regional Biosecurity Group Inc.

Recognised Biosecurity Group Annual Reports

The Pilbara RBG is a not for profit association formed under the Associations Incorporation Act 2015, providing declared pest control programs for land managers, particularly in the pastoral zone. The associations’ primary purpose is the control of declared pests using funding from Declared Pest Rates paid by landholders on pastoral stations. These Declared Pest Rates funds are matched dollar for dollar by the WA Government to reflect the public benefit of controlling declared pest animals and weeds. The association is formally recognised by the Hon Minister for Agriculture and Food as a recognised biosecurity group (RBG).

Southern Biosecurity Group Annual Report 2019/20, Southern Biosecurity Group

Recognised Biosecurity Group Annual Reports

The Southern Biosecurity Group (SBG) is established as a subcommittee of Ravensthorpe Agricultural Initiative Network (RAIN) for the purpose of being a Recognised Biosecurity Group (RBG) under the Biosecurity Agriculture Management Act 2007. A report is provided by the group to each RAIN meeting. The sub group structure allows the SBG to operate under the banner of a well-established community group with similar interests and avoids the need for an additional incorporated not for profit body in a small community.

Innovation In Meat Production: A Problem And An Opportunity, Christopher J. Bryant

Animal Sentience

Innovation in meat production has enabled modern humans to inflict far greater harm on animals, the environment, and public health than was possible just a few decades ago. Wiebers & Feigin aptly express the urgency with which these issues must be addressed. Those advocating for animals on moral grounds face resistance from omnivores citing taste, price and convenience. Further innovation in meat production (plant-based and cultured meat) will enable us to preserve the experience of eating meat whilst phasing out the many problems caused by industrial animal farming.

New Approach To Health And The Environment To Avoid Future Pandemics, Serge Morand

Animal Sentience

This commentary expands Wiebers & Feigin’s target article by pinpointing how declining wildlife, expanding livestock and globalisation contribute to the increase in epidemics of zoonotic diseases, the COVID-19 crisis and future health crises. Epidemics and the emergence of zoonoses are manifestations of dysfunctional links with animals, both wild and domestic, requiring a new approach to health and the environment.

Consultation Summary For Proposed Declared Pest Rates 2020/2021, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

In accordance with the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (Declared Pest Account) Regulations 2014, the Minister for Agriculture and Food carries out consultation on Declared Pest Rates, to be considered prior to the rates being determined and gazetted.

This document is the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's response to the submissions received.