On-farm biosecurity

New livestock diseases have the potential to cost Australia big dollars, but weed seeds and plant diseases also pose a huge threat.

These include things like phytophthora root rot, which affects native plants; or phylloxera, the aphid like insect that is one of the greatest biosecurity threats to vineyards in South Australia.

So what can you do to prevent transmitting pests and diseases onto your property?

There are three fairly simple ways that you can protect your property from biosecurity threats.

Footbaths

Footbaths are an excellent way to sanitise the footwear of anyone that enters the sensitive areas of your property such as paddocks, yards, native bushland, orchards or vineyards. They are a quick way to sanitise footwear of a group of people.

Learn how to make your own footbath.

Sanitisation kit

These kits can be made up from items bought in the supermarket – a scrubbing brush, detergent, disinfectant, and small spray bottle. Carry the kits in your vehicle and be proactive about sanitising your clothing, footwear and equipment when you travel to other properties

Remember, disinfection is a two-step process, you need to wash in detergent first, then disinfect.

Learn how to prepare a vehicle biosecurity kit.

Small pressure spray packs

A dedicated 3-litre pressure spray pack is really handy to spray vehicle tyres that need to enter the sensitive areas of your property. Wash off any dirt before applying disinfectant.

“Our website has a page dedicated to linking landholders to further resources that will help them become more vigilant on their own properties, or when visiting others. Being more hygienic when it comes to biosecurity can help safeguard areas of native or remanant vegetation, which can have imeasurable impacts on regional biodiversity. It can also protect your farm’s productivity.” said Mr Hannaford.

Share why it is important

Talk to your contractors, friends and people coming to your property about why it is important to keep diseases, insects and weeds out of your property. Most people quickly understand the value of biosecurity to food production and biodiversity, and are happy to use the simple measures you have put in place.

For further information regarding biosecurity and animal or crop health visit: https://pir.sa.gov.au/biosecurity