The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is urging the public to help keep the State free from devastating pests and diseases.
The Department’s new biosecurity awareness campaign, We Can All Do Our Part, reminds everyone to do the right thing and employ simple measures to keep Western Australia safe from threats like foot and mouth disease (FMD).
In a statement, the Department said this included making sure shoes, clothing or equipment were clean when returning from overseas or travelling in the regions, and checking what items were 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,” the Department said.
“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.”
It said maintaining a strong biosecurity system was critical to growing the State’s economy and regions, and protecting primary industries and natural resources.
Minister for Agriculture and Food, Alannah MacTiernan said that with several biosecurity threats, like foot and mouth disease, lumpy skin disease and banana freckle knocking on the State’s door, it had never been more important for Western Australians to pull together and take action to minimise the 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,” Ms MacTiernan said.
“This 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.”
