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Biosecurity Matters
Edition 2, 2024

Catch up on all the latest biosecurity news and updates in Edition 2 of Biosecurity Matters.

In this jam-packed edition we're bringing you the latest in biosecurity news and updates!

We're featuring exciting innovation programs, important information about safe online shopping, how to become a biosecurity officer and much more!

Your infestation is on its way!

While many of us enjoy online shopping, you may not know the packages you order from around the world could carry pests or diseases that pose a serious risk to Australia. Before you make a purchase from overseas, check that your item is allowed in Australia and meets the latest import conditions. 

New fees and charges for all biosecurity and imported food regulatory activities

Biosecurity activities manage the risk of pests and diseases that threaten Australia's environment, agricultural industries and our way of life.

From 1 July we will apply indexation and increase regulatory fees and charges for biosecurity and imported food regulatory activities by 4.1%.  

We mean bees-ness! New varroa mite detection technology to be tested

In response to the recent varroa mite outbreak, the Catalysing Australia's Biosecurity initiative is leading a cutting-edge partnership to detect varroa mites – a danger to honeybees across the globe.

A new low-cost technology, called BeeRight, has been shown to detect varroa mite in New Zealand and could be the solution to slowing the spread of this destructive pest.

Online training for emergency animal disease experts

In May, the European Commission for the Control of Foot and Mouth Disease hosted a virtual training course providing veterinarians and animal health personnel with essential skills that can be used in an emergency animal disease outbreak.

Detector Gadget: Blue skies ahead for eDNA sampler drones

Our Innovation Pilots team has successfully used drones to collect environmental DNA samples from a waterway in Canberra. The sample was analysed to confirm the presence of feral deer in the Ginninderry area. 

Border Security season 17 filming is back!

The popular TV series, Border Security – Australia's Front Line is back for its 17^th season. Filming has now wrapped up, with the series set to air on Channel 7 over the next 12 months. 

Global biosecurity leaders spotlight regulation and collaboration 

In May we co-hosted the 2024 Quarantine Regulators Meeting with Vietnam's Plant Protection Department. The meeting took place in Vietnam and was attended by over 40 biosecurity agencies across the world.

This year's theme was 'Regulation and Collaboration: the future of biosecurity'.

Protect Australia as a biosecurity officer

We're seeking applications from dynamic people who want to become biosecurity officers and undertake exciting work on Australia's frontline.

Biosecurity officers play a vital role in protecting our nation from devastating pest and disease outbreaks that can threaten our agriculture, unique environment, and way of life.

Indigenous Rangers Biosecurity Round Table helps pave the way forward

One eyed wand-er: cyclops wand detector trialled on hitchhiker pests

Biosecurity officers are testing a new high-tech wand to find biosecurity risk material in areas that are difficult to access. 

Our officers currently use a mirror on a stick to inspect vessels and containers for pests, and manually investigate areas that are difficult to access. This new technology being trialled, will make the process easier and faster.