Australia's biosecurity system

In Australia, animal and wildlife health issues are man­aged at both the state and territory level as well as at the national level. This requires a well coordinated national framework for managing animal health and animal health emergencies.

Nationally, the Australian Government is responsible for quarantine at the Australian border and international animal health matters. State and territory governments are responsible for disease prevention, control and eradication within their boundaries. There is a raft of legislation in Australia that governs animal health and supports biose­curity measures to protect against EADs, including Com­monwealth legislation (e.g. Biosecurity Act 2015, Export Control Act 2020), as well as state and territory legislation (e.g. NSW Biosecurity Act 2015, Qld Biosecurity Act 2014).

Effective biosecurity is extremely important in reduc­ing the risk of introduction or spread of animal diseases and ongoing surveillance is essential to maintaining Australia’s favourable animal health status and for the early detection of animal disease emergencies. Surveil­lance data and information from a range of surveillance activities is integrated and supported by the NAHIS, which includes wildlife disease surveillance coordinated nationally through WHA. Other important targeted national and cross-juridictional surveillance programs that involve Australian wildlife include the NAQS and the National Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance Pro­gram (AHA 2022).

AHA facilitates, manages and evaluates national live­stock health programs and provides liaison with industry bodies. WHA facilitates and manages national wildlife health programs and provides liaison with wildlife stakeholders.

Following a disease introduction into Australia, and without counter measures, a disease may spread in distri­bution across the landscape and increase in abundance until it becomes established in its potential host species. The generalised invasion curve (Fig. 1.1) provides govern­ment, industry and community with a guide to prioritis­ing action and investment for introductions of exotic diseases, plants and animals. Actions range from prevent-

Fig. 1.1. Generalised invasion curve for pests, weeds and diseases showing actions appropriate at each stage and return on investment. Source: Victorian Government (2010) Invasive plants and animals policy framework. DPI Victoria, Melbourne.

ing a disease from entering Australia (e.g. quarantine) and ensuring a disease is detected as early as possible (e.g. surveillance), to eradication and preventing spread (e.g. depopulation), to asset-based protection (e.g. vaccination), where the distribution and abundance of the disease means other options are no longer a possibility. In general, emphasis is placed on activities that target early detection, prevention and preparedness. This is especially important for many diseases with wildlife as part of their epidemiol­ogy because of the challenges associated with eradication, containment and management in free-ranging species.

Legislation, surveillance and preparedness programs, including agreed response plans, are in place that aim to prevent, respond to and recover from pest and disease outbreaks. A national laboratory diagnostic network, education and training programs, research, outreach and communication activities support the system.

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