How biosecure is Australia?
Experts warn that the 12 biosecurity megashocks identified in a new report - Australia’s Biosecurity Future - could turn into reality if Australia becomes complacent about biosecurity measures.
Invasion by a more virulent wheat stem rust disease and the wiping out of European honey bee colonies are two potential biosecurity threats identified.
“If there was a significant decline in European honey bee populations across Australia in the future, for example, this would impact our economy with losses of around $4-6 billion,” CSIRO Biosecurity Flagship Science Director Dr Gary Fitt said in a statement. “Losing this free pollination service would severely impact production of several fruit and vegetables including avocados and almonds.”
Fitt added that it was much better to pre-empt and avoid biosecurity issues than have to deal with the consequences.
“Dominating the news right now is the Ebola virus crisis, which is an obvious global health concern,” he said.
“Meanwhile farmers near Katherine, in the Northern Territory, are dealing with an outbreak of a new disease - cucumber green mottle mosaic virus - and, while not fatal to people like Ebola, this virus is devastating their crops which has severe financial impacts.”
In addition to considering the 12 potential megashocks, the report identifies a number of global megatrends that highlight significant change and the growing complexity relating to Australia’s biosecurity challenges.
“We have identified a number of important trends, such as the need to produce more food for a growing population while dealing with ongoing pressure on the key soil, water and biodiversity resources which sustain production,” Fitt said.
"These trends point towards a future where existing biosecurity processes and practices may not be sufficient to protect Australia.
Launched in Canberra, the report was delivered by CSIRO in partnership with Animal Health Australia, the Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) and the Invasive Animals CRC and consultation with various industry, government and scientific organisations. The initiative is aiming for Australia to have a pre-emptive, responsive and resilient biosecurity system based on cutting-edge surveillance, informatics and new technologies
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