Farm Biosecurity and Hygiene.

Written By Anthony Mayer

What is biosecurity?

National biosecurity chart

Biosecurity is the protection of the economy, the environment, public amenity or human health from the entry or spread of pests and diseases. It can apply at a national, state, district or farm level. Agriculture Victoria, together with the Victorian potato industry, has developed biosecurity protocols to prevent the entry or spread of potato cyst nematode (PCN) in Victorian potato production areas, whilst minimising restrictions to market access. The protocols include regulating the movement of potato plant materials and associated equipment and packaging.

Hygiene on the farm

Pests and diseases, including PCN can easily be moved onto and around properties in soil carried by vehicles, people, machinery and other equipment. Potato growers can reduce the risk of an outbreak of pests and diseases such as PCN or potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) on their property by ensuring that they, their employees and visitors to their property follow some basic hygiene practices, for example: 

  • Avoid driving on paddocks

  • Wash vehicles or equipment contaminated with soil before entering the property

  • Disinfect clothing and footwear contaminated with soil before entering the property

  • Accept only clean bins or bags onto the property

  • Install signs requesting visitors to stay on roads or paths or to ring ahead before entering the property

  • Have a designated area for visitors’ vehicles

  • use your own vehicles, machinery and equipment on your property - avoid sharing across properties

  • do not use contract machinery if it has not been properly cleaned

  • manage weeds and self-sown potatoes

  • plant seed from known PSTVd and PCN-free sources only

  • plant PCN-resistant varieties if possible

  • use paddock rotation in your production system

  • dispose of waste materials in a safe and hygienic manner.

Enquiries about potato movement regulations should be directed to Agriculture Victoria on (03) 8401 6900.

For more information on biosecurity, market access and farm hygiene, visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au

To report a suspect detection of PCN or PSTVd.
email: market.access@agriculture.vic.gov.au or call 136 186.

Anthony Mayer

Anthony is a digital strategy consultant who specialises in connecting people with cloud-based tools and web solutions.

He combines existing and emerging technologies with best practices, budget capacity, and human capability to help businesses and community groups innovate. Anthony is Founder of Online is Easy, based in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia.

https://www.onlineiseasy.com.au
Next

PCN Resistance Chart.