Biosecurity is all about protecting our plants, animals, and environment from harmful bugs and diseases – and you can be part of it! In the following sections, you’ll discover what biosecurity means and why it matters and how we keep these bugs and diseases out. You’ll find out who helps protect our land and animals and explore ways you can be involved in Australian biosecurity. Whether you’re curious, love nature, or just want to help, there’s something exciting waiting for you in every section.
Let’s go on a biosecurity adventure!
What is biosecurity
Biosecurity is pretty important – but what does it mean!? Well, it’s really easy to remember, just try to break it down: bio means life (like plants, animals, people), and security means protection. So, biosecurity is all about protecting living things!
Still confused? Well, biosecurity means taking steps to stop harmful or damaging things like bugs, diseases, or weeds from other countries coming into Australia or spreading around the country. Because these harmful things don’t belong here, they can hurt people, animals, plants, and the environment, and can also cause problems for farmers and affect the food supply Australians depend on.
Why is biosecurity important?
In Australia, we work hard to keep out harmful pests, diseases, and weeds. These things don’t belong here and can cause a lot of damage. Pests can be:
- bugs like fruit flies
- animals like mice or rabbits
- and even plants like weeds.
Diseases can make animals, plants – and even people – very sick. They’re often caused by germs like bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Without biosecurity, our fruit and vegetables, pets, wildlife, and food supply could be at risk.
Who does biosecurity?
Lots of people help with biosecurity:
- farmers
- scientists
- government workers
- families, schools, and kids like you!
You can help too!
You can be a biosecurity hero by:
- learning how to spot harmful bugs and diseases
- telling an adult if you see something strange and knowing how to report it
- following travel and food rules
- cleaning your shoes and gear before visiting nature or farms.
Australia is a special place with animals and plants found nowhere else in the world. We need to protect them from harmful bugs and diseases that don’t belong here.
That’s why Australia has strong biosecurity rules. These rules help keep dangerous bugs and diseases out.
Explore the website to learn more about who does what, why, and how in Australia and how you can get involved to help. Or check out the videos at the end of this page to learn some more about what biosecurity is and why it matters.
Protecting our animals and plants
By stopping threats early, we keep Australia safe for everyone – now and in the future.
Find out more