9 January 2024.
During recovery from flooding, biosecurity is a key priority to help protect your property and livestock from weeds, pests and diseases. These checklists and templates are available to help you with your farm biosecurity.
Fodder is a key pathway for introducing new unwanted new weeds and other biosecurity problems. When obtaining fodder, it is a good idea to ask for a signed declaration that actions have been taken to ensure it is not contaminated with weed seeds or other biosecurity matter. Download AgForce’s “Biosecurity Matter Hygiene Declaration” if you require a fillable PDF declaration form.
Clean up debris and other waste, including food waste, animal carcasses, and other organic matter. This will help prevent the spread of diseases and remove places where pest animals like rodents, wild dogs and feral pigs can feed and find refuge.
Floodwaters are a major way that weeds and pests can be transported into new areas. Be vigilant in checking areas that have flooded for anything new and take immediate action to control new weeds and pests before the issue becomes widespread.
Report any suspected prohibited or restricted invasive plant sightings to your local government or Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23. Biosecurity Queensland works with government agencies, industry and community groups to manage issues related to invasive plants and animals that emerge from natural disasters.
You may wish to join the weed spotters' network Queensland. The Weed Spotters Network Queensland aims to find, identify and document those new occurrences of potential weeds at an early stage so that preventative actions can be taken. Weed spotters receive a bulletin each month with information on current and emerging weeds along with a list of regional contacts. Weed spotter resources are available to assist weed spotters and coordinators with weed identification.
Yellow crazy ants are easily spread by floodwaters. Please keep an eye out when you are cleaning up after the flooding. The Wet Tropics Management Authority can provide assistance with suspected yellow crazy ants. The Wet Tropics Management Authority manages the Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program (YCAEP) and can be reached on 4241 0525 or email us on yca@wtma.qld.gov.au, or message on Facebook.
See this DAF factsheet for more information livestock diseases and pests that thrive in wet conditions, as well as risks of poisoning from plants.
Contaminated water (and food) can result in the spread of Emergency Animal Diseases. Monitor your animals closely for any signs of illness or disease. You must contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or the Emergency Disease Hotline 1800 675 888 if you suspect the presence of a notifiable disease. This resource summarises key signs and symptoms of Emergency Animal Diseases.