Biosecurity researchers aid the surveillance of exotic disease

K.Scott — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:18:14 +0000

Media Release: 30 July 2010

You could be forgiven for thinking it’s a military operation planning room. Topographical maps are spread across the table with bright coloured dots indicating where the threat was located and hopefully eliminated. Satellite imagery of the local terrain is projected on to a white screen at the front of the room showing lush agricultural areas and mountainous state forests. There are no military uniforms though. This meeting is a gathering of scientists from the Cooperative Research Centre for National Plant Biosecurity and Industry & Investment New South Wales staff who are planning surveillance strategies to monitor this exotic threat.

The threat is Uredo rangelli (Myrtle rust) which was recently detected at a NSW Central Coast cut flower growing facility. Very closely related to the rust fungus causing guava rust, it infects the Myrtaceae family of plants (which includes many Australian native species). This is the first detection of Myrtle rust in Australia and while it’s not been found on eucalypts, there is limited knowledge of its impact or behaviour under Australian conditions.

CRC chief executive officer, Dr Simon McKirdy said the CRC was approached by Australia’s Plant Health Committee (PHC) to deploy scientific resources and assist with surveillance of the rust.

“Given our plant biosecurity research activities, PHC approached us as part of their management strategy. We have flown in researchers from across the country to provide as much assistance as we can,” he said. READ MORE

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To download and save images, right-click on the link and click ‘save target as’. If you experience any problems, please contact Communications Manager, Kate Scott on 0402 299 611 or k.scott@crcplantbiosecurity.com.au

CSI-inspired research to enhance quarantine detection methods

VANMEURSA — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 22:15:52 +0000

Global Biosecurity Media Relese: 15 January 2010

Travellers arriving at Australian international airports are met with stringent quarantine services to protect Australia’s privileged biosecurity status.

Currently, travellers are screened for ‘macro’ prohibited quarantine material such as plant material at Australian international airports but are unable to be screened for ‘micro’ material, such as plant pathogens that may be entering Australia on passenger’s hair, clothing or footwear.

Leading a Cooperative Research Centre for National Plant Biosecurity project, Western Australia’s Department of Agriculture and Food’s Dominie Wright said new research was looking at developing a more rigorous detection method.

“As part of this ‘Airport Forensic’ project, we are researching if pathogens can be detected using forensic methods, initially focusing on cereal rust and the level of human mediated rust entries into Australia,” Ms Wright said.

“The pathway for this material is not currently regulated as the organisms are not visible to the naked eye.

“There is a need to collect data that will support future communication activities aimed at informing individuals of the risk of carrying quarantinable plant pathogens on their clothing, hair or footwear when returning from overseas travel.

“The Airport Forensic project will look at the development of a rapid forensic kit, covering hair, footwear and clothing which may be used on targeted passengers in the future.”

Ms Wright said until the CSI-like forensic kit was developed, trialled and released for use, the biosecurity responsibility remained largely with the Australian public; a certain hot topic at the upcoming Global Biosecurity 2010 Conference in Brisbane.

“With the amount of international travellers entering Australia, quarantine inspectors do not have capacity to inspect each visitor for this micro material,” Ms Wright said.

“Researchers, growers and Australian travellers in general, often visit farms or related enterprises while on holidays overseas or interstate.”

“These individuals represent an undefined risk for inadvertently introducing exotic plant pathogens into Australia if appropriate biosecurity measures are not enforced.”

“Each incoming passenger is responsible for ensuring they follow good biosecurity practices and abide by quarantine laws to limit any potential threats.”

At the same time, Ms Wright said there is a need for the Australian community to be better educated about the potential biosecurity risks of micro material.

“Stopping the entry, establishment and spread of unwanted plant pathogens is vital for some of our agricultural industries, and for protecting and preserving our environment.”

Issues including the threats and impacts of the constant movement of people, plants and animals as well as a myriad of other biosecurity topics will be discussed at the first international Global Biosecurity 2010 Conference to be held in Brisbane in February next year.

The conference will bring together a host of biosecurity experts to discuss best practice and how Australia can maintain effective biosecurity measures, which are vital to keeping our agricultural industries and the environment healthy.

The conference is a partnership event between the CRC for National Plant Biosecurity, Australian Biosecurity CRC for Emerging Infectious Disease and the Invasive Animals CRC.

The Global Biosecurity 2010 Conference is sponsored by: the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC); the Australian Centre of Excellence for Risk Analysis (ACERA); Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS).

Registrations for the conference are now open. Visit www.globalbiosecurity2010.com

Media contact l Laureta Wallace

P (08) 6250 4561

CRC for Plant Biosecurity - Airport forensics

Biosecurity researchers aid the surveillance of exotic disease

Media Release: 30 July 2010

CSI-inspired research to enhance quarantine detection methods

Global Biosecurity Media Relese: 15 January 2010