Wild Dog and Pest Control

Outbreak: online hot spot for pest and disease info

Beef Central, 10/09/2015

The Federal Government has launched a new-look “Outbreak website” to keep people informed about exotic pest and disease incursions that could have major impact on agricultural production and/or domestic and international markets.

The Outbreak website (outbreak.gov.au).website has long been a portal for information about exotic pests and diseases and what is being done to eradicate them in Australia.

Australian Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Mark Schipp, said the online resource played an important role in keeping people informed about outbreaks.

“It is widely used by agriculture producers, exporters, trading partners, government agencies and the media,” Dr Schipp said.

“It was invaluable during the equine influenza outbreak in 2007, and is capable of being the national go-to website if there is another large-scale agricultural emergency.

“The website also provides information on how to protect your animals and plants from pests and diseases and, importantly, how to report a suspected outbreak.”

Chief Scientist and Australian Chief Plant Protection Officer, Dr Kim Ritman, said the new-look website has information on how governments and industries respond to exotic pest incursions or disease outbreaks.

“We are also seeing its growing importance for communicating about plant emergency response activities,” Dr Ritman said.

“It’s really a central hub right at your fingertips and is worth bookmarking. And it isn’t just for people involved in our primary industries.

“People who have livestock as pets or just keep a backyard veggie garden can get information that they need to know. It’s also relevant to people working in associated industries including the food supply chain, transporters or others who provide on-farm services and travel between different properties.

“We all have a role in biosecurity to protect our agricultural industries, environment and economy and stop the spread of pests and diseases within Australia.”

The Outbreak website allows you to search by state or territory or a particular pest or disease, and link through to local information.

It also features interactive maps and its new design means it can be easily used on mobile phones and tablets.

Source: Department of Agriculture. Visit the new Outbreak website at outbreak.gov.au.

 

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