What happens when you report something unusual?

Australia has a great biosecurity system, and it is the role of every Australian to be on the lookout for unusual plant pests and diseases. Knowing what to look for, how to report it, and the importance of reporting quickly gives us the best chance at stopping the spread and reducing the likelihood that new pests and diseases are here to stay.

As a grower, you are likely to be the first to spot something unusual; whether it’s an odd-looking insect; chew marks on a leaf, discolouration or other symptoms that you’ve never noticed before. As part of your regular crop monitoring and pest management activities, you will be on the lookout for any unusual pests or unfamiliar symptoms. If you notice anything you can’t identify or suspect it may be an exotic pest or disease you must report it as soon as possible.

The national Exotic Plant Pest Hotline - 1800 084 881 is a dedicated number for reporting anything unusual. Calling the hotline will link you directly to the relevant state or territory agency for your location where you will be able to speak to someone to report your sighting. If your call is after business hours, you may be directed to record a message.

What is ‘unusual’?

‘Unusual’ can mean different things to different people especially when you are looking at pests and the symptoms of disease. You don’t need to be an expert but if you see any of the following you should take steps to report it:

• Any insects, snails, or mites you don’t recognise
• Unusual symptoms on your crop or vegetation surrounding your property
• Control measures that no longer work or are becoming less effective for known symptoms (there are many other reasons this may happen, but in some situations, it may indicate a new pest).

Remember, it’s always better to report – even if it’s a false alarm. Reporting can provide reassurance that there is nothing to worry about.

Several high priority pests are a concern to the citrus industry. Find out more so you know what symptoms and signs to look out for. A good place to start is Plant Health Australia’s resource centre, which includes information on priority pests for the citrus industry.

Why it's important to report anything unusual

A biosecurity breach remains the Australian citrus industry’s greatest threat. It could wipe out citrus production in parts or all of Australia. Biosecurity prevention and preparedness is therefore a matter of upmost importance to Citrus Australia and our industry members.

All Australians have a legal obligation to report potential biosecurity risks, and it’s essential you are aware of your obligations to minimise and manage risks on your property.

Australia’s proof of freedom status is something we all enjoy as it allows us to trade with international partners and enjoy our unique way of life. We are free from many pests and diseases that have heavily impacted plant industries in other countries and the livelihoods and businesses that rely on them. The longer a pest or disease goes undetected, the further it can spread, reducing the chance of containment and eradication, or implementation of effective control measures. Long-term management and containment of unwanted pests can increase production costs and cause the complete decline of an industry.

What to do if you suspect you found something unusual

If you suspect you may have found an exotic plant pest or disease, follow these precautions:

• Mark the area to make it easy to find again later and isolate the area immediately
• Take clear photos or video of the damage to the plant and if possible the pest. You can use GPS data attached to the photo to record the site’s location
• If possible, collect a sample of the plant that shows symptoms or the insect. This should be double-bagged and placed in your freezer and provided to biosecurity officers if necessary.
• Restrict the movement of people, equipment or animals near the potentially affected area
• Wash hands, clothes and boots that have been in contact with affected plant material or soil
• Don’t touch, move or transport affected plant material without advice from your state or territory biosecurity agency.

Most importantly, call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline - 1800 084 881 immediately.

What information to collect

If you find something unusual, collect as much information as you can, including:

• What you found
• When you found it
• Where you found it
• What crop it was on
• How many you saw, or how it has impacted the crop (describe the symptoms)
• How widespread it is
• Anything else that catches your attention.

You may be asked to provide this information when you report to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline.

What happens after a report has been made

If there is a reasonable suspicion that the plant pest or disease you reported is of concern, several activities will be carried out by the state or territory biosecurity agency both on and off your property (known as the lead agency) to further understand the situation.

The lead agency will:

• In consultation with the property owner, conduct trace forward and trace back to determine where the pest came from and where it may have travelled to
• Engage with their state counterparts and peak plant industry bodies, to keep them updated and seek their advice.

It may take time to correctly diagnose the pest or disease and determine whether control actions are needed and this may cause some uncertainty and angst, but the biosecurity agency will work with you to minimise disruption. Throughout these investigations (and the duration of a response) your personal information, including your address, remains confidential.

What happens on your property

As more information is known and diagnostics confirm whether the pest is an Emergency Plant Pest (EPP), measures may be put in place to reduce the risk of the pest or disease spreading. These could include:

• Restriction of operations in the immediately impacted area
• Restricted movement of people, vehicles and machinery on and off the property
• Restricted movement of all host material on and off the property
• Implementation of decontamination processes for people, vehicles and machinery entering or leaving the property
• Treatment and control measures to eradicate the pest/disease
• Guidance on the activities that are still permitted on your property.

There are provisions under the EPPRD for growers who are directly impacted by response actions where they may be reimbursed for specific costs and losses arising from those actions. Referred to as Owner Reimbursement Costs (ORCs), these are covered in future articles. Alternatively, you can find out more information on the Plant Health Australia website.

What happens beyond your property gate

The biology of pests or diseases can vary greatly, influencing how far and quickly they could spread. Depending on the EPP, areas surrounding your property may also be subject to quarantine restrictions. Surveillance may be conducted across neighbouring properties and businesses that you have sent goods to or received goods from.

Throughout the process, the lead agency will keep you informed of what actions you need to take and what may be happening on your property. Citrus Australia will also support you by providing answers to questions and addressing any concerns you have about how the response is being conducted.

The lead agency together with the Australian, state and territory governments, affected industries and Plant Health Australia, will meet regularly to progress the response. If you are an affected grower, you will be represented in this process by Citrus Australia, who will advocate on behalf of your industry.

Through every stage of a response, it is important to keep up to date with the latest information as the situation and pace of the response can change quickly. The Outbreak website is a great resource to stay informed on the latest response information.

Support during a response to a plant pest or disease

Being impacted by a biosecurity response can cause a great deal of stress and uncertainty. If your property is affected by a plant pest or disease, Citrus Australia will work with you every step of the way.

Citrus Australia will:

• Work with the lead agency to assist to minimise disruption to your business/our industry
• Represent the industry’s interests in the national decision-making process
• Consult with industry on a regular basis, keeping growers and supply chain members in the affected region and across the country updated.

The lead agency will:

• Direct you on how to implement any biosecurity measures and response actions on your property
• Seek advice and support from your industry body to implement response activities
• Let you know about available counselling services, should you require them.

What happens next?

Once investigations have provided enough information to understand the size and nature of the incursion it can be determined whether a national eradication program will be undertaken.

The goal of responding is to eradicate the pest or disease and return to our proof of freedom status, and if that isn’t possible, get affected industries back to business as quickly as possible.

This content has been developed in collaboration with Plant Health Australia to increase awareness of national response arrangements under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD).