The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) annual Biosecurity Blitz, from 16 October – 16 November, encourages everyone to ‘look and report’ unusual suspects.
This year’s month-long Blitz has a new focus each week, kicking off with borers followed by ants, tropical tree pests and diseases and pollinators.
DPIRD senior development officer Rosalie McCauley said the public played an essential role in the first line of biosecurity defence, with early detections supporting an efficient and effective emergency response.
“Polyphagous shot-hole borer was initially detected in WA in 2021 via a public report to DPIRD’s MyPestGuide Reporter app,” Dr McCauley said.
“This report helped WA to confirm the presence of this pest much sooner than in other countries – enabling DPIRD to move quickly and have the best chance of stopping its spread and reducing its impact on our tree canopy.
“Surveillance remains a critical component of this and other responses and we need the public’s help to survey and report observations of suspect pests and diseases.”
Biosecurity Blitz participants can find out more about the different types of borers from DPIRD’s own Elsie the Entomologist, who features in the first of a series of weekly videos on the department’s Facebook page and website.
The videos will drop each Wednesday with DPIRD entomologist Elsie Kinnaird providing an overview of a weekly activity, as well as surveillance tips.
This week’s activity encourages Biosecurity Blitzers to survey trees for signs of borer holes and to make a report via the MyPestGuide Reporter app, including a photograph with a ruler or pen to show scale.
Dr McCauley encouraged the community to support Biosecurity Blitz to help protect WA from biosecurity threats that could impact the State’s valuable agriculture sector, environment and outdoor lifestyle.
“It is a great way for children, parents, grandparents, carers and teachers to learn how simple actions can safeguard WA agriculture and ensure access to fresh, healthy food,” she said.
“By getting involved, you’ll help our farmers and contribute to the strength of our trade and the future of our valuable export markets.
“It’s a fun, educational experience that makes a real difference.”
For more Biosecurity Blitz 2024 information, weekly activities and videos visit the DPIRD webpage www.agric.wa.gov.au/biosecurity-blitz or follow the DPIRD Facebook page www.facebook.com/DPIRDWA.
Pest and disease reports, including shot-hole borer, can be made via the department’s MyPestGuide® Reporter app or to the Pest and Disease Information Service on 9368 3080 or padis@dpird.wa.gov.au.
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