tag:theconversation.com,2011:/au/topics/biosecurity-358/articlesBiosecurity – The Conversation2024-03-05T03:00:57Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2159892024-03-05T03:00:57Z2024-03-05T03:00:57ZLumpy skin disease is a threat to Australia and could decimate our cattle industries – we need to know how it could enter and spread<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/577190/original/file-20240221-22-67ggd8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=26%2C8%2C5964%2C3979&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/calf-has-sick-lumpy-skin-disease-2028066140">assiduousness, Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Australian authorities are on high alert amid the spread of <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2022-03-04/lumpy-skin-disease-detected-in-indonesia/100881842">lumpy skin disease</a> in cattle and buffalo across South-East Asia. While <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/animal/lumpy-skin-disease/australias-freedom-from-lsd">Australia remains free of the disease</a>, the virus is likely to breach our borders at some stage.</p>
<p>Detection of the disease in Australia’s livestock industries would lead to <a href="https://animalhealthaustralia.com.au/download/1653/">restrictions on cattle, meat and dairy exports</a>, with serious consequences for the economy. </p>
<p>The federal government has a <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/animal/lumpy-skin-disease/australias-freedom-from-lsd">plan to detect and respond</a> to an outbreak. But we need to go one better – to predict where the disease is likely to appear and how it might spread. </p>
<p>Our team is developing a model we hope will provide this vital information. It will help Australia prepare and respond not just to the current threat, but to any future biosecurity breach.</p>
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<figcaption><span class="caption">Lumpy skin disease is on Australia’s doorstep, with fears the threat is going unnoticed | ABC News (September 2022)</span></figcaption>
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<h2>What is lumpy skin disease?</h2>
<p><a href="https://animalhealthaustralia.com.au/lumpy-skin-disease/">Lumpy skin disease is a viral disease</a> that affects cattle and buffalo, not humans. The incubation period is up to 28 days. </p>
<p>First reported in Zambia in 1929, the <a href="http://www.doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2022.2764-2771">disease has spread</a> across Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Asia. It reached <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2022-03-04/lumpy-skin-disease-detected-in-indonesia/100881842">Indonesia in 2022</a>.</p>
<p>Early symptoms include fever and increased tear production. Lumps then appear on the skin and can cover the entire body, gradually hardening as the disease develops. Sometimes the lumps slough off, leaving holes on the skin that are susceptible to infections. </p>
<p>Typically only 1-5% of cattle die from the disease, but those that recover may not return to full health.</p>
<p>Milk production is reduced in cows. Meat yield from infected cattle is likely to be reduced, although it does not contain lumps and is safe to eat. Temporary or permanent infertility in both cows and bulls can also develop during the first month of infection.</p>
<p>The virus is mainly spread by biting insects such as <a href="https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.g5808">mosquitoes, stable flies and ticks</a>. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-021-02786-0">Higher temperature</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.434">increased rainfall</a> can increase insect populations and activity, and have triggered outbreaks of disease overseas.</p>
<p>The disease can also be transmitted by <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/1297-9716-43-1">close contact between cattle</a>, such as exposure to body fluids.</p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/576654/original/file-20240220-18-l9zg5j.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Map showing where lumpy skin disease has been reported in South-East Asia over the last five years" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/576654/original/file-20240220-18-l9zg5j.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/576654/original/file-20240220-18-l9zg5j.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=593&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/576654/original/file-20240220-18-l9zg5j.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=593&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/576654/original/file-20240220-18-l9zg5j.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=593&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/576654/original/file-20240220-18-l9zg5j.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=746&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/576654/original/file-20240220-18-l9zg5j.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=746&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/576654/original/file-20240220-18-l9zg5j.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=746&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Where lumpy skin disease has been reported over the last five years in South-East Asia, as at February 19 this year, using data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">The University of Queensland</span></span>
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<h2>A testing time with Indonesia and Malaysia</h2>
<p>In July last year, Indonesian authorities claimed 13 cows from Australia had <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-31/lumpy-skin-disease-cattle-from-australia-exports-indonesia/102668870">tested positive</a> days after arrival. At the time, Australian authorities <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/about/news/lsd-detection-in-cattle-exported-to-indonesia">demonstrated</a> that the nation was free of the disease. </p>
<p>Nonetheless, trade between Indonesia and four of Australia’s cattle export holding yards was <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-30/lsd-in-australian-cattle-in-indonesia/102666812">suspended</a> immediately. Then <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/second-country-suspends-live-cattle-exports-from-australia-over-disease-fears/news-story/d94648994297f0be4497ca0eeda965b5">Malaysia went further and stopped accepting</a> any Australian live cattle and buffalo. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/about/news/malaysian-authorities-lift-temporary-suspension">Malaysia</a> and <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/about/news/indonesia-lifts-trade-restrictions">Indonesia</a> each lifted their restrictions in early September, after <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/about/news/australia-remains-free-from-lumpy-skin-disease">more than 1,000 cattle</a> were tested across Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory. The Australian government also <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/indonesia-lifts-ban-on-live-cattle-exports-from-australia/news-story/891378279957dfb5dec102a9fe504749">agreed</a> to boost surveillance and biosecurity measures, including testing on farms and <a href="https://www.beefcentral.com/live-export/alec-welcomes-resumption-of-indonesian-cattle-trade/">disinfecting departing export vessels</a>.</p>
<p>Since the lifting of restrictions, the Indonesian government has <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-11/cattle-rejected-live-export-indonesia-skin-blemishes-lsd/102956626">reportedly</a> rejected Australian cattle with skin blemishes – in some cases, this comprised up to 30% of cattle in a shipment.</p>
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<h2>How could lumpy skin disease enter Australia?</h2>
<p>The Australian government has introduced <a href="https://animalhealthaustralia.com.au/download/1653/">strict biosecurity measures</a> at international ports to minimise the risk of infected animals entering the country. These include disinfection and disinsection (spraying to remove insects) of vessels and cargo.</p>
<p>However, there’s a high risk of <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/ausvet-lsd-quantitative-assessment.pdf">infected insects entering Australia</a> through international ports or by travelling across the sea to northern Australia. Some infected flying insects may be able to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/tbed.12378">cover long distances, aided by strong winds</a>.</p>
<p>Another possible mode of entry for infected insects is through <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2023-12-13/illegal-fishing-in-wa-sparks-biosecurity-fears/103195314">illegal fishers landing on the Australian coast</a>.</p>
<h2>What can be done to prevent the spread of lumpy skin disease?</h2>
<p>In countries where lumpy skin disease is common, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.g5808">live vaccines have been used to control the disease</a>. However, this is not practical in disease-free countries such as Australia, because vaccinated animals <a href="https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.i2800">cannot be distinguished</a> from infected animals. This means Australia could not be confirmed free of disease, leading to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.g5808">international trade restrictions</a>.</p>
<p>The Australian government <a href="https://minister.agriculture.gov.au/Watt/media-releases/lsd-vaccine-supply-secured">secured a supply of lumpy skin disease vaccines</a> in October. These are being securely stored overseas in case of an outbreak. The vaccines will also be available to neighbouring Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.woah.org/en/document/lumpy-skin-disease-technical-disease-card/">Preventing the spread of lumpy skin disease</a> requires early detection of the disease, isolation of potentially infected animals and restrictions around their movement. Once initial diagnosis is confirmed, culling of infected animals and insect control would likely follow.</p>
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<h2>What can be done to prepare Australia?</h2>
<p>Australia has a <a href="https://animalhealthaustralia.com.au/download/1653/">veterinary emergency response plan</a> to enact if the disease enters the country. The federal government has also <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/animal/lumpy-skin-disease/australias-freedom-from-lsd">boosted surveillance</a> and begun <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/about/news/getting-ready-to-respond">offering training</a> for veterinarians, industry and government staff on how to prevent and control the spread of the disease.</p>
<p>However, innovative models are needed to assess the likely introduction and spread of the disease in Australia. Our team is developing a framework to carry out such modelling. Our model will include data describing the current status of reports of the disease outside of Australia, Australia’s landscape and climate, distribution and movement of cattle, and local insect populations.</p>
<p>These models will produce maps that can be used to identify areas in Australia more suitable to receiving the disease, such as areas with favourable environmental conditions for the survival of imported infected insects. These maps will inform decisions around surveillance and response plans, and help farmers prepare for a potential outbreak of the disease.</p>
<p>Maintaining a high level of preparedness and awareness of the disease among cattle producers, farmers, veterinarians and other relevant individuals is paramount if we are to maintain our disease-free status as an international exporter. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-shot-hole-borer-beetle-invasion-has-begun-but-we-dont-need-to-chop-down-every-tree-under-attack-222610">Australia's shot-hole borer beetle invasion has begun, but we don't need to chop down every tree under attack</a>
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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/215989/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Kei Owada works for the University of Queensland. The research team at the University of Queensland working on lumpy skin disease modelling is jointly supported by the Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the University of Queensland.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Ben Hayes receives funding from the University of Queensland and the Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Ricardo J. Soares Magalhaes receives funding from the University of Queensland and the Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Timothy J. Mahony works for the University of Queensland. The research team at the University of Queensland working on lumpy skin disease modelling and vaccine development is jointly supported by the Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the University of Queensland.</span></em></p>A disfiguring disease of cattle and buffalo has arrived on our doorstep. We need to keep lumpy skin disease out of Australia, while preparing for the almost inevitable outbreak.Kei Owada, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Veterinary Science, The University of QueenslandBen Hayes, Director, Centre for Animal Science, The University of QueenslandRicardo J. Soares Magalhaes, Professor, School of Veterinary Science, The University of QueenslandTimothy J. Mahony, Professor, Centre for Animal Science, The University of QueenslandLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2226102024-02-14T23:50:02Z2024-02-14T23:50:02ZAustralia’s shot-hole borer beetle invasion has begun, but we don’t need to chop down every tree under attack<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/574604/original/file-20240209-18-7stpt1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=46%2C0%2C6183%2C4147&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/shotgunlike-lesions-on-tree-bark-trunk-1754480912">jgeyser, Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>A <a href="https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/borer">new pest attacking Perth’s trees</a> threatens to <a href="https://www.outbreak.gov.au/current-outbreaks/polyphagous-shot-hole-borer">spread across Australia</a>, damaging crops and native forests as well as our urban forest. To control its spread, the Western Australian government is <a href="https://www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/absolutely-devastating-a-tiny-exotic-beetle-will-see-180-of-hyde-park-s-trees-cut-down-20240130-p5f16n.html">chopping down hundreds of established trees</a>. But these losses may be in vain. </p>
<p>Originally from southeast Asia, the polyphagous (meaning “many-eating”) shot-hole borer has <a href="https://doi.org/10.1079/cabicompendium.18360453">invaded several countries</a>. It attacks <a href="https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/sites/gateway/files/PSHB-WA-Host-List.pdf">more than 400 tree species</a>, including <a href="https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/sites/gateway/files/PSHB-Global-Host-List.pdf">crops</a> such as apple, avocado, macadamia and mango. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/ffgc.2021.654702">Trees grown for timber</a>, such as ash, elms and oaks are not safe either. And with every new country it invades, it threatens an increasingly large number of native trees.</p>
<p>Australia plans to <a href="https://www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/absolutely-devastating-a-tiny-exotic-beetle-will-see-180-of-hyde-park-s-trees-cut-down-20240130-p5f16n.html">eradicate this pest using one method: felling established trees</a>. But the borer has been eradicated only once – in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-022-02929-w">isolated tropical glasshouses in frosty Europe</a> – demonstrating the difficulty of eradication from larger agricultural and natural ecosystems.</p>
<p>To achieve this worthy but difficult goal, everyone will need to work together. We need a wide range of experts to fully evaluate all available control methods, and consider the most appropriate time frame for eradication. Understanding the impacts of both the pest and its management will ensure we get the best possible outcomes in both the short and long term.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/trees-in-south-africa-are-under-attack-why-its-proving-hard-to-manage-130804">Trees in South Africa are under attack. Why it's proving hard to manage</a>
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<h2>The nature of the beast(s)</h2>
<p>The borer probably arrived in Australia as a stowaway with <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-30/shot-hole-borer-attacks-hyde-park-trees/103406280">untreated wood</a> and remained undetected until August 2021, when a <a href="https://www.wa.gov.au/government/announcements/fremantle-residents-asked-look-exotic-insect-borer">concerned resident of East Fremantle</a> noticed unusual holes in her backyard maple trees. Now <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-30/shot-hole-borer-attacks-hyde-park-trees/103406280">more than 80 suburbs</a> in 25 councils are affected. Fortunately, the pest has not yet been detected outside the Perth metropolitan area.</p>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/575134/original/file-20240212-24-1b1k45.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A map of Perth and the Polyphagous shot-hole borer quarantine area" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/575134/original/file-20240212-24-1b1k45.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/575134/original/file-20240212-24-1b1k45.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=848&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/575134/original/file-20240212-24-1b1k45.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=848&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/575134/original/file-20240212-24-1b1k45.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=848&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/575134/original/file-20240212-24-1b1k45.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1066&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/575134/original/file-20240212-24-1b1k45.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1066&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/575134/original/file-20240212-24-1b1k45.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1066&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">The pest borer quarantine area covers 25 local government areas in Perth.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/borer">Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></span>
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<p>The borer attacks so many tree species because it has an accomplice, in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fgb.2013.04.004">form of a fungus</a>. The two live in a mutually dependent “symbiotic” relationship. </p>
<p>The borer creates a Swiss cheese-like matrix of tunnels through the wood. The fungus feeds on the wood lining the tunnels as it grows, and the borer eats the fungus. </p>
<p>The tunnels weaken the structure of the wood, but tree death occurs when the fungus invades and blocks the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-48809-8">flow of water and sap between roots and leaves</a>.</p>
<p>The borer’s small size likely limits its natural rate of spread, however we <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/afe.12321">don’t know how far it can fly</a>. There is a risk of human-assisted spread over long distances as the borer can survive in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvaa103">small pieces of wood for weeks</a>. To make matters worse, a single female borer can <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/afe.12155">produce offspring without a mate</a>.</p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/574813/original/file-20240211-22-c36zto.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Six development stages of the shot hole borer, arranged in a circle to show the life cycle, on a white background" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/574813/original/file-20240211-22-c36zto.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/574813/original/file-20240211-22-c36zto.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=560&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/574813/original/file-20240211-22-c36zto.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=560&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/574813/original/file-20240211-22-c36zto.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=560&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/574813/original/file-20240211-22-c36zto.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=704&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/574813/original/file-20240211-22-c36zto.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=704&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/574813/original/file-20240211-22-c36zto.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=704&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">The life cycle of the polyphagous shot-hole borer, also known as the Asian ambrosia beetle (<em>Euwallacea fornicatus</em>)</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/development-stages-asian-ambrosia-beetle-euwallacea-513402742">Protasov AN, Shutterstock</a></span>
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<h2>Responding to the threat in Australia</h2>
<p>The threat to Australia can be estimated from the experience in other invaded locations. As in Perth, the invasion usually begins in cities, then spreads into the surrounding countryside, attacking horticulture and forests, including <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s12600-012-0223-7">avocado production in Israel</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-03-12-0276-PDN">California</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s13314-023-00524-z">stone fruit in South Africa</a>. This overseas experience has informed models of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/afe.12566">potential impacts for WA</a>.</p>
<p>But local effects are hard to predict. Figs and eucalypts not susceptible in <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/ffgc.2021.654702">California and Israel</a>, yet <a href="https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/sites/gateway/files/PSHB-WA-Host-List.pdf">figs are preferred and some eucalypts are susceptible in WA</a>.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.outbreak.gov.au/current-outbreaks/polyphagous-shot-hole-borer">national biosecurity response led by WA</a> has allocated A$41 million to eradicate the borer. This funding was based on an assessment of what it should cost. But there is only a short window of opportunity to effectively deploy these resources to achieve eradication.</p>
<p>The response includes trapping and surveillance to determine the spread of the pest. More than <a href="https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook-Labor-Government/Vital-biosecurity-response-to-stop-invasive-beetle-pest-20240130">1.5 million trees on more than 50,000 properties</a> have been inspected and some 3,000 traps laid. </p>
<p>These traps catch flying beetles, which fly just once in their lives, so there’s a low catch probability. This makes it hard to detect false negatives, when no beetles are trapped but there are beetles in the area. This can be improved with alternative <a href="https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3656">trap designs</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0179416">chemical lures</a>.</p>
<p>When infested trees are found in WA, the response is “<a href="https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/borer">removing infested trees to save healthy trees</a>”. This could mean hundreds of trees at popular public locations such as <a href="https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook-Labor-Government/Vital-biosecurity-response-to-stop-invasive-beetle-pest-20240130">Perth Zoo, Lake Claremont, Kings Park and Hyde Park</a> will be felled and chipped.</p>
<p>Continuing with the one control method, felling trees, will leave us with fewer trees, particularly if the eradication campaign runs for many years. Reduction of the <a href="https://theconversation.com/does-higher-density-city-development-leave-urban-forests-out-on-a-limb-57106">urban tree canopy</a> <a href="https://theconversation.com/fewer-trees-leave-the-outer-suburbs-out-in-the-heat-33299">could be profound</a>, and <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-18/perth-tree-canopy-conference/101980438">Perth already has the sparsest urban tree canopy in the nation</a>. </p>
<p>The flow-on consequences could mean even <a href="https://theconversation.com/trees-are-a-citys-air-conditioners-so-why-are-we-pulling-them-out-21890">higher urban temperatures</a> and poorer <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2021.603757">human</a> <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2012.09.066">health</a>. </p>
<p>Urban trees are also valued for their beauty, shade and habitat for animals. All these benefits can be assigned a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2017.11.017">significant monetary value, which would be even higher</a> if intrinsic or cultural value could be included.</p>
<h2>Waging war on the shot-hole borer</h2>
<p>Although felling and chipping entire trees is necessary, there are <a href="https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74179.html">other effective control methods</a>. Alternatives may include removing and chipping <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s12600-017-0598-6">infested branches only</a>, which may be more <a href="http://doi.org/10.3389/finsc.2023.1279547">cost-effective than felling entire trees</a>, to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2020.105136">injecting at-risk but uninfested trees</a>, and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-10-17-1569-RE">slowing</a> <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toy423">infestations in trees</a> or spraying <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13040656">repellents onto uninfested trees</a>. In California, traps were developed into an <a href="https://www.californiaavocadogrowers.com/sites/default/files/Trapping-Optimization-and-Development-of-attract-and-kill-strategy-for-the-Polyphagous-Shot-Hole-Borer-in-avocado.pdf">attract-and-kill strategy</a> to tackle the borer in avocado orchards.</p>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/574807/original/file-20240211-29-aulz4s.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Polyphagous shot-hole borer trap set by the OC Parks Department and the University of California, in Irvine Regional Park. The large, multi-tiered black trap with a white collection vessel at the bottom is hanging from a metal pole." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/574807/original/file-20240211-29-aulz4s.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/574807/original/file-20240211-29-aulz4s.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=898&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/574807/original/file-20240211-29-aulz4s.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=898&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/574807/original/file-20240211-29-aulz4s.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=898&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/574807/original/file-20240211-29-aulz4s.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1129&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/574807/original/file-20240211-29-aulz4s.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1129&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/574807/original/file-20240211-29-aulz4s.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1129&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The best trap for the borer, developed in California, is not being used in Perth.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/orange-california-24-feb-2017-polyphagous-1938882280">Steve Cukrov, Shutterstock</a></span>
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</figure>
<p>While a rapid response is crucial for eradication, we need to keep improving on this, using the most effective methods available. Relevant solutions from around the world suggest <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-024-01744-7">broader community engagement</a>, beyond Perth, would be beneficial.</p>
<p>It is unclear what has been learned so far from efforts in WA. Is it still <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-013-0529-5">feasible to eradicate the pest completely</a>? We need more experts to evaluate and advise on the response as it continues.</p>
<p>Making the right response choices will be crucial. Just consider other threatening invaders such as the <a href="https://www.outbreak.gov.au/current-outbreaks/red-imported-fire-ant">red imported</a> <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-know-if-were-winning-the-war-on-australias-fire-ant-invasion-and-what-to-do-if-we-arent-121367">fire ant</a>, the honey bee <a href="https://www.outbreak.gov.au/current-outbreaks/varroa-mite">varroa</a> <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-has-officially-given-up-on-eradicating-the-varroa-mite-now-what-214002">mite</a>, and <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/invasive-species/diseases-fungi-and-parasites/myrtle-rust">myrtle</a> <a href="https://theconversation.com/myrtle-rust-is-devastating-australian-forests-a-new-high-tech-spray-holds-out-hope-for-native-trees-219411">rust</a>.</p>
<p>As the borer has only been detected in Perth, the window of opportunity is open now. Let’s make sure we have the best plan of attack so we can achieve eradication. </p>
<p>Australians pride themselves on working together to get things done. If we can bring everyone together to rapidly tackle this insect invasion, the whole nation will benefit.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/citizen-scientists-collect-more-nature-data-than-ever-showing-us-where-common-and-threatened-species-live-212372">Citizen scientists collect more nature data than ever, showing us where common and threatened species live</a>
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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/222610/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>It’s a horror story unfolding in the west that could sweep across the country. Beware the shot-hole borer, an exotic pest that threatens our tree crops, plantations, urban forests and wild places.Theo Evans, Associate Professor, The University of Western AustraliaBruce Webber, Principal Research Scientist, CSIROLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2171022023-11-13T15:00:19Z2023-11-13T15:00:19ZDiseases on farms in South Africa: recent outbreaks point to weaknesses in the system<p>South Africa has had a number of outbreaks of animal diseases in recent months that suggest there are weaknesses in the country’s <a href="https://sapoultry.co.za/pdf-training/biosecurity-guidelines.pdf">biosecurity system</a> – the measures in place to reduce the risk of infectious diseases being transmitted to crops, livestock and poultry.</p>
<p>The outbreaks pose a major challenge for South Africa’s domestic animal farming sector. Fears of weaknesses in the system have been raised by agribusiness for some time, suggesting that pressures and concerns are mounting.</p>
<p>Biosecurity breaches are not unique to South Africa. They have become a significant challenge globally. It’s not easy to put a monetary figure on it, but reports of disease outbreaks across the world, and <a href="https://baseline.bfap.co.za/">indeed in South Africa</a>, suggest the problem has intensified. </p>
<p>In South Africa, reports about <a href="https://www.woah.org/en/disease/foot-and-mouth-disease/">foot-and-mouth disease in cattle</a>, <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/swine-disease-information/african-swine-fever/seminar">African swine fever in pigs</a> and <a href="https://abc3340.com/news/local/alabama-department-of-agriculture-and-industries-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai-in-a-commercial-pullet-farm-in-marshall-county-gamebird-farm-chilton-county">avian influenza in poultry</a> have become frequent. But few countries have had to deal with these disease outbreaks almost <a href="https://nahf.co.za/controlled-and-notifiable-diseases/">simultaneously, as South Africa has</a>.</p>
<p>In 2022, <a href="https://nahf.co.za/category/diseases/fmd/">six of South Africa’s nine provinces reported foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks</a>. This was the first time in the country’s history that the disease had been spread this wide.</p>
<p>The situation remains critical. </p>
<p>All these outbreaks have had a notable impact on South African agricultural exports, and the growth prospects of the sector. For example, South Africa’s beef exports for 2022 were down by 12% year-on-year, according to data from <a href="https://www.trademap.org/Index.aspx?nvpm=%7c%7c%7c%7c%7c%7c%7c%7c%7c%7c%7c%7c%7c%7c%7c%7c%7c">Trade Map</a>. This decline was primarily due to the temporary closures of various export markets following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in South Africa. Farmers are being hit hard. </p>
<p>Livestock and poultry account for <a href="https://www.dalrrd.gov.za/phocadownloadpap/Statistics_and_Economic_Analysis/Statistical_Information/Abstract%202022.pdf">roughly half of agriculture’s gross value added</a>. </p>
<p>Based on this history and the experiences of the agricultural sector, there is concern that South Africa’s biosecurity breaches signal serious capacity challenges in farm biosecurity measures and the country’s veterinary and related support services (mainly the laboratories) that control the movement of livestock and vaccine production. </p>
<p>The South African government, organised agriculture and industry bodies should work together closely to address the country’s biosecurity challenges.</p>
<h2>Disease outbreaks</h2>
<p>On 4 November this year, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development <a href="https://nahf.co.za/category/diseases/fmd/">announced</a> it was investigating a suspected outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in one district.</p>
<p>This means the issue that was identified a year ago remains a challenge. These outbreaks weigh heavily on the cattle industry’s fortunes. The beef industry accounts for a <a href="https://www.dalrrd.gov.za/phocadownloadpap/Statistics_and_Economic_Analysis/Statistical_Information/Abstract%202022.pdf">sizable share of the South African agricultural economy</a>, and is positioned to absorb new entrant farmers in the sector. Beef exports were about 1% of agricultural exports, valued at US$151 million, in 2022, according to <a href="https://www.trademap.org/Index.aspx">Trade Map</a>.</p>
<p>The sheep industry was also affected by the 2022 outbreak. China, a significant market for South African wool, suspended <a href="https://www.foodformzansi.co.za/breaking-china-un-bans-sa-wool-imports/#:%7E:text=China%20has%20lifted%20its%205,foot%2Dand%2Dmouth%20disease%20outbreaks&text=After%20five%20anxious%20months%20of,industry%20can%20finally%20breathe%20again.">imports</a>. This resulted in a 21% year-on-year decline in the export value of wool in 2022, to US$337 million, according to Trade Map data. Wool still made up 3% of South Africa’s record agricultural export value of US$12.8 billion in 2022. </p>
<p>China’s official <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-06/china-bans-south-african-wool-due-to-foot-and-mouth-disease/100970090">reason for the suspension was the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak</a>. But it might not be all that clear cut. China may also have had <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/covid-curbs-bite-chinese-ports-threatening-global-supply-chains-2022-03-16/">capacity issues at its ports</a> at the time because of the <a href="https://theconversation.com/chinas-loosened-covid-19-policies-following-years-of-aggressive-lockdowns-and-quarantines-have-left-the-country-vulnerable-196179">tail-end effects of COVID-19</a> and the <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/23/china-presses-on-in-a-long-reopening-path-from-covid.html">restrictions</a> there.</p>
<p>China has a unique protocol to handle wool shipments and avoid any contamination during a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in South Africa. <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/ban-on-wool-exports-to-china-lifted-after-foot-and-mouth-disease-scare-66945c3f-aa4b-4e45-b93d-62a08d5f58ce">This was agreed in 2019</a> after an outbreak.</p>
<p>In 2022 South Africa’s pig industry was put under fresh pressures. Towards the end of the year <a href="https://www.gov.za/speeches/african-swine-fever-27-jan-2023-0000">outbreaks of African swine fever</a> were reported. The disease remains a challenge. </p>
<p>Most recently, the focus has been on <a href="https://www.nicd.ac.za/avian-flu-outbreak/">avian influenza</a>. More than a <a href="https://sapa.jshiny.com/jdata/sapa/hpai2023H7/">hundred commercial poultry facilities have reported cases</a>. There are major losses for breeders of layers and broilers. As a result, there has been a spike in imports of fertilised eggs to rebuild the parent stock flock. This is key for stabilising the industry.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/bird-flu-in-south-africa-expert-explains-whats-behind-the-chicken-crisis-and-what-must-be-done-about-it-215667">Bird flu in South Africa: expert explains what's behind the chicken crisis and what must be done about it</a>
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<p>Major producers have announced <a href="https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/loadshedding-and-worst-ever-bird-flu-hit-astral-profit-2023-09-21">serious losses</a>. Consumers are also seeing a rise in the price of eggs.</p>
<h2>Policy considerations</h2>
<p>The growth prospects of farming businesses remain at risk if there are no material improvements in biosecurity. This is particularly true for sub-sectors that are crucial for inclusive growth. For example, the National Agricultural Marketing Council estimates suggest that black farmers account for <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Country-Two-Agricultures-Wandile-Sihlobo-ebook/dp/B0CG9VHL57/ref=sr_1_2?crid=285QFCS0Q8WB5&keywords=Wandile+Sihlobo&qid=1693081573&s=digital-text&sprefix=wandile+sihlob%2Cdigital-text%2C534&sr=1-2&asin=B0CG9VHL57&revisionId=9faddca9&format=1&depth=1">18%, 13% and 34% of wool, mohair and cattle production</a>, respectively.</p>
<p>The department of land and agriculture should consider earmarking a share of its annual budget for emergencies to deal with biosecurity risks. These funds should be used only in the case of notifiable animal disease outbreaks and under strict rules and in concurrence with the South African <a href="https://www.treasury.gov.za/">National Treasury</a>. This will be necessary to control animal movements, procure vaccines and permit vaccination in certain areas, employ additional staff and compensate producers when animals must be culled.</p>
<p>Notably, the government should also work the private sector on vaccine manufacturing as national laboratories have <a href="https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-01-12-red-flags-raised-agricultural-organisations-and-experts-warn-that-animal-vaccine-production-in-south-africa-could-fail/">experienced failures in the recent past</a>, thus weakening disease control efforts. Additionally, government should increase the number of veterinarians and animal health technicians. </p>
<p>Also necessary is the repair and maintenance of international fences, which fail to keep wild animals and infected animals from neighbouring countries out of South Africa. Collaboration between Public Works and the National Treasury in this respect is critical. </p>
<p>In essence, most interventions require better management, coordination, restructuring of departments, and investment in fencing, new laboratory equipment and vaccine production.</p>
<p>Beyond the technical matters, the relationship between the regulators and farmers should also be improved so that disease outbreaks can be managed collaboratively with no hostility.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/217102/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Wandile Sihlobo is the Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) and a member of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC).</span></em></p>South Africa’s biosecurity breaches signal capacity challenges in farm biosecurity measures and the country’s veterinary and related support services.Wandile Sihlobo, Senior Fellow, Department of Agricultural Economics, Stellenbosch UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2156672023-10-19T11:57:12Z2023-10-19T11:57:12ZBird flu in South Africa: expert explains what’s behind the chicken crisis and what must be done about it<p><em>An outbreak of <a href="https://www.woah.org/en/disease/avian-influenza/">avian flu</a> – a highly contagious viral infection that affects wild birds as well as poultry – <a href="https://www.nicd.ac.za/avian-influenza-outbreak/">has hit poultry farms in South Africa</a>. Two different strains are causing outbreaks in the country – A(H5N1) and influenza A(H7N6). A specialist in poultry health, Shahn Bisschop, answers some questions put to him by The Conversation Africa.</em></p>
<h2>What strain has broken out in South Africa?</h2>
<p>The outbreak caused by a highly pathogenic (HPAI) strain of H7N6 avian influenza is causing the most concern at present. The strain was <a href="https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/bird-flu-super-infectious-sa-strain-emerges-in-mpumalanga-20230627">first confirmed in chickens</a> near Delmas north of Johannesburg at the beginning of June 2023.</p>
<p>This virus is a novel mutation of a strain which originated from wild birds at or near the location of the original outbreak. </p>
<p>The strain is well-adapted to chickens – it infects them easily and replicates effectively in them, in preference to other avian species – and spreads very easily between birds and farms. An <a href="https://sapa.jshiny.com/jdata/sapa/outbreaklanding/">estimated</a> 10 million have become infected while 6 million died from the H7N6. A further 1.7 million died from H5N1 earlier in the year.</p>
<p>The conventional control measures (collectively known as biosecurity) have been less effective than usual in limiting the spread of the disease. The main measures taken on poultry farms include strictly limiting human and vehicle movement. People entering farms will typically take further measures to limit disease transmission such as showering, changing clothes and disinfecting footwear when moving between different parts of the farm. </p>
<p>Because wild birds are associated with the spread of avian flu, measures are taken to ensure they are completely excluded from all chicken sheds. </p>
<h2>What’s new this time?</h2>
<p>For at least the past nine years, HPAI H5 viruses of the 2.3.4.4 clade <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41421-023-00571-x">have been spread across the globe</a> principally by wild bird migrations and infect a range of avian and mammalian species. The first recorded cases caused by viruses belonging to this clade were reported in South Africa in 2017. A second outbreak occurred in 2020. It was anticipated that the next outbreak would probably also be caused by these viruses and indeed the first reported cases of HPAI in 2023 in the coastal regions were associated with H5 strains.</p>
<p>Local experts are working on the theory that the present outbreak of H7N6 HPAI <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-birds.htm">was created</a> when a low pathogenicity AI (LPAI) virus circulating without causing disease in wild birds underwent a mutation to become an HPAI strain adapted to causing serious disease in chickens. This mutation occurred locally. </p>
<p>Mutation from LPAI to HPAI has been described in poultry in various parts of the world but was considered less likely than the return of the H5 clade 2.3.4.4 viruses previously encountered.</p>
<h2>What’s in place and what’s missing</h2>
<p>Avian influenza is a “controlled disease”. That means it’s placed under strict government control with the aim of eradication as quickly as possible when outbreaks are detected. All outbreaks on farms are immediately reported to the state veterinary service, which takes responsibility for the disease. </p>
<p>The protocol for HPAI control is that all affected farms are placed under strict quarantine and all surviving birds are destroyed and disposed of as quickly as possible in order to limit the further spread of the disease.</p>
<p>But there are weaknesses in the system. </p>
<p>The biggest is that the state veterinary services don’t have sufficient resources to manage the outbreaks effectively.</p>
<p>Secondly, because the state doesn’t compensate farmers for their losses, they have difficulty getting farmers to comply with orders to cull. This has meant that outbreaks have spread out of control. Infected birds have been moved off infected farms for sale – taking the disease with them.</p>
<p>Farmers in the EU and US are compensated when culling happens. This used to be the case in South Africa but no longer happens.</p>
<p>As a result, South Africa has struggled to contain HPAI outbreaks. In<a href="https://www.nicd.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/NICD-Avian-influenza-FAQ_final1-1.pdf"> 2017</a> and <a href="https://rr-africa.woah.org/en/immediate-notifications-in-africa/">2020/21</a> the outbreaks gradually slowed and eventually stopped. </p>
<p>HPAI outbreaks tend to be seasonal. In Europe, they occur principally in winter months. In South Africa, there is a similar but less clear trend to more cases in the winter and fewer in summer. This may be related to reduced viral survival in hotter summer weather.</p>
<h2>Are there new approaches to consider?</h2>
<p>New and innovative thinking is needed to deal with the reality on the ground in South Africa.</p>
<p>One possible solution is the introduction of appropriate vaccines. This would reduce the losses associated with outbreaks and would slow the spread of the disease between farms. Like all vaccines, they can’t prevent birds from becoming infected but they can manage the level of infection and spread. But they can’t eradicate the disease. </p>
<p>But there are limited options in terms of available vaccines. And South Africa would need to ensure that the vaccines registered for use in the country were effective against the local strain. If vaccines are poorly matched to outbreak strains, they won’t be effective.</p>
<p>All of this will take time, even with the best effort of government and industry. </p>
<h2>Does the strain pose a risk to people? What should consumers should be aware of?</h2>
<p>The South African Poultry Association <a href="http://www.poultrydiseases.co.za/750-2/">has made it clear</a> that poultry products are safe for consumption. It has been <a href="https://www.up.ac.za/research-matters/news/post_2991581-up-researchers-weigh-in-on-bird-flu-outbreak">collaborating with the University of Pretoria</a> to make sure poultry products are indeed safe. Together with leading scientists they have sequenced the current field strain of H7 avian influenza virus. In <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10302261/">a recent paper </a> scientists reported that none of the amino acid markers were present that afford the virus the ability to bind to mammalian cells.</p>
<p>This shows that infection of humans with the current virus is highly unlikely.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/215667/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Shahn Bisschop does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>New and innovative thinking is needed to deal with the reality on the ground in South Africa.Shahn Bisschop, Senior lecturer, specialist poultry veterinarian, University of PretoriaLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2122032023-09-14T10:41:46Z2023-09-14T10:41:46ZFrance launches bird vaccination scheme, amid fears of a repeat of H5N1 outbreaks<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/548173/original/file-20230913-15-o3wxi9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C12%2C1200%2C855&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Vaccination of poultry in Hong Kong. </span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">F. Keck</span>, <span class="license">Fourni par l'auteur</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Of all the recently emerging and potentially pandemic viruses, the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus H5N1 is one of the fiercest. <a href="https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/34/Supplement_2/S58/459477">First detected in Hong Kong in 1997</a>, it spread to the rest of the world with a mortality rate of 60% when transmitted from birds to humans. The World Health Organization has declared in August 2023 that <a href="https://www.who.int/fr/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2023-DON461">878 cases and 458 deaths were recorded since 1997</a>. </p>
<p>The past two years have seen a new strain of the virus circulate among wild birds and domestic poultry in Europe and the Americas, <a href="https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/avian-influenza-overview-april-june-2023">with high avian mortality</a>. So far, humans appear to have been spared, with five cases recorded since early 2023. International health authorities are however keeping a close eye on mutations of the virus and prescribing strict measures to control its spread.</p>
<p>But French health authorities are also not standing idle, green-lighting avian flu vaccination in the country for the first time and introducing innovative monitoring schemes. The country’s agricultural sector is in no mood to take risks, after the last outbreak of H5N1 in 2022 resulted in the slaughter of <a href="https://www.lemonde.fr/en/france/article/2022/12/24/the-french-government-postpones-bird-flu-vaccination-deadline-to-fall-2023_6008920_7.html">21 million birds in France</a> at an estimated cost of 1.5 billion euros. At the time, health services who came to “depopulate” buildings were so overwhelmed by the scale of the task that many farmers had to euthanise their poultry themselves, sometimes with no other means than cutting off ventilation in the buildings. These culls undermined not only the viability of the poultry industry, but also animal-welfare standards and farmers’ morale.</p>
<h2>Disparities between large and small farms</h2>
<p>French health authorities imposed containment and hygiene measures (respectively referred to as “sheltering” and “biosecurity”) on poultry farms to protect them from the risk of transmission of avian flu by wild birds. As highlighted in <a href="https://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/dyn/16/organes/commissions-permanentes/affaires-economiques/missions-de-la-commission/mi-grippeaviaire">a report by the French National Assembly</a>, these measures have had a significant negative impact on small-scale free-range poultry farms, as large-scale industrial operations were more easily able to integrate the costs. </p>
<p>The Confédération Paysanne, France’s progressive farmers’ union, negotiated with the health authorities for measures adapted to <a href="https://www.confederationpaysanne.fr/mc_nos_positions.php?mc=956">small-scale outdoor farming</a>. Both the Assembly’s rapporteurs and the farmers’ unions point out that genetic diversity on small farms can provide a form of immunity against emerging viruses. This is not the case with closed farms, where biosecurity measures can accentuate the vulnerability of poultry, which are genetically standardised and weakened by the use of antibiotics.</p>
<h2>France introduces avian vaccination</h2>
<p>After the massive slaughters of spring 2022, poultry farmers have asked health authorities to make avian flu vaccination accessible. Until recently, European regulation prohibited such vaccination, as it makes it impossible to know whether exported poultry are virus free, but <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/FR/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.L_.2023.052.01.0001.01.FRA&toc=OJ%3AL%3A2023%3A052%3ATOC">this ban was lifted</a> this year. In Asia, countries such as China and Vietnam with high levels of domestic poultry consumption vaccinate their flocks against bird flu, while those with high exports, such as Thailand, do not. In France, 40% of the value produced by the poultry sector comes from exports, even though half the poultry meat consumed is imported. Only birds raised in French zoos are vaccinated.</p>
<p>The French National Agency for Health Safety, Anses, has tried experiments on the vaccination of ducks that <a href="https://www.anses.fr/fr/system/files/SABA2022SA0165.pdf">carry avian flu viruses asymptomatically</a>. These experiments were first made on small farms in southwest France, then in animal houses at a laboratory in Brittany. The results were deemed sufficiently positive for the Ministry of Agriculture to announce a vaccination campaign for farmed ducks in autumn 2023, allowing for a <a href="https://agriculture.gouv.fr/experimentation-de-vaccination-des-canards-mulards-en-elevage-contre-un-virus-iahp">manufacturing time of 6 to 8 months</a>.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="Chickens being transported by bicycle in Suzhou, China" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532939/original/file-20230620-21-e74oss.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532939/original/file-20230620-21-e74oss.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=402&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532939/original/file-20230620-21-e74oss.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=402&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532939/original/file-20230620-21-e74oss.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=402&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532939/original/file-20230620-21-e74oss.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=505&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532939/original/file-20230620-21-e74oss.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=505&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532939/original/file-20230620-21-e74oss.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=505&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Chickens being transported by bicycle in Suzhou, China, in 2009. High poultry consumption in Asia has encouraged the use of vaccination in the wake of avian flu epidemics.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bicyclette_et_poulets_%28Suzhou,_Chine%29.jpg">Gérald Tapp/Wikimedia</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The technical difficulty of vaccinating poultry lies in their short lifespan compared to other farm animals (around 60 days) and the fact that two doses are required for the vaccine to be effective. Farmers point out that the first dose can be injected at birth (as is the case for vaccination against <a href="https://www.gov.scot/publications/newcastle-disease/">Newcastle disease</a>), but pharmaceutical laboratories estimate that 75% of the cost of vaccination is due to vaccine handling and post-vaccination follow-up. Vaccination cannot be carried out on a large scale in France because of the diversity of avian species and viral strains. </p>
<p>Anses has issued the following recommendations:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Vaccination of ducks as a preventive and experimental measure.</p></li>
<li><p>Vaccination of poultry in the event of an outbreak of H5N1 as an emergency measure.</p></li>
<li><p>When a bird flu outbreak is detected in a vaccinated areas, only the affected farm should be culled, not those nearby.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Experts point out that vaccination will not enable health authorities to avoid other sanitary measures, such as surveillance of virus strains in normal times and <a href="https://www.science.org/content/article/wrestling-bird-flu-europe-considers-once-taboo-vaccines">culling of poultry in emergencies</a>. Vaccination mishaps risks of releasing strains of H5N1, which can mutate and amplify in the ecological niche opened up by the destruction of other strains.</p>
<h2>Sentinel chickens</h2>
<p>The DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) system is prescribed by health authorities to distinguish between viruses introduced by vaccination and those that herald a new outbreak of infection. This system may be inspired by measures adopted in Hong Kong, where unvaccinated chickens are placed at farm entrances to act as sentinels. The Chinese term <em>shaobingji</em> refers to these chickens are “soldiers” who <a href="https://limn.it/articles/hong-kong-as-a-sentinel-post/">sound the alarm on the presence of the virus</a>.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, vaccination offers farmers the hope of <a href="https://hal.science/hal-01207044/file/C30Larrere.pdf">reestablishing a “domestic contract”</a> with their poultry, between the daily anguish of finding a sick bird and the desolation of having to slaughter an entire “batch”. The terms of the bird flu debate – between containment and vaccination – seem to replay the one that took place around Covid-19 three years earlier, as if human and avian populations were subject to the same “biopolitics” consisting, in Michel Foucault’s words, of <a href="https://journals.openedition.org/lhomme/29305">“making populations live and letting them die”</a>. </p>
<p>When animals are vaccinated, they cease to be perceived as commodities that can be slaughtered in the event of a defect. Instead, they once again become living beings who are cared for because of the risk to their species and ours.</p>
<h2>Wildfowl and domestic poultry</h2>
<p>The experts’ insistence on the need to continue monitoring wild birds and domestic poultry also shows that vaccination, while it may lighten the moral burden on poultry farmers, in no way solves the ecological problems posed by export-oriented industrial farming. </p>
<p>Against a backdrop of climate change, which is also affecting wild birds’ migratory trajectories, poultry farmers can play the role of sentinels by reporting cases of sick birds found in their fields. The <a href="https://www.ofb.gouv.fr/ce-quil-faut-savoir-sur-linfluenza-aviaire">French Office for Biodiversity</a> and the <a href="https://www.lpo.fr/la-lpo-en-actions/agir-pour-la-faune-en-detresse/faq-grippe-aviaire">League for the Protection of Birds</a> have pointed out that the number of wild birds carrying bird flu has increased to such an extent that wildlife specialists will be unable to count them.</p>
<p>Experts are not yet talking about vaccinating wild birds against influenza, something that would be technically impossible and morally dubious. However, bird flu has not only forced health authorities to innovate in prevention and containment strategies, but has also blurred the divide that has long separated livestock management and wildlife surveillance.</p>
<hr>
<figure class="align-right ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/310261/original/file-20200115-134768-1tax26b.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/310261/original/file-20200115-134768-1tax26b.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=158&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/310261/original/file-20200115-134768-1tax26b.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=158&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/310261/original/file-20200115-134768-1tax26b.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=158&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/310261/original/file-20200115-134768-1tax26b.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=198&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/310261/original/file-20200115-134768-1tax26b.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=198&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/310261/original/file-20200115-134768-1tax26b.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=198&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><em>Created in 2007 to help accelerate and share scientific knowledge on key societal issues, the AXA Research Fund has supported nearly 700 projects around the world conducted by researchers in 38 countries. To learn more, visit the site of the AXA Research Fund or follow on Twitter @AXAResearchFund.</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/212203/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Frédéric Keck has received funding from the Axa Research Fund, the Agence nationale de la recherche, DIM One Health and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Rese</span></em></p>Vaccination against bird flu offers farmers hope, rather than being caught between the anguish of finding a sick bird and the desolation of having to slaughter their entire flock.Frédéric Keck, Anthropologie, EHESS, CNRS, Laboratoire d'anthropologie sociale, Collège de France, Auteurs historiques The Conversation FranceLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2126472023-09-08T00:25:14Z2023-09-08T00:25:14ZExposing Australia’s online trade in pest plants – we’ve found thousands of illegal advertisements<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546310/original/file-20230905-25-ejpcy3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=107%2C83%2C7832%2C5214&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/new-plants-delivery-woman-opening-shipping-1836099568">Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Do you buy plants online? You might be breaking the law without even knowing it.</p>
<p>We found hundreds of different invasive plants and prohibited weeds advertised on a popular online marketplace. </p>
<p>For the first time, <a href="https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/104472/">our research</a> has exposed the frequent, high volume trade in pest plants across Australia. </p>
<p>State and territory governments are adopting our automated surveillance approach to help regulate the online trade in plants and <a href="https://theconversation.com/buying-bugs-and-beetles-or-shopping-for-scorpions-and-snails-australias-pet-trade-includes-hundreds-of-spineless-species-207932">other wildlife</a>. Biosecurity officers can receive automatic alerts for suspected illegal trade, rather than manually monitoring websites or relying on reports from the public. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/547090/original/file-20230907-23-fsbn22.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Photo of someone shopping for plants online, showing hands on the laptop keyboard and plants on screen." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/547090/original/file-20230907-23-fsbn22.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/547090/original/file-20230907-23-fsbn22.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/547090/original/file-20230907-23-fsbn22.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/547090/original/file-20230907-23-fsbn22.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/547090/original/file-20230907-23-fsbn22.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/547090/original/file-20230907-23-fsbn22.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/547090/original/file-20230907-23-fsbn22.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Australians love online shopping and that passion extends to plants.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/hands-searching-plants-buy-online-shop-746765218">Rawpixel.com, Shutterstock</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-true-damage-of-invasive-alien-species-was-just-revealed-in-a-landmark-report-heres-how-we-must-act-211893">The true damage of invasive alien species was just revealed in a landmark report. Here's how we must act</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>What’s the problem and why all the fuss?</h2>
<p>Certain plants are prohibited in Australia because they are harmful to our unique natural environment and agricultural industries. These weeds can threaten native species, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/mar/29/environmental-tragedy-as-fires-burn-through-one-fifth-of-northern-territory-national-park">fuel severe fires</a> and choke rivers. </p>
<p>Weeds are also a <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-buffel-kerfuffle-how-one-species-quietly-destroys-native-wildlife-and-cultural-sites-in-arid-australia-149456">social and cultural threat for First Nations people</a>, because they can compete with traditional food and medicine plants, causing them to decline.</p>
<p>Overall, invasive plants are estimated to have <a href="https://theconversation.com/pest-plants-and-animals-cost-australia-around-25-billion-a-year-and-it-will-get-worse-164969">cost Australia A$200 billion since 1960</a>. </p>
<p>Weeds that are controlled under state and territory laws are referred to as “noxious” or declared plants. Each state and territory has different laws prohibiting the sale and cultivation of these declared plants. </p>
<p>Compliance is generally high within the horticultural industry, save for the occasional <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-22/bunnings-caught-selling-declared-weed-sagittaria-to-customers/7869226">high profile blunder</a>. The main problem for Australia is the widespread invasive plant trade on public online marketplaces.</p>
<p>Trade of ornamental plants, which are the kinds popularly grown in homes and gardens, is the <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1365-2664.12953">major current pathway</a> enabling invasion and spread of weeds into new areas. They’re travelling long distances, to homes in new places. </p>
<p>Invasive cacti and ornamental pond plants are among the most frequently advertised plants, but many are banned from sale and distribution in Australia. </p>
<p>Internet trade has historically been tricky to monitor and regulate, which has led to a variety of invasive species being <a href="https://theconversation.com/new-expose-of-australias-exotic-pet-trade-shows-an-alarming-proliferation-of-alien-threatened-and-illegal-species-203354">widely traded</a>.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/547091/original/file-20230907-23-xlg0k9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Photo showing the invasive nature of water hyacinth, with purple flowers in a field of green." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/547091/original/file-20230907-23-xlg0k9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/547091/original/file-20230907-23-xlg0k9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/547091/original/file-20230907-23-xlg0k9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/547091/original/file-20230907-23-xlg0k9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/547091/original/file-20230907-23-xlg0k9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/547091/original/file-20230907-23-xlg0k9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/547091/original/file-20230907-23-xlg0k9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Water hyacinth is considered the world’s worst water weed.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/flowers-water-hyacinth-purple-lined-according-583320415">KEEP GOING, Shutterstock</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/new-expose-of-australias-exotic-pet-trade-shows-an-alarming-proliferation-of-alien-threatened-and-illegal-species-203354">New exposé of Australia's exotic pet trade shows an alarming proliferation of alien, threatened and illegal species</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Scraping the web</h2>
<p>We used specialised software called “web scrapers” to monitor trade on a public classifieds website. These automated web tools can be used to rapidly harvest information from advertisements. This allowed us to detect thousands of advertisements for weeds over a 12-month period.</p>
<p>We found 155 declared plant species traded on one website, and we suspect there could be more. </p>
<p>Prickly pear cacti were among the most frequently traded declared plants. This is concerning given their history in Australia. In the 1920s, about 25 million hectares of land became unusable due to prickly pear invasion. </p>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546312/original/file-20230905-27-quus11.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A black and white photo of a farmer standing in a field of prickly pear, it's more than double his height." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546312/original/file-20230905-27-quus11.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546312/original/file-20230905-27-quus11.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=805&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546312/original/file-20230905-27-quus11.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=805&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546312/original/file-20230905-27-quus11.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=805&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546312/original/file-20230905-27-quus11.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1012&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546312/original/file-20230905-27-quus11.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1012&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546312/original/file-20230905-27-quus11.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1012&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The invasion of prickly pear was so dense in areas of Queensland and New South Wales that farming became impossible.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM1143347">Queensland Government</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Aquatic weeds were another popular group. That includes water hyacinth, which is the world’s most widespread invasive alien species according to a recently published <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-true-damage-of-invasive-alien-species-was-just-revealed-in-a-landmark-report-heres-how-we-must-act-211893">global assessment</a>. </p>
<p>We found some sellers advertised uses for the declared plants they were trading, including for food and medicinal properties. </p>
<p>Aquatic weeds were often stated to have water-filtering properties and provide habitat for fish. Those traits make Amazon frogbit a popular choice for aquariums and ponds, but if the weed enters creeks and rivers it can have <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-25/amazon-frogbit-statewide-declaration/100648506">devastating consequences</a>.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/buying-bugs-and-beetles-or-shopping-for-scorpions-and-snails-australias-pet-trade-includes-hundreds-of-spineless-species-207932">Buying bugs and beetles, or shopping for scorpions and snails? Australia's pet trade includes hundreds of spineless species</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Everyone can do their bit</h2>
<p>Better surveillance is not the only solution. Public awareness is key to reducing invasive plant trade. We can all make informed decisions about the plants we buy.</p>
<p>A significant hurdle is a phenomenon called “<a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ppp3.51">plant blindness</a>”. People tend to find plants harder to recognise than animals. We found many weeds sold using generic names such as lily, cactus or pond plant. Some people may not even know the true identity of a plant they are selling, let alone that it is a weed and illegal to trade.</p>
<p>Another complication is the fact that laws differ between states. Plants that might be legal for an interstate trader, might still be illegal for you to buy. This is why caution should be taken when sending or receiving plants by post. Always check your local regulations before buying or selling a plant online. You can find out what is declared on your state or territory’s biosecurity website or on <a href="https://weeds.org.au/">Weeds Australia</a>. </p>
<p>Online marketplaces must also cooperate with local policies. These platforms should be enforced to self-regulate trade and include measures to prevent illegal advertisements from being posted in the first place. Failure to act may result in significant penalties from governments. Last year the <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ade0843#:%7E:text=%E2%80%9CFacebook%20fined%20U%242%20million,animals%2Din%2Dbrazil%2F.">Brazilian government fined Meta</a> for failing to remove illegal wildlife trade from Facebook and WhatsApp. </p>
<p>For now, monitoring tools such as the web scrapers we have developed will help to prevent some weeds escaping backyards and into bushland. As plant lovers, it’s important to be mindful of the plants we choose to buy and keep. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/lickable-toads-and-magic-mushrooms-wildlife-traded-on-the-dark-web-is-the-kind-that-gets-you-high-201180">Lickable toads and magic mushrooms: wildlife traded on the dark web is the kind that gets you high</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/212647/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Jacob Maher receives funding from the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Phill Cassey receives funding from the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions and the Australian Research Council. </span></em></p>Australians are trading pest plants online, potentially breaking the law without even realising it.Jacob Maher, PhD Candidate, University of AdelaidePhill Cassey, Australian Research Council Industry Laureate Fellow, University of AdelaideLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2128502023-09-06T06:10:34Z2023-09-06T06:10:34ZAustralia’s least wanted – 8 alien species and diseases we must keep out of our island home<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546390/original/file-20230905-17-lal73z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=48%2C64%2C5343%2C3758&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Solenopsis_invicta1.jpg">Alexander Wild/Wikimedia Commons</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>This week’s landmark report on the impact of <a href="https://www.ipbes.net/ias">invasive alien species</a> revealed costs to the global economy exceeded US$423 billion (A$654 billion) a year in 2019. Costs have at least <a href="https://www.ipbes.net/IASmediarelease#:%7E:text=Approved%20on%20Saturday%20in%20Bonn,%24423%20billion%20annually%20in%202019%2C">quadrupled</a> every decade since 1970 and that trend is set to continue. </p>
<p>Prevention is better than a cure. Stopping pests and diseases arriving and establishing in Australia is not only better for the environment, it’s much <a href="https://cebra.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/3535013/CEBRA_Value_Docs_KeyResultSummary_v0.6_Endorsed.pdf">cheaper</a> too. </p>
<p>The biosecurity system is our front line against invasion. Species that pose a significant <a href="https://www.igb.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/environmental-biosecurity-risk_2.pdf">risk to agriculture</a> have historically received more attention, but we also need to defend our borders against threats to nature. </p>
<p>Here we take a closer look at some pests and diseases we need to keep out at all costs, to protect our biodiversity.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546391/original/file-20230905-15-598vx2.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A graph showing how the cost of managing an invasive alien species gets much larger once it is established." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546391/original/file-20230905-15-598vx2.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546391/original/file-20230905-15-598vx2.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=374&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546391/original/file-20230905-15-598vx2.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=374&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546391/original/file-20230905-15-598vx2.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=374&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546391/original/file-20230905-15-598vx2.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=470&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546391/original/file-20230905-15-598vx2.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=470&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546391/original/file-20230905-15-598vx2.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=470&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The invasion curve shows the cost of managing an incursion at various stages. Prevention is much cheaper than dealing with invaders after they arrive, and early eradication is much cheaper than longer-term containment or control.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Invasive Species Council</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-true-damage-of-invasive-alien-species-was-just-revealed-in-a-landmark-report-heres-how-we-must-act-211893">The true damage of invasive alien species was just revealed in a landmark report. Here's how we must act</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>One of the biggest threats to biodiversity</h2>
<p>Alien species are those deliberately or accidentally introduced to areas where they are not native. If they cause problems, we call them invasive.</p>
<p>Invasive alien species include weeds, feral animals, exotic pests and diseases. </p>
<p>Those that have already arrived have taken a huge toll. Introduced predators were largely responsible for most of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000632071930895X">Australia’s mammal extinctions</a>. And introduced diseases have decimated <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-name-the-26-australian-frogs-at-greatest-risk-of-extinction-by-2040-and-how-to-save-them-166339">our frogs</a>.</p>
<p>Invasive species are pushing <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/PC/PC18024">most (82%)</a> of Australia’s 1,914 nationally listed threatened species closer to extinction. </p>
<p>Imagine if those invasive species had been kept out of Australia. Here are eight of the <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/policy/environmental/priority-list">pests and diseases</a> we really need to keep out. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/1-7-million-foxes-300-million-native-animals-killed-every-year-now-we-know-the-damage-foxes-wreak-177832">1.7 million foxes, 300 million native animals killed every year: now we know the damage foxes wreak</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>1. Giant African land snail</h2>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546378/original/file-20230905-29-vftj6j.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A very large brown snail on a hand" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546378/original/file-20230905-29-vftj6j.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546378/original/file-20230905-29-vftj6j.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546378/original/file-20230905-29-vftj6j.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546378/original/file-20230905-29-vftj6j.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546378/original/file-20230905-29-vftj6j.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546378/original/file-20230905-29-vftj6j.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546378/original/file-20230905-29-vftj6j.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">A giant African snail in Hong Kong, where it is invasive.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Thomas Brown/Wikimedia Commons</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/PC/PC18024">Giant African snails</a> have a ferocious appetite. They feed on more than 500 species of plants including agricultural crops and eucalyptus trees. The shells of these giants can be 20cm long and females typically lay 1,200 eggs a year. Adult snails could sneak into shipping containers or machinery and their eggs could be transported in soil or goods. They are now present on Christmas Island. </p>
<h2>2. Avian influenza</h2>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546379/original/file-20230905-23-cno6xu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Faces of two pelicans close up, showing their red gullets." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546379/original/file-20230905-23-cno6xu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546379/original/file-20230905-23-cno6xu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546379/original/file-20230905-23-cno6xu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546379/original/file-20230905-23-cno6xu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546379/original/file-20230905-23-cno6xu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546379/original/file-20230905-23-cno6xu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546379/original/file-20230905-23-cno6xu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Thousands of Dalmatian pelicans were killed by highly pathenogenic Avian influenza in Europe in 2022.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Birger Strahl/Unsplash</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/animal/avian-influenza#what-is-avian-influenza">Avian influenza</a> or bird-flu is a viral disease found in birds. Some strains can kill farmed poultry and <a href="https://wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/Portals/0/Documents/FactSheets/Avian/Avian_Influenza_in_Wild_Birds_in_Australia.pdf">susceptible wild birds</a>. Such highly pathogenic strains are thought to have killed millions of wild birds globally in the past few years. The virus can also jump across to mammals, recently knocking off <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/news/2023/march/bird-flu-kills-thousands-south-american-sea-lions-outbreak-continues.html">3,500 sea lions Peru</a>.</p>
<p>Migratory birds could bring the virus here but it could also be carried in imported birds and poultry products, including contaminated eggs, feathers, poultry feed and equipment. Our biosecurity system is responsible for <a href="https://wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/ProgramsProjects/WildBirdSurveillance.aspx">surveillance</a> and early detection, preparedness and management to protect our vulnerable wildlife. In California, preparation includes <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/stakeholder-info/SA_By_Date/SA-2023/ca-condor-hpai">vaccinating</a> endangered condors.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/migrating-birds-could-bring-lethal-avian-flu-to-australias-vulnerable-birds-204793">Migrating birds could bring lethal avian flu to Australia's vulnerable birds</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>3. New tramp ants</h2>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546383/original/file-20230905-17-non40r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Close up of an ant's head" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546383/original/file-20230905-17-non40r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546383/original/file-20230905-17-non40r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=426&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546383/original/file-20230905-17-non40r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=426&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546383/original/file-20230905-17-non40r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=426&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546383/original/file-20230905-17-non40r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=535&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546383/original/file-20230905-17-non40r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=535&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546383/original/file-20230905-17-non40r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=535&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">A red imported fire ant in the US.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Alexander Wild/Wikimedia Commons</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We’re already battling some species of <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/invasive-species/insects-and-other-invertebrates/tramp-ants#:%7E:text=Key%20threatening%20processes&text=Loss%20of%20biodiversity%20and%20ecosystem,%2C%20Solenopsis%20invicta%20(fire%20ant)">tramp ants</a>, but there’s more where that came from - there are at least 16 different species. So far six species including <a href="https://www.outbreak.gov.au/current-outbreaks/red-imported-fire-ant">red imported fire ants</a> have been detected, with efforts underway to contain or eradicate them at their incursion points. On Christmas Island, another tramp ant species (<a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/env/resources/898583db-b929-491a-8448-73fb652bca66/files/brochure-detail-crazy-ant-control-options.pdf">yellow crazy ants</a>) formed “super colonies”, killing every animal in their path, including tens of millions of the island’s iconic red and robber crabs. Ants are easily transported to new areas in dirt, plants and cargo. Tramp ants threaten Australian ecosystems, agriculture and human health. </p>
<h2>4. Bat white nose syndrome</h2>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546385/original/file-20230905-21-y5cwgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A small bat hanging from a cave roof with a white face" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546385/original/file-20230905-21-y5cwgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546385/original/file-20230905-21-y5cwgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546385/original/file-20230905-21-y5cwgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546385/original/file-20230905-21-y5cwgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546385/original/file-20230905-21-y5cwgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546385/original/file-20230905-21-y5cwgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546385/original/file-20230905-21-y5cwgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">A little brown bat displaying white nose syndrome in the US.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Moriarty Marvin/USFWS/WikimediaCommons</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/animal/white-nose-syndrome#:%7E:text=Australia%20is%20free%20of%20WNS,causing%20fungus%20could%20enter%20Australia.">White nose syndrome</a> is a bat disease caused by a fungus. In less than 20 years it has killed more than five million bats across North America, causing local extinctions and reducing the beneficial services performed by bats such as eating harmful insects. The fungus could be introduced to Australian caves on the shoes, clothing and equipment of people who had previously visited caves in Europe or North America. </p>
<h2>5. Crayfish plague</h2>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546386/original/file-20230905-23-6joum6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A small crayfish in an aquarium" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546386/original/file-20230905-23-6joum6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546386/original/file-20230905-23-6joum6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546386/original/file-20230905-23-6joum6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546386/original/file-20230905-23-6joum6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546386/original/file-20230905-23-6joum6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546386/original/file-20230905-23-6joum6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546386/original/file-20230905-23-6joum6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Dwarf Cajun crayfish can be carriers of crayfish plague.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Chris Lukhaup/USDA-FS/Wikimedia Commons</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A highly infectious fungal disease, <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/sitecollectiondocuments/animal/ahl/ANZSDP-Crayfish-plague.pdf">crayfish plague</a> is the main cause of crayfish declines across Europe. It has the potential to devastate Australian freshwater crayfish populations. North American crayfish can be carriers of the disease and the illegal trade of crayfish, such as the dwarf Cajun crayfish for aquariums, also threatens to introduce the disease. </p>
<h2>6. New myrtle rust strains</h2>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546387/original/file-20230905-25-j3j5if.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Leaves covered in a yellow powdery bloom." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546387/original/file-20230905-25-j3j5if.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546387/original/file-20230905-25-j3j5if.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546387/original/file-20230905-25-j3j5if.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546387/original/file-20230905-25-j3j5if.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546387/original/file-20230905-25-j3j5if.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546387/original/file-20230905-25-j3j5if.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546387/original/file-20230905-25-j3j5if.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The plant disease myrtle rust killing native rose apple leaves in Hawaii.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Pest Plants and Animals/Wikimedia Commons</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>When a strain of myrtle rust arrived in Australia in 2010, it spread quickly along the east coast, <a href="https://www.nespthreatenedspecies.edu.au/media/njzno05b/1-4-3-imminent-extinction-of-australian-myrtaceae-trees-and-shrubs-by-myrtle-rust-findings-factsheet_v5.pdf">infecting 358</a> different native plant species including eucalypts, bottle brushes and lilly pillies. It has caused major declines and local extinctions of many species. Other <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/plant/myrtle-rust#:%7E:text=Myrtle%20rust%20(exotic%20strains)%20is,damaging%20to%20our%20eucalyptus%20trees.">exotic myrtle rust strains</a> occur outside Australia. These present serious threats to Australia’s natural environment and to commercial native forest plantations. Importing infected plant material is the main risk of introduction. </p>
<h2>7. Savannah cats</h2>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546388/original/file-20230905-15-sjem6n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Close up of a patterned black and tan cat with large pointy ears." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546388/original/file-20230905-15-sjem6n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546388/original/file-20230905-15-sjem6n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546388/original/file-20230905-15-sjem6n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546388/original/file-20230905-15-sjem6n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546388/original/file-20230905-15-sjem6n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546388/original/file-20230905-15-sjem6n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546388/original/file-20230905-15-sjem6n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Savannah cats are bred by crossing a domestic cat with an African serval.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Jason Douglas/Wikimedia Commons</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="https://www.nespthreatenedspecies.edu.au/news-and-media/media-releases/banning-savannah-cats-in-australia-was-good-science">Savannah cats</a> are two to three times the size of domestic cats. In 2008 the federal government banned the importation of savannah cats. A <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/10/795">scientific assessment</a> found pet savannah cats had the potential to establish and roam across 97% of the country if they escaped or were released. They can take down prey twice as large as feral cats, so 90% of Australia’s native land mammals would be at risk. Demand for the species from the pet trade raises the risk of smuggling or illegal trade.</p>
<h2>8. Black spined toad</h2>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546389/original/file-20230905-24-tyy3v6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A brown toad with black markings on dried orange leaves." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546389/original/file-20230905-24-tyy3v6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546389/original/file-20230905-24-tyy3v6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=429&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546389/original/file-20230905-24-tyy3v6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=429&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546389/original/file-20230905-24-tyy3v6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=429&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546389/original/file-20230905-24-tyy3v6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=539&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546389/original/file-20230905-24-tyy3v6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=539&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/546389/original/file-20230905-24-tyy3v6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=539&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">A black spined toad in Taiwan.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">LiCheng Shih/Wikimedia Commons</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></span>
</figcaption>
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<p>The <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/arrival/pests/black-spined-toad">black spined toad</a> is potentially more damaging than the cane toad because it could survive across a bigger region including in the colder parts of Australia. It would prey on native frogs and other small animals, be toxic to larger animals, and probably carry exotic parasites or disease. It is a common stowaway in shipping cargo. </p>
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<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/97-of-australians-want-more-action-to-stop-extinctions-and-72-want-extra-spending-on-the-environment-207811">97% of Australians want more action to stop extinctions and 72% want extra spending on the environment</a>
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<h2>Prioritising nature</h2>
<p>Australia’s biosecurity system has generally served our country well, but it is under constant and <a href="https://www.igb.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/environmental-biosecurity-risk_2.pdf">growing strain</a>. Historically, the environment has also been the <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Environment_and_Communications/biosecurity/Report/c03">poor cousin of agriculture</a> at the biosecurity table.</p>
<p>Preparedness and responses for environmental threats remain <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4907/10/4/336">chronically underfunded</a>, especially when compared to those developed for industry.</p>
<p>A well-resourced independent body focused on the prevention and early elimination of new environmental pests and diseases would be a major step toward achieving our <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/threatened-species-action-plan-2022-2032.pdf">global commitments</a> to end extinction.</p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/hear-me-out-we-could-use-the-varroa-mite-to-wipe-out-feral-honey-bees-and-help-australias-environment-185959">Hear me out – we could use the varroa mite to wipe out feral honey bees, and help Australia's environment</a>
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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/212850/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Jaana Dielenberg is based at The University of Melbourne and works for the Biodiversity Council. She is a member of Invertebrates Australia and the Ecological Society of Australia. She previously worked for the now ended Threatened Species Recovery Hub of the Australian Government's National Environmental Science Program. She thanks James Trezise for his contribution to this article. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Patrick O'Connor receives funding from the Australian Research Council and Australian and State Governments. He is a councilor on the Biodiversity Council and affiliated with the Nature Conservation Society of South Australia and the Australian Landcare movement. </span></em></p>Australia’s biosecurity system is on high alert for alien invaders. Here’s a hit list of eight baddies we believe pose the greatest threat to Australia’s biodiversity.Jaana Dielenberg, University Fellow, Charles Darwin UniversityPatrick O'Connor, Associate Professor, University of AdelaideLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2118932023-09-04T12:01:47Z2023-09-04T12:01:47ZThe true damage of invasive alien species was just revealed in a landmark report. Here’s how we must act<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/546132/original/file-20230904-17-cgmyf9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=53%2C53%2C3932%2C2181&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/aerial-top-view-container-cargo-ship-708817909">Avigator Fortuner. Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Invasive alien species are driving biodiversity loss and extinctions in every country, all over the world. </p>
<p>Responding to the challenge, the United Nations is today releasing the <a href="https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7430692">first global assessment</a> of invasive alien species and their control. </p>
<p>It comes from the <a href="https://www.ipbes.net">Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services</a> (IPBES), which represents almost 140 member states. </p>
<p>Over four years, 86 expert authors from 49 countries gathered the latest scientific evidence and Indigenous and local knowledge on invasive alien species. The report draws on more than 13,000 references, including governmental reports. We were among the authors. Here are some of the key insights for Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. </p>
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<em>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/invasive-species-are-australias-number-one-extinction-threat-116809">Invasive species are Australia's number-one extinction threat</a>
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<h2>Hope in the face of increasing threats</h2>
<p>In 2019, IPBES released a <a href="https://www.ipbes.net/global-assessment">global biodiversity assessment</a> that placed invasive alien species in the top five drivers of biodiversity loss - alongside changing land- and sea-use, over-exploitation of natural resources, climate change, and pollution. </p>
<p>This triggered further assessment to determine the current global state of biological invasions, the effectiveness of our existing responses, and recommended management and policy options. </p>
<p>The result, released today, is the most comprehensive overarching policy-relevant report on biological invasions to date. </p>
<p>It promises to help us meet our international obligations under the recently adopted UN <a href="https://www.cbd.int/">Convention on Biological Diversity</a>. In particular, one of the targets in the Kunming-Montreal <a href="https://www.cbd.int/article/cop15-final-text-kunming-montreal-gbf-221222">Global Biodiversity Framework</a> is to “eliminate, minimise, reduce and/or mitigate the impacts of invasive alien species on biodiversity and ecosystem services”.</p>
<p>The world faces increasing biosecurity threats, but effective management can prevent or lessen the extent of subsequent biological invasions. Ambitious progress can be achieved with an integrated approach.</p>
<h2>The experience in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand</h2>
<p>Australia already has close to <a href="https://www.gbif.org/dataset/15147db1-27c3-49b5-9c69-c78d55a4b8ff">3,000</a> introduced alien species. Aotearoa New Zealand has almost <a href="https://www.gbif.org/dataset/b286f8ee-1e29-4f8a-a041-9106bb1796f3">900</a>.</p>
<p>Globally, we observe around 200 new alien species every year, and many of these species (>10%) have negative impacts, including threats to native species, the health of natural vegetation, or the way ecosystems work. </p>
<p>Australian examples include <a href="https://theconversation.com/1-7-million-foxes-300-million-native-animals-killed-every-year-now-we-know-the-damage-foxes-wreak-177832">foxes</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-red-fire-ants-and-yellow-crazy-ants-have-given-themselves-a-green-light-to-invade-australia-208479">red imported fire ants</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/field-of-nightmares-gamba-grass-in-the-top-end-12178">gamba grass</a>. </p>
<p>Aotearoa New Zealand suffers from invasive Australian <a href="https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/animal-pests/possums/">possums</a>. And the Māori cultural icon the Kauri tree is under siege from a deadly <a href="https://theconversation.com/lord-of-the-forest-new-zealands-most-sacred-tree-is-under-threat-from-disease-but-response-is-slow-100447">dieback disease</a>.</p>
<p>The assessment reveals that invasive alien species have contributed to 60% of global extinctions, and have been the sole driver of 16% of recorded extinctions. </p>
<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/invasive-species-are-australias-number-one-extinction-threat-116809">Australia</a> and <a href="https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/predator-free-2050/">Aotearoa New Zealand</a> have among the highest modern global native species extinction rates. Australia is the worst in the world <a href="https://theconversation.com/gut-wrenching-and-infuriating-why-australia-is-the-world-leader-in-mammal-extinctions-and-what-to-do-about-it-192173">for mammals</a>, while Aotearoa New Zealand has experienced tragic loss in <a href="https://theconversation.com/call-of-the-huia-how-nzs-bird-of-the-century-contest-helps-us-express-ecological-grief-210698">endemic birds</a>, largely due to invasive species. </p>
<p>The economies of both countries rely heavily on agriculture, trade and eco-tourism. These sectors are highly susceptible to threats from invasive alien species. The cost to Australia is <a href="https://theconversation.com/pest-plants-and-animals-cost-australia-around-25-billion-a-year-and-it-will-get-worse-164969">A$24.5 billion a year</a> out of an estimated global cost of $654 billion (<a href="https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7430692">US$423 billion a year</a>). </p>
<p>The cost of biological invasions is quadrupling every decade, but stringent biosecurity policies and practices can protect our environment and economies. They also safeguard our wellbeing and cultural and social livelihoods. </p>
<p>Continued cooperation and investment across our region is paramount to preventing future impacts from increasing threats. These include <a href="https://theconversation.com/to-lock-out-foot-and-mouth-disease-australia-must-help-our-neighbour-countries-bolster-their-biosecurity-188010">foot and mouth disease</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/avian-influenza-how-bird-flu-affects-domestic-and-wild-flocks-and-why-a-one-health-approach-matters-182497">avian influenza</a>. </p>
<p>At the same time, already established invasive alien species can supercharge environmental disasters. For example, the wildfire-promoting properties of introduced <a href="https://theconversation.com/feed-or-weed-new-pastures-are-sowing-problems-for-the-future-33733">African pasture grasses</a> exacerbated <a href="https://time.com/6305735/invasive-plants-from-colonists-fueled-maui-wildfires">bushfires in Hawaii</a> this year. </p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/new-expose-of-australias-exotic-pet-trade-shows-an-alarming-proliferation-of-alien-threatened-and-illegal-species-203354">New exposé of Australia's exotic pet trade shows an alarming proliferation of alien, threatened and illegal species</a>
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<h2>Coordinate, consult and prioritise</h2>
<p>An effective biosecurity system can mitigate the threats from invasive species. But to do so, we’ll need coherent policy across primary production and logistic sectors, better education and greater public awareness.</p>
<p>We need to coordinate and prioritise our efforts, from offshore ports to border control and quarantine, through to eradication or containment of any new pests and weeds.</p>
<p>Government-industry partnerships are leading to trusted “green-lane” trade supply chains. This cuts red tape for businesses that manage import risks and produce pre-costed and co-designed emergency response agreements.</p>
<p>Prevention will not stop arrivals altogether. We will still have to contend with blow-ins on storm winds, <a href="https://theconversation.com/debris-from-the-2011-tsunami-carried-hundreds-of-species-across-the-pacific-ocean-84773">ocean waves</a> and boat hulls. There’s also the $23 billion a year <a href="https://theconversation.com/alien-invaders-the-illegal-reptile-trade-is-a-serious-threat-to-australia-68815">illegal pet trade</a>.</p>
<p>Biosecurity tools work best alongside strong public support, regulation and governance. We share a proud history of effective biological control programs for many <a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-how-biocontrol-fights-invasive-species-31298">weeds and pests</a>. Australia’s approach to <a href="https://theconversation.com/releasing-a-virus-against-rabbits-is-effective-but-can-make-them-immune-if-let-loose-at-the-wrong-time-176028">rabbit control using a virus</a> was a world-first and it remains in use 70 years later. This has delivered benefits worth more than <a href="https://www.csiro.au/en/research/natural-environment/biodiversity/fighting-plagues-and-predators">$70 billion</a>. </p>
<p>Despite strong biosecurity measures, highly engaged primary industries agricultural industries, excellent research infrastructure and a high level of public awareness, invasive alien species continue to <a href="https://theconversation.com/new-zealand-needs-to-up-its-biosecurity-game-to-protect-the-country-from-the-next-devastating-pest-threat-207104">slip through our borders</a> and multiply. </p>
<p>We tried to defend our countries against recent invasions from the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-fall-armyworm-invasion-is-fierce-this-year-and-scientists-are-researching-how-to-stop-its-destruction-of-lawns-football-fields-and-crops-167098">fall armyworm</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-myrtle-rust-and-why-has-this-disease-closed-lord-howe-island-to-visitors-202045">myrtle rust</a> and the <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-is-in-a-unique-position-to-eliminate-the-bee-killing-varroa-mite-heres-what-happens-if-we-dont-205926">varroa mite</a>. But they have still managed to establish. </p>
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<h2>One world, ‘One Biosecurity’</h2>
<p>The rising pressure of trade will likely outpace the resourcing dedicated to biosecurity measures. Frequent interceptions of pests, weeds, and diseases at our border highlight the pressure we are under. We will have to simply become smarter, more effective, and better coordinated across the <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/new-zealand/the-new-billion-dollar-biosecurity-threats-at-our-borders/F6AQFEQCE5GUZDMSJM6B5ZSMUI/">human, animal, plant and ecosystem health sectors</a>. </p>
<p>We encourage governments to recognise the threats invasive alien pests pose and mobilise their resources and capability to combat these threats – in regions where a species is first recognised as going rogue, rather than simply monitoring its progressive global spread. This is the <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-country/news/covid-19-coronavirus-expert-calls-for-holistic-approach-to-biosecurity/WOWPH22RSVCHIE5D3NDXL6ZZII/">One Biosecurity concept</a>. </p>
<p>Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand can play a much stronger leadership role in <a href="https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/national/regional/environment/economy/pacific-islands/pacific-island-countries-meet-in-rarotonga-to-discuss-biosecurity-and-trade/">managing biosecurity risks in the Pacific</a>. After all, lax border protocols in our neighbourhood help pests and diseases end up on our doorstep. </p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/why-red-fire-ants-and-yellow-crazy-ants-have-given-themselves-a-green-light-to-invade-australia-208479">Why red fire ants and yellow crazy ants have given themselves a green light to invade Australia</a>
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</p>
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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/211893/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Andy Sheppard, as a chief research scientist with CSIRO, receives funding from the Australian federal government. This included funding to participate in the IPBES Assessment process as a coordinating lead author from 2019-2023, where he co-led Chapter 5 and made contributions to three other chapters. He is therefore well connected to the IPBES process, corporate, assessment team and media team. However, as a CSIRO employee he respects all the values of the organisation and does not undertake any commentary that would be seen to criticise Australian government policy or in any way lobby for additional research funding from governments. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Melodie McGeoch receives funding from the Australian Research Council - ARC SRIEAS Grant SR200100005 Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future. She is affiliated with La Trobe University and Monash University. She is 1st Vice Chair of the Science Committee of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences, Member of the Implementation Committee of the Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network, Independent Board Member of the National Computation Infrastructure and on the Editorial Board of Global Ecology and Biogeography.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Philip Hulme receives research funding from the New Zealand government. He is affiliated with Lincoln University, New Zealand. and is a member of the Canterbury-Aoraki Conservation Board and a Director of the QEII Trust. He is a member of the Biosecurity Advisory Groups of both Environment Canterbury and Zespri.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Phill Cassey receives funding from the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions and the Australian Research Council. </span></em></p>Alien invaders are penetrating the borders of every country in the world. Now the full extent of the problems and potential solutions have been exposed, in a new United Nations report.Andy Sheppard, Research Director CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, CSIROMelodie McGeoch, Professor, La Trobe UniversityPhilip Hulme, Distinguished Professor in Pest Management and Conservation, Lincoln University, New ZealandPhill Cassey, Australian Research Council Industry Laureate Fellow, University of AdelaideLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2071532023-07-25T20:05:41Z2023-07-25T20:05:41ZThe feral flying under the radar: why we need to rethink European honeybees<p>Australia’s national parks, botanic gardens, wild places and green spaces are swarming with an invasive pest that is largely flying under the radar. This is yet another form of livestock, escaped from captivity and left to roam free. </p>
<p>Contrary to popular opinion, in Australia, feral colonies of the invasive European honeybee (<em>Apis mellifera</em>) are not “<a href="https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/emergencies/biosecurity/current-situation/varroa-mite-emergency-response/wild-european-honey-bee-management">wild</a>”, threatened with <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/science.aar2269">extinction</a> or “good” for the Australian environment. The truth is feral honeybees compete with native animals for <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/pc/pc21064">food</a> and <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-07635-0">habitat</a>, disrupt native <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/aec.13040">pollination systems</a> and pose a serious biosecurity threat to our honey and pollination industries.</p>
<p>As ecologists working across Australia, we are acutely aware of the damage being done by invasive species. There is rarely a simple, single solution. But we need to move feral bees out of the “too hard” basket. </p>
<p>The arrival and spread of the parasitic <a href="https://www.outbreak.gov.au/current-outbreaks/varroa-mite"><em>Varroa</em> mite in New South Wales</a> threatens to decimate honeybee colonies. So now is the time to rethink our relationship with the beloved European honeybee and target the ferals.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="Closeup photograph of a honeybee collecting pollen from a purple flower" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/531089/original/file-20230609-21-l1e8uh.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/531089/original/file-20230609-21-l1e8uh.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/531089/original/file-20230609-21-l1e8uh.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/531089/original/file-20230609-21-l1e8uh.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/531089/original/file-20230609-21-l1e8uh.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/531089/original/file-20230609-21-l1e8uh.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/531089/original/file-20230609-21-l1e8uh.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Feral honeybee foraging on native <em>Boronia ledifolia</em> in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Amy-Marie Gilpin</span></span>
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<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/buzz-off-honey-industry-our-national-parks-shouldnt-be-milked-for-money-131891">Buzz off honey industry, our national parks shouldn’t be milked for money</a>
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<h2>What makes a hive feral?</h2>
<p>European honeybees turn feral when a managed hive produces a “swarm”. This is a mass of bees that leaves the hive seeking a new nest. The swarm ultimately settles, either in a natural hollow or artificial structure such as a <a href="https://www.lfwseq.org.au/bees-nest-boxes-sticky-problem/">nesting box</a>. </p>
<p>With up to 150 hives per square kilometre, Australia has among the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-07635-0">highest</a> feral honey bee densities in the world. In NSW, feral honeybees are listed as a “<a href="https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/threatened-species/nsw-threatened-species-scientific-committee/determinations/final-determinations/2000-2003/competition-from-feral-honeybees-key-threatening-process-listing">key threatening process</a>”, but they lack such recognition elsewhere. </p>
<figure class="align-right ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/531088/original/file-20230609-21-ohn2oi.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/531088/original/file-20230609-21-ohn2oi.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=1082&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/531088/original/file-20230609-21-ohn2oi.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=1082&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/531088/original/file-20230609-21-ohn2oi.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=1082&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/531088/original/file-20230609-21-ohn2oi.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1360&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/531088/original/file-20230609-21-ohn2oi.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1360&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/531088/original/file-20230609-21-ohn2oi.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1360&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">A nesting box installed for native animals filled with feral honeybees (Apis mellifera).</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Cormac Farrell</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Feral honeybees have successfully invaded most land-based ecosystems across Australia, <a href="https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https:/biodiversity.org.au/afd/taxa/1a490f00-368f-427c-8d4c-fa3f3271d75f">including</a> woodlands, rainforests, mangrove-salt marsh, alpine and arid ecosystems.</p>
<p>They can efficiently harvest large volumes of nectar and pollen from native plants that would otherwise provide food for native animals, including birds, mammals and flower-visiting insects such as native bees. Their foraging activities alter seed production and reduce the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/aob/article/103/9/1395/146886?login=false">genetic diversity</a> of native plants while also pollinating <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.ecolsys.34.011802.132355">weeds</a>.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, feral honeybees are now the most <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/pc/pc21064">common</a> visitors to many native flowering plants.</p>
<h2>Are feral bees useful in agriculture?</h2>
<p>Feral honeybees can pollinate crops. But they compete with managed hives for nectar and pollen. They can also be an reservoir of honeybee pests and diseases such as the <em>Varroa</em> mite, which ultimately threaten crop production. That’s because many farms rely on honeybees from commercial hives to pollinate their crops. </p>
<p>So reducing feral honeybee density would benefit both honey production and the crop pollination industry, which is worth <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/hort-policy/honeybees#pollination">A$14 billion annually</a>. </p>
<p>Improved management of feral honeybees would not only help to limit the biosecurity threat, but increase the availability of pollen and nectar for managed hives. It would also increase demand for managed honeybee pollination services for pollinator dependent crops. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/hear-me-out-we-could-use-the-varroa-mite-to-wipe-out-feral-honey-bees-and-help-australias-environment-185959">Hear me out – we could use the varroa mite to wipe out feral honey bees, and help Australia's environment</a>
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<hr>
<h2>What are our current options?</h2>
<p>Tackling this issue will not be straightforward, due to the sheer extent of feral colony infestation and limited tools at the disposal of land managers.</p>
<p>If the current parasitic <em>Varroa</em> mite <a href="https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/emergencies/biosecurity/current-situation/varroa-mite-emergency-response">infestation in NSW</a> spins out of control, it may reduce the number of feral hives, with <a href="https://theconversation.com/hear-me-out-we-could-use-the-varroa-mite-to-wipe-out-feral-honey-bees-and-help-australias-environment-185959">benefits</a> for the environment. Fewer feral hives would be good for the honey industry too. </p>
<p>Targeted strategies to remove feral colonies on a small scale do exist and are being applied in the <em>Varroa</em> mite emergency response. This includes the deployment of <a href="https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/emergencies/biosecurity/current-situation/varroa-mite-emergency-response/wild-european-honey-bee-management">poison (fipronil) bait stations</a> in areas exposed to the mite.</p>
<p>While this method seems to be <a href="https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/emergencies/biosecurity/current-situation/varroa-mite-emergency-response/wild-european-honey-bee-management">effective</a>, the extreme toxicity of fipronil to honeybees limits its use to areas that do not contain managed hives. In addition, the possible effects on non-target, native animals that feed on the bait, or poisoned hive remains, is still unstudied and requires careful investigation.</p>
<p>Where feral hives can be accessed, they can be physically removed. But in many ecosystems feral colonies are high up in trees, in difficult to access terrain. That, and their overwhelming numbers, makes removal impractical.</p>
<p>Another problem with hive removal is rapid recolonisation by uncontrolled swarming from managed hives and feral hives at the edges of the extermination area.</p>
<p>Taken together, there are currently no realistic options for the targeted large-scale removal of feral colonies across Australia’s vast natural ecosystems.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/531090/original/file-20230609-21-eplmrs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/531090/original/file-20230609-21-eplmrs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/531090/original/file-20230609-21-eplmrs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/531090/original/file-20230609-21-eplmrs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/531090/original/file-20230609-21-eplmrs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/531090/original/file-20230609-21-eplmrs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/531090/original/file-20230609-21-eplmrs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Drone (male) honeybee.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">James Dorey</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Where to now?</h2>
<p>For too long, feral honeybees have had free reign over Australia’s natural environment. Given the substantial and known threats they pose to natural systems and industry, the time has come to develop effective and practical control measures. </p>
<p>Not only do we need to improve current strategies, we desperately need to develop new ones.</p>
<p>One promising example is the use of traps to catch bee swarms, and such work is underway in Victoria’s <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2023-05-28/bee-swarm-monitoring-in-macedon-ranges/102385310">Macedon Ranges</a>. However, this might be prohibitively expensive at larger scales.</p>
<p>Existing strategies for other animals may be a good starting place. For example, the practice of <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-ultimate-invader-high-tech-tool-promises-scientists-an-edge-over-the-cane-toad-scourge-186542">using pheromones to capture cane toad tadpoles</a> might be applied to drones (male bees) and swarms. Once strategies are developed we can model a combination of approaches to uncover the best one for each case.</p>
<p>Developing sustainable control measures should be a priority right now and should result in a win-win for industry, biosecurity and native ecosystems. </p>
<p>If there is something to learn from the latest <em>Varroa</em> incursion, it is that we cannot ignore the risks feral honeybees pose any longer. We don’t know how to control them in Australia yet, but it is for lack of trying. </p>
<p><em>We would like to acknowledge the substantial contribution made by environmental scientist and beekeeper Cormac Farrell to the development of this article.</em></p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/a-new-2-coin-features-the-introduced-honeybee-is-this-really-the-species-we-should-celebrate-181089">A new $2 coin features the introduced honeybee. Is this really the species we should celebrate?</a>
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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/207153/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Amy-Marie Gilpin receives funding from Horticulture Innovation Australia and is a member of the IUCN Wild Bee Specialist Group Oceania. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>James B. Dorey is affiliated with Flinders University and the University of Adelaide. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Katja Hogendoorn is a member of the board of the Australian Entomological Society and receives funding from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, HortInnovations, AgriFutures, and the Australian Research Council. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Kit Prendergast is an adjunct at Curtin University and Murdoch University. She has previously received funding from the Federal Government for the Bushfire Recovery Project, from the Forrest Research Foundation for her PhD, and from the Australian Wildlife Society. </span></em></p>Feral honeybees have become a major problem in Australia. It’s time to develop effective and practical control measures.Amy-Marie Gilpin, Research Fellow, Ecology, Western Sydney UniversityJames B. Dorey, Adjunct Lecturer, Flinders UniversityKatja Hogendoorn, Research fellow, University of AdelaideKit Prendergast, Native bee ecologist, Curtin UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2079322023-06-23T01:00:54Z2023-06-23T01:00:54ZBuying bugs and beetles, or shopping for scorpions and snails? Australia’s pet trade includes hundreds of spineless species<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532811/original/file-20230620-1844-onb2mw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=6%2C39%2C1768%2C1409&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Sebastian Chekunov</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Shacking up with tarantulas, scorpions, and ants would be a nightmare for most people. But for others, these creepy-crawlies are welcome companions and collectables.</p>
<p>Global demand for exotic pets is <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fee.2059">rising</a>, fuelled by social media and a shift from traditional brick-and-mortar pet stores to online marketplaces. The pet trade now extends beyond well known species such as <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320723001416?via%3Dihub">parrots, reptiles and fish</a> to a wide variety of invertebrates (animals without backbones) – from both land and water.</p>
<p>In our <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/aen.12662">new research</a>, we explored the rapidly growing trade in land-based invertebrates across 23 Australian online pet stores and one popular classifieds website. We found an astonishing 264 species traded online – from spiders and scorpions, to beetles and snails. The most commonly advertised species were stick insects, tarantulas and ants – we found a staggering 57 species of ant for sale. </p>
<p>While most of the invertebrates were native to Australia, we also exposed trade in three highly invasive alien species. The white garden snail, the Asian tramp snail and the African big-headed ant all pose serious threats to Australia’s biosecurity. They threaten agriculture, forestry and even public health. </p>
<p>Our research is the first to reveal the scale and diversity of the invertebrate pet trade in Australia. It’s a fascinating insight into how a hobby or private passion can become both a biosecurity and conservation threat. </p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532826/original/file-20230620-21-gs4r05.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A white garden snail (Theba pisana) infestation on stalks of grass" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532826/original/file-20230620-21-gs4r05.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532826/original/file-20230620-21-gs4r05.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=347&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532826/original/file-20230620-21-gs4r05.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=347&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532826/original/file-20230620-21-gs4r05.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=347&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532826/original/file-20230620-21-gs4r05.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=436&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532826/original/file-20230620-21-gs4r05.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=436&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532826/original/file-20230620-21-gs4r05.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=436&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">The white garden snail or white Italian snail (Theba pisana) is a major pest in crops and pastures across southern Australia, but we also found it in the pet trade.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/incredible-infestation-white-garden-snails-theba-1734718532">Simone Hogan, Shutterstock</a></span>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/astonishing-global-demand-for-exotic-pets-is-driving-a-massive-trade-in-unprotected-wildlife-188971">'Astonishing': global demand for exotic pets is driving a massive trade in unprotected wildlife</a>
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<h2>The threat of invasive species trade</h2>
<p>Occasionally, exotic pets escape captivity, or are <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fee.2059">released by their owners</a>. </p>
<p>Examples include the <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237576227_The_Mexican_Redrump_Brachypelma_vagans_Araneae_Theraphosidae_an_Exotic_Tarantula_Established_in_Florida1">Mexican Red Rump Tarantula</a>, now an established alien species in Florida, and the <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pacific-engagement/giant-african-snail#:%7E:text=About%20GAS,invasive%20species%20in%20the%20world.">giant African land snail</a>, which causes millions of dollars’ worth of damage to native plants and agricultural crops in many countries all over the world.</p>
<p>To avoid similar cases in Australia, we need better regulation and preventative measures. But why do people want to trade these <a href="https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/51431/">species in the first place?</a> </p>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532797/original/file-20230619-22241-ogw2v7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532797/original/file-20230619-22241-ogw2v7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532797/original/file-20230619-22241-ogw2v7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532797/original/file-20230619-22241-ogw2v7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532797/original/file-20230619-22241-ogw2v7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532797/original/file-20230619-22241-ogw2v7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532797/original/file-20230619-22241-ogw2v7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532797/original/file-20230619-22241-ogw2v7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">A range of tarantulas for sale at a European wildlife exposition. Credit: Sebastian Chekunov.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We found that some of the most sought-after species are considered “dangerous” and not recommended to be handled. Many of these species could inflict a painful bite or sting. Several are potentially lethal to humans. </p>
<p>Invertebrates are traded across the internet, including <a href="https://theconversation.com/lickable-toads-and-magic-mushrooms-wildlife-traded-on-the-dark-web-is-the-kind-that-gets-you-high-201180">the dark web</a> – where we found species such as goliath beetles and Chinese golden scorpions for sale. We also found native Australian invertebrates being traded at European wildlife expositions. </p>
<p>Invertebrates clearly make <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/nature/zooming-in-on-the-hidden-world-of-invertebrates/">unique and fascinating</a> pets. Now that we have a better understanding of the scale of the invertebrate pet trade, we must ensure it is managed appropriately.</p>
<h2>We need to protect our native invertebrates</h2>
<p>Invertebrates are thought to make up almost <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982221008873">95% of animal species</a>, yet they are often <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320711002874?casa_token=s7N-DgMtydwAAAAA:ARKKQryPMAc3hxmCzL6bglzIlXoybqjxvL6rqBZIb8M8Lz0MsZz8UXK2lgA95ZyGD7ao_9m7dYxC">neglected in research and conservation</a>. Most <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320719317823">invertebrate extinctions go unnoticed</a>. </p>
<p>In the face of limited knowledge on population status and distribution, evaluating conservation risk for individual species is challenging. </p>
<p>The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/">Red List of Threatened Species</a> is the most comprehensive global database on the conservation status of wildlife. But almost all of the species (>90%) traded in our study had not had their conservation status evaluated by the IUCN. </p>
<p>Some species were advertised as “<a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/illegal-wildlife-trade">wild harvested</a>”, meaning they were taken from the wild rather than bred in captivity. This is an immediate conservation concern for native Australian species, especially those with small population sizes and limited distribution.</p>
<p>Encouraging people to learn more about the <a href="https://insectinvestigators.com.au/what-is-insect-investigators/">invertebrate species in their area</a> is essential for the conservation of global biodiversity. However, it is equally important to regulate their trade, in order to mitigate the associated risks to biosecurity and their conservation.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532845/original/file-20230620-36359-uv14gu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="One child holds out their hand, with a colourful moth (Coscinocera hercules) resting on it while another reaches out to it" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532845/original/file-20230620-36359-uv14gu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532845/original/file-20230620-36359-uv14gu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532845/original/file-20230620-36359-uv14gu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532845/original/file-20230620-36359-uv14gu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532845/original/file-20230620-36359-uv14gu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532845/original/file-20230620-36359-uv14gu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532845/original/file-20230620-36359-uv14gu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Australia’s largest moth, the Hercules (Coscinocera hercules) could be targeted for the invertebrate trade in the future.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/child-holds-butterfly-on-their-hand-2193124143">Tatevosian Yana, Shutterstock</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/they-might-not-have-a-spine-but-invertebrates-are-the-backbone-of-our-ecosystems-lets-help-them-out-193447">They might not have a spine, but invertebrates are the backbone of our ecosystems. Let's help them out</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Is this trade legal or illegal?</h2>
<p>The invertebrate trade in Australia is poorly regulated, and the line between what is considered legal or illegal is often unclear. However, collecting species from <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/land/nrs/about-nrs/australias-protected-areas">protected areas</a> (such as national parks) without a permit is definitely illegal across Australia. </p>
<p><a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/csp2.617">Almost half of all threatened species’</a> also range across privately owned land in Australia. </p>
<p>The extent of wild harvesting on both public and private land is largely unknown. But it is highly likely that illegal activity is occurring within Australia’s invertebrate trade.</p>
<p>Legislation concerning the import and export of invertebrates across state borders exists to some extent, but varies, across all Australian states and territories. The number of species declared as pests and the level of penalties for transporting these species differs considerably. This reduces the credibility and effectiveness of biosecurity efforts. </p>
<p>Overall, the Australian legal system governing the domestic trade of invertebrates largely ignores the pet trade. The focus of compliance is almost exclusively on crop pests, ignoring the broader invertebrate pet trade. We think this has to change.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="Tarantula spider on boy's shoulder appears to reach for the child's face (Brachypelma albopilosum)." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532860/original/file-20230620-19-sobxpg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532860/original/file-20230620-19-sobxpg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532860/original/file-20230620-19-sobxpg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532860/original/file-20230620-19-sobxpg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532860/original/file-20230620-19-sobxpg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532860/original/file-20230620-19-sobxpg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532860/original/file-20230620-19-sobxpg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The curlyhair tarantula (Tliltocatl albopilosus) is native to Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Originally captured from the wild for the international pet trade, it is now commonly bred in captivity and traded internationally with a permit.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/tarantula-spider-stretches-paw-childs-face-1781724329">Lipatova Maryna, Shutterstock</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/lickable-toads-and-magic-mushrooms-wildlife-traded-on-the-dark-web-is-the-kind-that-gets-you-high-201180">Lickable toads and magic mushrooms: wildlife traded on the dark web is the kind that gets you high</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Barely scratching the surface</h2>
<p>There are still many unknowns about the invertebrate pet trade. Our findings have only begun to scratch the surface of what is actually being traded in Australia. </p>
<p>Ongoing research will further explore the trade of invertebrates within Australian brick-and-mortar pet stores, at wildlife trade expositions, and within international wildlife seizure data. </p>
<p>Vital steps towards ensuring the preservation of Australia’s unique invertebrate biodiversity include strengthening regulations, encouraging responsible practices, and fostering collaboration – between researchers, hobbyists, and environmental biosecurity agencies.</p>
<p>Managing Australia’s online invertebrate trade is a delicate balancing act. We hope Australia’s growing trade in invertebrates can be managed to support best-practice conservation while promoting a greater connection to nature.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/207932/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Phill Cassey is an inaugural ARC Industry Laureate Fellow. He receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Charlotte Lassaline does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>New research exposing the surprising scale and diversity of Australia’s invertebrate pet trade online highlights the need for better regulation to protect our wildlife and manage biosecurity threats.Charlotte Lassaline, PhD Student, University of AdelaidePhill Cassey, Head, Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of AdelaideLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2071042023-06-07T20:06:57Z2023-06-07T20:06:57ZNew Zealand needs to up its biosecurity game to protect the country from the next devastating pest threat<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/530513/original/file-20230607-25-fsloc5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=53%2C62%2C5883%2C4059&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Getty Images</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Climate change is increasing the risk of plant-destroying insects, diseases and invasive weeds entering Aotearoa New Zealand. Border security is not enough to protect us from the next biosecurity threat – it’s time to be proactive in preventing the risks.</p>
<p>As New Zealanders, our natural world is important for our wellbeing and our sense of identity. It is also important economically and for food production. </p>
<p>With a total economic cost of pests estimated at NZ$9.2 billion in 2020 (2.9% of GDP), biosecurity is a major component of our annual budget. </p>
<p>Most of New Zealand’s biosecurity detection is concentrated at the border – monitoring ships and cargo coming into New Zealand. But this approach does not take into account pests that arrive by other ways. </p>
<p>A number of pest species, such as <a href="https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/exotic-pests-and-diseases-in-new-zealand/long-term-biosecurity-management-programmes/myrtle-rust-in-new-zealand/">myrtle rust</a>, are wind-blown. We miss their pending arrival because we are typically focused on what is already here.</p>
<p>New Zealand needs to be more proactive to biosecurity threats. This means developing new monitoring tools, and utilising new technologies like environmental DNA (or “eDNA”, the DNA that is left behind as organisms pass through an environment) to better inform our baseline data. </p>
<p>We also need to sequence the genomes for species that aren’t represented in our databases. This will enable faster identification of dangerous interlopers.</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1662952779126824966"}"></div></p>
<h2>Learning from the fall armyworm</h2>
<p>The <a href="https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/exotic-pests-and-diseases-in-new-zealand/long-term-biosecurity-management-programmes/fall-armyworm-in-new-zealand/">fall armyworm</a> highlights why we urgently need to develop proactive biosecurity responses and tools.</p>
<p>We knew for some time the fall armyworm was heading to New Zealand (most likely from Australia) – which it did in February 2022. It quickly established and began to decimate crops. </p>
<p>Unfortunately for New Zealand’s agricultural sector, the fall armyworm is a highly adaptable pest. The moths fly extremely well and the caterpillars feed on around 350 different plant species, with a preference for crops like maize and sweetcorn. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/what-a-warmer-wetter-world-means-for-insects-and-for-what-they-eat-166509">What a warmer, wetter world means for insects, and for what they eat</a>
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</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>And they’re voracious. The caterpillars gather in armies to decimate all plants in their path. Northland growers <a href="https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2023/05/northland-growers-losing-everything-as-notorious-pest-fall-armyworm-decimates-crops.html">report picking crop plants</a> and hearing the caterpillars fall from them en masse. The fall armyworm is now widespread in the north of the North Island and has also reached the South Island.</p>
<p>There was a missed opportunity in proactive management before the fall armyworm arrived. This was perhaps due to the prevalent belief that it wouldn’t be able to overwinter in New Zealand (it can and did!). </p>
<p>But we also failed to prevent the fall armyworm’s arrival because there has been a general reticence to put money towards something that isn’t a problem yet. Particularly absent in our response was the use of genomic tools to predict the pest’s invasive potential before arrival, and then to rapidly identify its incursion pathway once here.</p>
<h2>Carried by the wind</h2>
<p>A number of scientists believe the fall armyworm was carried over on the wind from Australia. This theory could be confirmed using genomic data to identify the global population with which the New Zealand samples share most ancestry. It would also be easy to ascertain whether the South Island incursion came from the North Island or via a separate wind event from Australia.</p>
<p>Why is it important to understand where the pest has come from? Origin determines genomic signatures and understanding these in a pest may give us a better idea of how likely it is to survive in certain conditions. We could, for example, see if it carried particular genetic variants that show insecticide resistance or an ability to survive colder temperatures. </p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1661573045352558592"}"></div></p>
<p>Meanwhile, understanding incursion pathways could facilitate the rapid blocking of particular trade routes or the identification of ideal sites for <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/pheromone-trap">pheromone trapping </a> to intercept flight pathways into the country for wind-blown organisms.</p>
<p>The initial plan to eradicate fall armyworm has now been abandoned. In April 2023, New Zealand moved to management of the pest.</p>
<h2>Looking to the next threat</h2>
<p>Our reactive response strategy is set to become a bigger issue, with incursions from more pests expected as the country continues to warm as a consequence of climate change. </p>
<p>The next pests likely to infiltrate New Zealand include two Australian insects – the <a href="https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/pests-and-diseases-not-in-new-zealand/horticultural-pests-and-diseases-not-in-nz/queensland-fruit-fly/">Queensland fruit fly</a> and <a href="https://apps.mpi.govt.nz/applications/nzpests-view/Article/1477/Painted-Apple-Moth">painted apple moth</a> – as well as the <a href="https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/pests-and-diseases-not-in-new-zealand/horticultural-pests-and-diseases-not-in-nz/brown-marmorated-stink-bug-threat-to-nz-and-identification/">brown marmorated stink bug</a>, a native to Asia.</p>
<p>The Queensland fruit fly and the painted apple moth both pose a risk to fruit crops, with the moth also enjoying native species like kōwhai and karaka. The brown marmorated stink bug infests houses to shelter from the cold and releases a foul scent when disturbed. Each of these three pests is <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ourchangingworld/audio/2018718826/enemy-1-brown-marmorated-stink-bug">regularly intercepted</a> at the New Zealand border. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/lessons-on-how-to-effectively-tackle-insect-invasions-129834">Lessons on how to effectively tackle insect invasions</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>We learn nothing from failed invasions right now, but we could use genome sequencing to search for signatures in the genome that help us to understand and better predict establishment outcomes. </p>
<p>And, when a pest does arrive - because it can, and it will - we could move more quickly before it gets a foothold with genomics in our biosecurity toolbox. We could more rapidly detect the pest, determine where it came from and understand the genetic arsenal it brings with it. This would help us determine the best approaches to mitigate any environmental damage.</p>
<p>These methods are there for the taking. Similar methods are already applied in <a href="https://www.genomics-aotearoa.org.nz/news-and-events/how-genomics-could-improve-kakapo-survival">conservation contexts</a>. Sometimes we even eventually use them for pests. But almost always, we do this reactively once eradication efforts have already been abandoned. </p>
<p>If we want to prevent the next big pest threat to New Zealand, then it is long past time to invest in the prevention rather than the cure.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/207104/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Ang McGaughran has received funding from the Royal Society of New Zealand, from the MBIE Smart Ideas funding programme, and from Genomics Aotearoa.
</span></em></p>With a focus on ships and cargo, we are missing the opportunity to prevent pests that ride in on the wind. It is time to invest in addressing the biosecurity threats before they arrive.Angela (Ang) McGaughran, Senior Lecturer in Population Genomics, University of WaikatoLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2059262023-05-24T01:51:10Z2023-05-24T01:51:10ZAustralia is in a unique position to eliminate the bee-killing Varroa mite. Here’s what happens if we don’t<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/527408/original/file-20230522-17-by2qo7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=57%2C23%2C3767%2C2562&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Théotime Colin</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Varroa mites – notorious honey bee parasites – have recently reached Australian shores, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2022-06-24/varroa-mite-detected-at-newcastle-port/101180446">detected at the Port of Newcastle</a> in New South Wales last year. If they establish here, there would be significant implications for agricultural food security, as honey bees are heavily relied on for the pollination of many crops.</p>
<p>However, while Australia is the last continent to be invaded by the mite, it has an opportunity to be the first to eradicate it.</p>
<p><em>Varroa destructor</em> is a small mite that attaches to bees and <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/01/190114161137.htm">eats their “fat body</a>”. The fat bodies of honey bees are the insect equivalent of a liver. Varroa weakens bees, reduces their lifespan and increases the spread of deadly viruses.</p>
<p>Scientists need to be ready: this might be Australia’s best chance to collect important data on the spread and evolution of this parasite. Our new paper <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2022.0589">published today in Biology Letters</a> outlines what questions scientists need to ask and what data they need to collect if Varroa spreads in Australia.</p>
<p>Such data could help us understand how parasites evolve, why Varroa are so damaging for honey bees, and how Varroa mites impact other insects and the environment.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-varroa-mite-the-tiny-killer-threatening-australias-bees-25710">Explainer: Varroa mite, the tiny killer threatening Australia's bees</a>
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</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Will Varroa establish in Australia?</h2>
<p>Australia is in close proximity to countries that have the mite, including New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Indonesia.</p>
<p>This probably explains why invasive honey bee swarms are frequently intercepted at our ports, <a href="https://www.beeawarebrisbane.org/blog/a-brief-history-of-honey-bee-incursions-into-australia">many of these carrying Varroa</a>. Australia currently bans importation of honey bee colonies due to the biosecurity risk, so these interceptions are typically due to stowaway swarms taking up residence in shipping containers.</p>
<p>Previous invasions of Varroa have been successfully <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2018-06-29/varroa-mite-detected-in-melbourne/9923972">eradicated before establishing</a>, but this time Varroa circumvented the biosecurity surveillance near Newcastle and spread locally.</p>
<p>The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries has been <a href="https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/emergencies/biosecurity/current-situation/varroa-mite-emergency-response">contact-tracing and culling hives in contaminated areas</a>, and the spread has been slow so far. Australia has large populations of feral honey bees, which could potentially act as a reservoir for Varroa and are much harder to trace and control, so the department is tackling this with a <a href="https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/emergencies/biosecurity/current-situation/varroa-mite-emergency-response/wild-european-honey-bee-management">wild honey bee baiting program</a>.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/527017/original/file-20230518-29-xsgvbi.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A small red mite facing the camera on a grey metallic background, the many legs of the mites are visible as well as a few pieces of wax" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/527017/original/file-20230518-29-xsgvbi.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/527017/original/file-20230518-29-xsgvbi.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=402&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527017/original/file-20230518-29-xsgvbi.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=402&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527017/original/file-20230518-29-xsgvbi.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=402&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527017/original/file-20230518-29-xsgvbi.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=505&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527017/original/file-20230518-29-xsgvbi.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=505&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527017/original/file-20230518-29-xsgvbi.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=505&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">A Varroa mite fallen from a hive in France.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Théotime Colin</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>What threats does Varroa pose?</h2>
<p>Varroa mites are a threat to food security. Although Australia has an abundance of food and <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/products/insights/australian-food-security-and-COVID-19">exports it to other nations</a>, the price of food is likely to increase if Varroa escapes confinement.</p>
<p>Currently, pollination of crops in eradication zones such as <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2022-07-27/varroa-mite-nsw-berry-production-price-detection-coffs-harbour/101272874">berries in Coffs Harbour</a> is at risk due to the removal of all honey bees in the region, which may lead to short-term increases in food costs.</p>
<p>However, establishment and spread of Varroa will lead to lower pollination and lower crop production across the country, which will raise the price of most fruit and vegetables that depend on bee pollination.</p>
<p>This could worsen the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/oct/17/inflation-and-inadequate-welfare-fuelling-australias-food-insecurity-crisis-foodbank-finds">food affordability crises caused by the current inflation</a>, affecting the ability of low income households to buy nutritious and fresh produce. Almond pollination has already noted a deficit of <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2022-07-18/victoria-to-be-80-000-bee-hives-short-for-almond-pollination/101246392">80,000 hives in the last season</a>. </p>
<p>Many of the honey bee colonies that pollinate our crops are <a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-varroa-mite-the-tiny-killer-threatening-australias-bees-25710">thought to be feral</a>, living in tree hollows or nest-boxes designed for native animals. These feral bees are not managed by beekeepers and so won’t be saved by the use of Varroa treatments, meaning they will most likely disappear. </p>
<p>Varroa may be a threat to wild pollinators including native bees. Varroa often spreads viruses, which can jump between species and may threaten our wild native pollinators. Of particular concern are viruses that deform insect wings and cause paralysis. Fortunately, these viruses have not been detected in the current Varroa incursion.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/527330/original/file-20230520-29-w4rnrp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Illustration of different bee species pollinating flowers from crops and native plants" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/527330/original/file-20230520-29-w4rnrp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/527330/original/file-20230520-29-w4rnrp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527330/original/file-20230520-29-w4rnrp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527330/original/file-20230520-29-w4rnrp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527330/original/file-20230520-29-w4rnrp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=533&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527330/original/file-20230520-29-w4rnrp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=533&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527330/original/file-20230520-29-w4rnrp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=533&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Australia currently relies on pollination by commercial honey bees (yellow), supplemented by feral honey bees (brown), though we have many native bee species like stingless bees and blue banded bees that are also being used in crop pollination.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Boris Yagound, adapted from Chapman et al. 2023</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>How can we secure Australia’s agricultural industry?</h2>
<p>Australia’s agricultural industry relies mostly on pollination by European honey bees. This choice has been risky.</p>
<p>In Europe, pollination services are also provided by diverse species like bumble bees, mining bees and mason bees (e.g. <em>Osmia rufa</em>), many of which are un-managed wild species that nest alone.</p>
<p>If Varroa escapes confinement, beekeepers will still be able to maintain colonies of honey bees but at greater costs, due to colony losses and the need for chemicals to treat Varroa mites in the hives. These costs have the potential to sink businesses, and affect the livelihoods of beekeepers. </p>
<p>Australia needs to decrease its reliance on the European honey bee in agriculture and improve pollinator diversity via the use of <a href="https://beeaware.org.au/pollination/native-bees/native-bees-as-alternative-pollinators/">other native pollinator species</a> such as native stingless bees, blue banded bees, <a href="https://www.horticulture.com.au/hort-innovation/news-events/media-releases/2022/Scientists-bring-flies-to-Varroa-Mite-Red-Zone">or even flies</a>. For example, native Australian stingless bees aid in the pollination of macadamia and capsicum crops and could be used for the pollination of other crops.</p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7MILt82Y5ig?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">Native blue banded bees pollinating tomatoes in Australia.</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Australia’s unique situation</h2>
<p>Australia is different from other Varroa infected regions of the world. Our incursion was smaller, it was identified early and the management zone is small enough to be feasibly eradicated.</p>
<p>Even if Varroa spreads in Australian landscapes, hopes are that the pace of the spread may be slower in Australia than it was in other regions due to the smaller incursion, the colossal eradication effort and large tracts of land that are inhospitable to honey bees. Managed honey bee populations are <a href="https://extensionaus.com.au/professionalbeekeepers/670000-registered-honey-bee-hives-in-australia/">concentrated around coastal regions</a>, or in Australia’s major rural food bowl regions where pollinator-dependant crops (such as almonds, blueberries and apples) are located. </p>
<p>This gives us a chance to prevent the spread of Varroa across inland Australia, where there are no honey bees.</p>
<p>Luckily for us, most of the world has already spent the last few decades trying to minimise Varroa mite management costs. As a nation, we now have the chance to initiate a fresh and coordinated management response. Australia could organise state-wide <a href="https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/pesticides/integrated-pest-management">integrated pest management</a> approaches and treatment regimes to prevent Varroa’s resistance to chemical treatments from developing rapidly.</p>
<p>In short, there are good reasons to remain positive about the future of Australian beekeeping and horticultural industries, but there is still much work for our research community to do.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/bees-can-do-so-much-more-than-you-think-from-dancing-to-being-little-art-critics-204039">Bees can do so much more than you think – from dancing to being little art critics</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/205926/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Scarlett Howard has received funding from Australian Government, RMIT University, Fyssen Foundation, L’Oreal-UNESCO, Australian Academy of Sciences, Hermon Slade, Deakin University, and Monash University. She has been affiliated with Pint of Science Australia.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Alexander Mikheyev receives funding from the Australian Research Council and Agrifutures Australia. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Emily Remnant has received funding from The University of Sydney, Horticulture Innovation Australia, Agrifutures Australia, the Australia and Pacific Science Foundation, the Australian Government and the NSW Government. She has volunteered for the NSW Apiarists Association.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Simon Tierney has received funding from Australian Entomological Society, Centre for Biodiversity Analysis, Flinders University, Hort Innovation, National Geographic Society, Royal Entomological Society, Smithsonian Institution, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Tokyo Metropolitan University and Western Sydney University. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Théotime Colin receives funding from Macquarie University, the Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation, the Eldon & Anne Foote Trust, Hort Innovation Australia, the Innovation Connections program, the The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and Agrifutures Australia. He is a member of the New South Wales Apiarists' Association.</span></em></p>Australia is the last continent to be invaded by the dangerous honey bee parasite, and has an opportunity to be the first to eradicate it.Scarlett Howard, Lecturer, School of Biological Sciences, Monash UniversityAlexander Mikheyev, Group Leader, Mikheyev Group - Evolutionary genomics, Australian National UniversityEmily Remnant, Lecturer, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of SydneySimon Tierney, Lecturer & Research Fellow, Western Sydney UniversityThéotime Colin, Macquarie UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2051832023-05-21T20:00:34Z2023-05-21T20:00:34ZA botanical detective story: shedding light on the journey out of Africa for one of Australia’s worst weeds<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/526989/original/file-20230518-15-gzmuv8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=34%2C97%2C4604%2C2865&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">John K. Scott, CSIRO</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The scrubby harbour-side hills of a South African city recently revealed details of an historical event that transformed Australian coastlines. That event led to the arrival in Australia of a native South African shrub, bitou bush. The invader went on to become one of <a href="https://lists.ala.org.au/speciesListItem/list/dr823">Australia’s worst weeds</a>, smothering coastal dune vegetation.</p>
<p>While bitou bush has been widespread along Australia’s east coast for decades, the weed arrived in Western Australia relatively recently. The species (<em>Chrysanthemoides monilifera</em> subspecies <em>rotundata</em>) was <a href="https://doi.org/10.1614/IPSM-D-13-00052.1">discovered in 2012 at Kwinana</a>, a port and industrial area south of Perth. This new invasion <a href="https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.50.35070">required urgent attention</a>.</p>
<figure class="align-right ">
<img alt="A closeup of a bitou bush flower" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/527179/original/file-20230519-17-k14689.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/527179/original/file-20230519-17-k14689.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527179/original/file-20230519-17-k14689.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527179/original/file-20230519-17-k14689.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527179/original/file-20230519-17-k14689.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527179/original/file-20230519-17-k14689.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527179/original/file-20230519-17-k14689.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Bitou bush (<em>Chrysanthemoides monilifera</em> subspecies <em>rotundata</em>) is a weed targeted for eradication in Western Australia. The flowers are bright yellow daisies.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Kathryn L. Batchelor, CSIRO</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Knowing where a weed has come from is fundamental to <a href="https://theconversation.com/attack-of-the-alien-invaders-pest-plants-and-animals-leave-a-frightening-1-7-trillion-bill-158628">managing it well</a>. Understanding how plants are introduced to new regions can enable effective biosecurity measures to be put in place. Establishing a weed’s origin also reveals where to look for its natural enemies, such as insects or fungi, that can be used as classical <a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-how-biocontrol-fights-invasive-species-31298">biological control</a> agents.</p>
<p>Our research set out to decipher how bitou bush originally entered Australia and then spread from east to west. We reveal how the chance of new bitou bush arrivals in Australia is low and better biological control is possible.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/attack-of-the-alien-invaders-pest-plants-and-animals-leave-a-frightening-1-7-trillion-bill-158628">Attack of the alien invaders: pest plants and animals leave a frightening $1.7 trillion bill</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Establishing relationships between populations</h2>
<p>Earlier <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.9179">research</a> on bitou bush established Australian populations went through “genetic bottlenecks”, meaning only a few plants, seeds or parts of plants arrived to begin with. However, the work was unable to identify a population in South Africa that was a genetic match to the bitou bush found in Australia.</p>
<p><a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-023-03017-3">Our new research</a> took a more comprehensive approach to reveal plants from the South African port of East London were the likely source. Our findings suggested there was a single introduction of bitou bush to eastern Australia, with subsequent movement of material to establish the population in Western Australia more than a century later.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/524856/original/file-20230508-15-ra6lqy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A historical image of the South African port of East London in 1905" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/524856/original/file-20230508-15-ra6lqy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/524856/original/file-20230508-15-ra6lqy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=379&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524856/original/file-20230508-15-ra6lqy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=379&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524856/original/file-20230508-15-ra6lqy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=379&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524856/original/file-20230508-15-ra6lqy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=476&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524856/original/file-20230508-15-ra6lqy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=476&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524856/original/file-20230508-15-ra6lqy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=476&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The South African port of East London (c. 1905) was the likely source of Australia’s bitou bush.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">East London Museum</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Travel by ballast</h2>
<p>To build confidence in our results, we scoured historical archives in Australia and South Africa for records that could support or refute these findings. Could we turn a plausible hypothesis into a feasible smoking gun?</p>
<p>In the storage racks of the National Herbarium of New South Wales lies a pressed sheet of dried plant material. Collected in 1908, this sample – later identified as bitou bush – was from the port-side suburb of Stockton in Newcastle. Newspaper reports revealed Stockton’s local government had been complaining for at least ten years about a weed threat from dry ballast, making it likely the introduction of bitou bush to Australia occurred even earlier.</p>
<p>Dry ballast consists of sand, soil, rocks and other matter used to provide stability to wooden sailing ships that had to travel without a heavy cargo load. This material was usually quarried at the port of departure. At the time, an increasingly large area in Stockton was reclaimed land comprised of ship’s ballast.</p>
<p>We found historical shipping records that showed ships were regularly leaving the South African Port of East London after taking on dry ballast, then sailing directly to Newcastle to collect coal. Before taking on coal, these ships discharged their dry ballast onto the ballast field at Stockton. We found documents showing that in 1904, more than half the ballast arriving in Australia was dumped at Stockton. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="Map of harbour and inset photo of docked sailing ships" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/524840/original/file-20230508-230622-hnfek9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/524840/original/file-20230508-230622-hnfek9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=249&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524840/original/file-20230508-230622-hnfek9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=249&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524840/original/file-20230508-230622-hnfek9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=249&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524840/original/file-20230508-230622-hnfek9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=313&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524840/original/file-20230508-230622-hnfek9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=313&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524840/original/file-20230508-230622-hnfek9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=313&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The location of the first introduction of bitou bush into Australia showing the reclaimed ballast field (red shading, c. 1902) at Stockton, New South Wales and right, barques (sailing ships) waiting to be loaded with coal, having discarded the ballast (c. 1900).</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Newcastle University and Ralph Snowball</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Historical maps revealed a ballast quarry on the west side of the Port of East London. This quarry existed in 1902 and exposed remnants can still be seen today. Bitou bush can still be found across the vegetation-covered hillsides near the old quarry. Their seeds are therefore likely to have been contaminants in dry ballast.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="Historical map of the Port of East London, South Africa." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/524842/original/file-20230508-19-nu8t9n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/524842/original/file-20230508-19-nu8t9n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=198&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524842/original/file-20230508-19-nu8t9n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=198&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524842/original/file-20230508-19-nu8t9n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=198&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524842/original/file-20230508-19-nu8t9n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=249&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524842/original/file-20230508-19-nu8t9n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=249&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524842/original/file-20230508-19-nu8t9n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=249&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Likely source location of bitou bush in and around the quarry at the Port of East London (circa 1920).</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">East London Museum</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>To Newcastle and beyond!</h2>
<p>The arrival of bitou bush at Stockton was the beginning of a wider invasion of the eastern Australian coastline. The plants now cover 1,600 km <a href="https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://id.biodiversity.org.au/node/apni/2908997#overview">from Victoria to Queensland</a>.</p>
<p>This spread included deliberate plantings for dune stabilisation in the 1950s. Our molecular work revealed these dune plantings were enabled by the local collection of seed from a limited number of plants, rather than new material from South Africa or widely sourced seed.</p>
<p>We were not able to conclusively identify the introduction pathway from New South Wales to Western Australia. However, contamination of steel shipments between Newcastle or Port Kembla and Kwinana, or landscape plantings for the companies involved, are considered most likely.</p>
<h2>Why does this matter?</h2>
<p>The discovery of a potential source population and pathway into Australia for bitou bush reveals two avenues for improved invasive species management.</p>
<p>First, it opens the door to improved biological control. Earlier ineffective agents were sourced in South Africa from <a href="https://doi.org/10.2307/2404788">populations distantly related</a> to the material introduced into Australia. Many effective agents, particularly pathogens, are highly host specific. New surveys around East London could discover a more effective biological control agent.</p>
<p>Second, the work has clarified the ongoing risk of new introductions following the same pathway. Thankfully the use of dry ballast ceased with the move to steel-hulled ships carrying wet ballast, although the latter has its own <a href="https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.150039">biosecurity concerns</a>.</p>
<p>More generally, the case of bitou bush in Australia highlights the problem of inadvertent outcomes from introducing plants, either accidentally or deliberately, without rigorous risk assessment. We must remain vigilant to the risk of introductions facilitated by global trade and maintain <a href="https://theconversation.com/yes-wash-your-shoes-at-the-airport-but-we-can-do-more-to-stop-foot-and-mouth-disease-ravaging-australia-187602">strict border biosecurity</a> protocols.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/yes-wash-your-shoes-at-the-airport-but-we-can-do-more-to-stop-foot-and-mouth-disease-ravaging-australia-187602">Yes, wash your shoes at the airport – but we can do more to stop foot-and-mouth disease ravaging Australia</a>
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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/205183/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Bruce Webber receives funding from Fremantle Ports Authority and CSIRO Health & Biosecurity. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>John Scott does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Knowing where a weed has come from can improve its management, but this quest can be challenging. CSIRO detective work revealed an unusual pathway for the introduction of South African bitou bush.Bruce Webber, Principal Research Scientist, CSIROJohn Scott, Honorary Fellow, CSIROLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2033542023-04-25T23:35:57Z2023-04-25T23:35:57ZNew exposé of Australia’s exotic pet trade shows an alarming proliferation of alien, threatened and illegal species<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/522449/original/file-20230424-14-vj5jul.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=28%2C42%2C4716%2C2994&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">A redtailed catfish.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Bk87/Shuttterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Australia has a global reputation for being tough on biosecurity. There are strict rules around the import and export of both native and exotic species. Security is tight, and advanced screening technology commonplace at ports of entry and <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcosc.2022.757950/full">mail centres</a>.</p>
<p>But it’s a different story within the country, with plenty of movement of wildlife across state borders. </p>
<p>Our research published today <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2023.110040">in the journal Biological Conservation</a> uncovers the surprising scale and diversity of the domestic online pet trade in Australia. Threatened species, invasive pests, banned imports, and animals not yet known to science are all for sale.</p>
<p>Over a 14-week period, prior to the commencement of Australian COVID-19 restrictions, we detected the trade of more than 100,000 individual live animals. This included more than 60,000 separate advertisements and a total of 1,192 species, including 81 threatened species, 667 alien (non-native) species, and 279 species that are not allowed to be imported into Australia.</p>
<p>We hope our results, from the first systematic survey of exotic vertebrate pets (this includes non-domesticated reptiles, amphibians, fish and birds) traded in Australia, will help biosecurity agencies identify high-risk and potentially illegal species.</p>
<h2>What’s the problem with trading exotic pets?</h2>
<p>Unregulated wildlife trade poses serious threats to animal welfare, <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fee.2059">conservation, human health and biosecurity</a>.</p>
<p>As well as the conservation threat of unsustainably harvesting <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/cobi.13978?af=R">live animals from the wild</a>, wildlife trade is a source of novel invasive species and their diseases. When exotic species escape from captivity they can become pests. An infamous example is the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/how-have-invasive-pythons-impacted-florida-ecosystems">Burmese pythons</a> of Everglades National Park in the United States, which continue to eat through the native wildlife at an unparalleled rate.</p>
<p>These issues are not lost on Australian biosecurity and conservation agencies. A recent crackdown on reptile smuggling, establishing additional international protection for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/apr/04/australia-adds-127-reptiles-to-global-treaty-in-crackdown-on-cruel-and-abhorrent-smuggling">127 native species</a>, shows a recognition of the need for more stringent regulation and surveillance. Although low prosecution rates and weak penalties continue to be a <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-02/animal-smuggler-fined-after-native-fauna-found-in-his-car/102040096">barrier to effective enforcement</a>. </p>
<p>Australia goes well beyond its international obligations and prohibits the commercial import of <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/wildlife-trade/live-import-list">most live animals</a>. Yet audits of alien <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0921800915303323">cagebird</a> and <a href="https://www.reabic.net/journals/mbi/2022/2/MBI_2022_Millington_etal.pdf">ornamental fish</a> trades show they are thriving within Australia.</p>
<h2>Booming online trade</h2>
<p>Traditionally, pets have been sold from brick and mortar stores or traded between informal networks of keepers and breeders. But now, thanks to online marketplaces, pet trade has largely shifted to the internet. </p>
<p>E-commerce trading sites reach more potential customers across a wider area than previously possible. They also offer a degree of anonymity, meaning that <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/science.ade0843">blatantly illegal activity</a> can sometimes occur openly on websites and social media platforms.</p>
<p>To investigate if this was also happening in Australia, we identified 12 of the most prominent online platforms that sold exotic pets. We were able to rapidly monitor thousands of daily advertisements using an automated tool known as <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/cobi.13675">webscraping</a>.</p>
<p>To our surprise and alarm, 56% of the trade involved alien species (over 600 species in total). Many of these are illegal to import into Australia or are known to be invasive overseas.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/what-risks-could-pet-hamsters-and-gerbils-pose-in-australia-192718">What risks could pet hamsters and gerbils pose in Australia?</a>
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<h2>Not everything is clearly illegal</h2>
<p>But these are not all clear-cut examples of illegal activity. The reality is more ambiguous: Australia’s import ban of most animals only came into effect in the early 1980s. So some exotic pets may have arrived in Australia before the ban and have been bred in captivity ever since. </p>
<p>This provides an element of plausible deniability. Traders can declare their animals to be captive-bred within Australia, even if some have been smuggled into the country at a later stage. We found this issue was especially prominent for ornamental fish, with 279 illegal-to-import species being traded in an unregulated manner.</p>
<p>What’s worse is some traders are specialising in animals that are not yet known to science, meaning they haven’t been formally classified, named or described. The presence of undescribed species in Australia, mostly freshwater catfish and African cichlids, can only be explained by illegal smuggling or the exploitation of trade loopholes. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/521801/original/file-20230419-14-38q2nq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Two brightly coloured flowerhorn cichlid fish face each other, against a green leafy background" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/521801/original/file-20230419-14-38q2nq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/521801/original/file-20230419-14-38q2nq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521801/original/file-20230419-14-38q2nq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521801/original/file-20230419-14-38q2nq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521801/original/file-20230419-14-38q2nq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521801/original/file-20230419-14-38q2nq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521801/original/file-20230419-14-38q2nq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">The flowerhorn cichlid is a multi-species hybrid – an example of a pet fish that is difficult to classify. Traders use pseudo-taxonomic units.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/flowerhorn-cichlid-fish-508236964">Independent birds/Shutterstock</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Is greater oversight needed?</h2>
<p>It is clear Australia’s exotic pet trade is far more prevalent and less regulated than previously understood. Some researchers call for e-commerce platforms such as Facebook to take greater responsibility by <a href="https://www.counteringcrime.org/wildlife-sales-on-facebook">policing wildlife trade</a>. This would reduce opportunities for non-compliant activity occurring on their sites. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, was <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/science.ade0843">recently fined</a> for failing to remove illegal trade.</p>
<p>Regardless of how future trade is managed, we are now left with the question of how to deal with thousands of live animals already present that should never have been brought to Australia.</p>
<p>The immediate prohibition of these pets is not feasible. The social licence to euthanise so many animals does not exist and there are no facilities large enough to house them all. Bans, when ineffectively communicated and enforced, can also <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/194008291200500302">bolster illegal trade and organised crime</a>. </p>
<p>Permit systems are sometimes used to regulate native pets. A permit is harder to acquire if the species in question poses a greater threat. <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1365-2664.14138">Recent evidence</a> shows that this can reduce the number of captive animals, and potentially fewer escapees.</p>
<p>Whether such systems can be introduced for these problematic alien species remains to be seen, but new approaches are urgently needed if Australia is to tackle its pet trade problem.</p>
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<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/big-tech-regulators-and-conservationists-must-unite-to-tackle-online-wildlife-trade-173431">Big tech, regulators and conservationists must unite to tackle online wildlife trade</a>
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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/203354/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Adam Toomes receives funding from The Australian Research Council, and previously from the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Phill Cassey receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions.</span></em></p>Trade in exotic pets online is far more prevalent and diverse than previously thought. Threatened species, invasive species and banned imports are all for sale.Adam Toomes, Ph.D. student at the Invasion Science & Wildlife Ecology Group, University of AdelaidePhill Cassey, Head, Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of AdelaideLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2010562023-03-16T14:47:46Z2023-03-16T14:47:46ZBird flu: Nigeria is on major migratory bird routes, new strains keep appearing<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/514989/original/file-20230313-28-msyt5e.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C2464%2C1648&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Nigeria has to step up biosecurity measures to check frequent bird flu outbreaks. </span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/dozens-of-birds-are-carried-in-wheel-barrows-to-a-dump-site-news-photo/1211936110?phrase=bird%20flu%20in%20nigeria&adppopup=true">Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP via Getty Images</a></span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral infection of birds, commonly called “bird flu”, which has been recurring in Nigeria <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/nigeria-has-africas-first-h5n1-bird-flu-outbreak">since 2006</a>. It has <a href="https://www.one-health.panafrican-med-journal.com/content/article/2/16/full/">resulted in</a> the loss of millions of birds and income for people who rely on the poultry industry. Nigeria is currently grappling with another outbreak which <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/poultry.htm">started in 2021</a>.</em> </p>
<p><em>The Conversation Africa asked Clement Meseko, a virologist and expert on animal influenza, to explain the disease’s re-occurrences.</em></p>
<hr>
<h2>What is bird flu? How does it spread? Is it dangerous to humans?</h2>
<p>Bird flu is scientifically known as avian influenza and the pathogenic form as highly pathogenic avian influenza. It is <a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-25385-1_17">a disease in birds</a> (specifically poultry) caused by an influenza virus. It is highly pathogenic, meaning it causes tissue and organ damage in the host, and can kill <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20591211/">more than 75%</a> of the infected flock.</p>
<p>Waterfowls like ducks are natural reservoirs of the disease. They can harbour avian flu without <a href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/nvj/article/view/178945">showing any symptoms</a>. Many waterfowls and other wild birds are migratory, moving across and between continents – this brings them into contact with resident birds and domestic poultry. Their body secretions and excretions may contain virus that can then infect other birds and poultry.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/nvj/article/view/68949">The symptoms</a> in infected poultry include sudden death, respiratory distress, cough and haemorrhages in tissue and organs. Other animals, including pigs, horses and dogs can also be infected – and so can humans. In fact, it is zoonotic and therefore <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-24371-6">can be fatal</a> for humans too. Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus infections have infected <a href="https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/wpro---documents/emergency/surveillance/avian-influenza/ai_20230224.pdf?sfvrsn=5f006f99_111">more than</a> 880 people with about 50% case fatality globally. </p>
<p>The virus also has the capacity to cause a pandemic: an influenza virus of avian origin, but not the currently circulating strain, caused the 1918 pandemic that ultimately <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/1918-commemoration/1918-pandemic-history.htm">killed about 50 million people</a> – worse than the current <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2023.1145235/full">COVID-19 pandemic </a>.</p>
<h2>How many outbreaks have there been in Nigeria since 2006?</h2>
<p>Nigeria’s first outbreak of bird flu was confirmed in January 2006, the <a href="https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/ese.13.42.19007-en?crawler=true">first epidemic in poultry in Africa</a>. It killed millions of birds and millions more were culled to contain its spread. The economic and livelihood loss was huge as the disease spread all over the country with 100% mortality in many cases.
The estimate of the <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320419066_Economic_Losses_and_Implications_of_Highly_Pathogenic_Avian_Influenza_HPAI_H5N1_Resurgence_in_Nigeria">economic cost</a> of bird flu outbreak in Nigeria was over nine billion Nigerian naira (about
US$32 million) – with people losing investment, livelihood and jobs.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/515817/original/file-20230316-28-qkc7jr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/515817/original/file-20230316-28-qkc7jr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/515817/original/file-20230316-28-qkc7jr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/515817/original/file-20230316-28-qkc7jr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/515817/original/file-20230316-28-qkc7jr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=504&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/515817/original/file-20230316-28-qkc7jr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=504&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/515817/original/file-20230316-28-qkc7jr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=504&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">Dead birds are gathered in a dump for burning in Kano 11 February, 2006.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Pius Utomi EkpeiAFP via Getty Images</span></span>
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</figure>
<p>The disease was brought under control by 2008 thanks to stringent biosecurity measures like depopulation (culling), decontamination and control of poultry movement. In 2015 <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4480409/">another strain</a> emerged in Nigeria. Since then, new strains <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/tbed.14000">keep appearing</a>. </p>
<p>Live bird markets, common across Nigeria, are the main points of spread of bird flu while wetlands are the points of initial transmissions. Local waterfowls and other birds that may harbour avian flu come into contact with other bird species and with people. In 2006, <a href="https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/ese.13.42.19007-en?crawler=true/">312 cases</a> and in 2015, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4480409/">256 outbreaks</a> of highly pathogenic avian influenza were recorded.</p>
<h2>What should Nigeria be doing differently?</h2>
<p>The disease may become endemic in Nigeria if circulation continuous and detection of the same strain is established. If a disease is constantly circulating in reservoir hosts it will lead to spill over to poultry and humans. </p>
<p>If that’s the case, biosecurity measures must be stepped up. For instance, the government may consider other measures in addition to biosecurity. This may include controlled and regulated vaccination. There are vaccines. They have been <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24026475/">used in</a> Egypt, China, Indonesia with a mixture of failure and success. Vaccines only reduce the impact of the disease but do not prevent infection or re-infection.</p>
<p>Those in the agricultural sector also need to introduce effective control measures at live bird markets and in the way poultry is traded more broadly. Measures would include restructuring the live bird markets, discouraging the mixing of species, the introduction of plastic cages and crates that can be easily cleaned and disinfected. Frequent cleaning, disinfection and decontamination of live bird market environments is very important for disease containment.</p>
<h2>You’ve described as Nigeria was an “ecological sink” for such viruses. Please explain</h2>
<p>In the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-13287-y">research</a> that examined the outbreak of the 2015-2016 bird flu, we found that west Africa was the epicentre of the virus that was later found in other sub-Saharan African regions – the central, eastern and southern African countries. In particular, within west Africa, Nigeria was the most important point of virus introduction and a central hub in the virus spread. </p>
<p>Bird flu is mostly introduced into Nigeria through the presence and activities of wild birds. For instance, in the 2015-2016 outbreak <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-13287-y">we identified</a> four virus introductions into Nigeria likely from east Europe.</p>
<p>These birds travel across continents and countries through multiple international migratory routes, in much the same way that airlines move across the world on designated routes. Three major wild bird migratory routes from Asia and Europe transverse Nigeria. That’s good news for biodiversity but bad news for disease control.</p>
<p>Bird watchers and ornithologists <a href="https://www.environewsnigeria.com/how-bird-migrated-from-germany-to-nigeria-in-122-days/">have found</a> that migratory birds from Europe move into Nigeria every year during the cold harmattan season (November - February). This is the peak time for avian flu outbreaks. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-13287-y">Nigeria is</a> the most affected African country in terms of the frequency and burden of avian flu. This makes it the destination “sink” of the strains that may be circulating in Europe at any given time. </p>
<p>Because we can’t change birds’ routes or habits, it would be up to Nigerian authorities to make sure it keeps its local birds and people as safe as possible. This would include surveillance of wild birds at wetlands and the monitoring of viral infections. Early detection is vital for early warning, risk analysis and control of infection.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/201056/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Clement Meseko receives funding from National Veterinary Research Institute. He is affiliated with OIE/FAO (OFFLU) Expert Working Group on Animal Influenza.</span></em></p>Bird flu has been recurring in Africa since 2006 and Nigeria is heavily affected. High-level biosecurity measures are required to keep people and animals safe.Clement Meseko, Veterinarian & Virologist, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, JosLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1927182022-12-28T21:09:44Z2022-12-28T21:09:44ZWhat risks could pet hamsters and gerbils pose in Australia?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/490236/original/file-20221017-15511-yw50nu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=8%2C0%2C5742%2C3828&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Kids on TV and in movies always seem to be keeping hamsters and gerbils as pets. They’re small, look cute, and don’t need to be taken for a walk. So why don’t we all have hamsters and gerbils as pets in Australia?</p>
<p>The answer: biosecurity and biodiversity.</p>
<p>Gerbils are <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/wildlife-trade/live-import-list">not allowed</a> to be imported into Australia for any purpose. And while certain hamsters can technically be imported live, this is only strictly for tightly controlled <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/wildlife-trade/live-import-list">research purposes</a>. </p>
<p>Here’s what you need to know about why hamsters and gerbils could pose a biosecurity and biodiversity risk in Australia.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/490233/original/file-20221017-19222-yw50nu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C1920%2C1276&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A hamster eats some broccoli." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/490233/original/file-20221017-19222-yw50nu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C1920%2C1276&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/490233/original/file-20221017-19222-yw50nu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/490233/original/file-20221017-19222-yw50nu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/490233/original/file-20221017-19222-yw50nu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/490233/original/file-20221017-19222-yw50nu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/490233/original/file-20221017-19222-yw50nu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/490233/original/file-20221017-19222-yw50nu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Hamsters: cute but risky.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://pixabay.com/photos/cute-small-portrait-golden-hamster-3161014/">Image by mordilla-net from Pixabay</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-avian-flu-the-disease-afflicting-viral-tiktok-emu-emmanuel-192600">What is avian flu, the disease afflicting viral TikTok emu Emmanuel?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
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<h2>Ready to reproduce early, multiple litters a year</h2>
<p>Hamsters and gerbils threaten not just native Australian animals, but also plants and broader ecosystems. </p>
<p>Hamsters and gerbils originate from <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4460937/">arid and semi-arid</a> environments, to which they are well adapted.</p>
<p>Considering roughly 70% of Australia is <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/land/rangelands#:%7E:text=Australia%20is%20the%20driest%20inhabited,average%20rainfall%20between%20250%2D350mm.">arid or semi-arid</a> land, hamsters and gerbils could survive and become a pest in the wild. </p>
<p>One <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1749-4877.12394">study</a> found hamsters can also successfully establish populations in and around cities, adapting quickly to urban environments. Only a few animals need to escape into the wild, survive and breed for a small problem to turn into a very big one.</p>
<p>That’s because hamsters can reach reproductive maturity quite early, at about <a href="https://www.research.uky.edu/uploads/biology-and-husbandry-hamsters#:%7E:text=usually%20bred%20until%2010%2D14,6%2D10%20weeks%20of%20age.">one month old</a>. They can produce up to <a href="https://www.msdvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rodents/hamsters">five litters</a> a year, and each litter can have <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5121935/">more than ten</a> pups.</p>
<p>Gerbils reach reproductive maturity at just a <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269179937_Sexual_maturation_of_the_Mongolian_gerbil_Meriones_unguiculatus_A_histological_hormonal_and_spermatic_evaluation">few months old</a>, can have up to eight pups in a litter and, as one veterinary <a href="https://www.msdvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/gerbils/breeding-and-reproduction-of-gerbils#:%7E:text=Pregnancy%20lasts%20about%2024%20days,after%20the%20female%20gives%20birth.">manual</a> put it, “begin mating again almost immediately after the female gives birth”.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/490235/original/file-20221017-15359-uqr2y3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A gerbil sits among some sawdust." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/490235/original/file-20221017-15359-uqr2y3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/490235/original/file-20221017-15359-uqr2y3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/490235/original/file-20221017-15359-uqr2y3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/490235/original/file-20221017-15359-uqr2y3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/490235/original/file-20221017-15359-uqr2y3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/490235/original/file-20221017-15359-uqr2y3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/490235/original/file-20221017-15359-uqr2y3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Gerbils ‘begin mating again almost immediately after the female gives birth’.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://pixabay.com/photos/gerbil-rodent-971529/">Image by Heiko Stein from Pixabay</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>A risk to ecosystems</h2>
<p>If they are released or escape into the wild, hamsters and gerbils would compete with our native rodents for the same food resources.</p>
<p>They could also pose a risk of <a href="https://www.vetexotic.theclinics.com/article/S1094-9194(11)00008-9/fulltext">disease</a> introduction, with both being a significant risk to the survival of our native animals.</p>
<p>Australia has many native rodent species that have been here for millions of years. They are diverse and ecologically important, and represent approximately <a href="https://australian.museum/learn/australia-over-time/extinct-animals/pseudomys-vandycki/#:%7E:text=Rodents%2C%20Australia's%20only%20native%20terrestrial,Cainozoic%20rodent%20described%20from%20Australia.">a quarter</a> of all species of Australian mammals.</p>
<p>However, in the past 200 years there has been a significant decline in the number of species, with many becoming <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0130626">extinct</a>. Our native rodents are, in fact, among our <a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicthreatenedlist.pl">most threatened groups</a> of native mammals.</p>
<p>If hamsters and gerbils became established in the wild in Australia, the consequences could be very significant. </p>
<p>So Australia considers the overall risk to be too high, and importation of these animals as pets is <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/wildlife-trade/live-import-list">not allowed</a>. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/490234/original/file-20221017-15212-d1c8dh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A hamster clasps his tiny hands together." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/490234/original/file-20221017-15212-d1c8dh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/490234/original/file-20221017-15212-d1c8dh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/490234/original/file-20221017-15212-d1c8dh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/490234/original/file-20221017-15212-d1c8dh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/490234/original/file-20221017-15212-d1c8dh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/490234/original/file-20221017-15212-d1c8dh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/490234/original/file-20221017-15212-d1c8dh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Importation of the Golden or Syrian Hamster for research purposes is allowed, but this requires a permit.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://pixabay.com/photos/hamster-syrian-hamster-5490235/">Image by Derek Sewell from Pixabay</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Importation of the Golden or Syrian hamster for research purposes is allowed, but this requires a permit and the animals must be kept in high-security facilities. Gerbils and hamsters have been used in <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/01926233211072767">scientific research</a> for a long time (and more recently as <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8794466/">animal models</a> to study COVID-19).</p>
<p>The Australian government’s <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/wildlife-trade/live-import-list">Live Import List</a>, which shows the plant and animals allowed to be imported live into Australia, is reviewed regularly, and a lot of work goes into assessing the risks to Australia from exotic species. </p>
<p>These risks are weighed against the potential economic and social benefits of those species and a decision is made to protect Australia’s environment and agriculture, which are unique in the world. </p>
<p>These safeguards are part of Australia’s biosecurity system. </p>
<p>By supporting this system through small actions, like accepting that we can’t always have any pet species we might like, we are each doing our part to protect Australia’s environment, economy and way of life.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/tiny-tracks-tell-of-ancient-paths-made-by-gerbils-and-spiders-on-south-africas-south-coast-179382">Tiny tracks tell of ancient paths made by gerbils and spiders on South Africa's south coast</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/192718/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Marta Hernandez-Jover receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Rural Research and Development Corporations</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Andrew Peters is affiliated with the Wildlife Disease Association and was previously a Management Committee member and Deputy Chair of Wildlife Health Australia.</span></em></p>Hamsters and gerbils could threaten not just native Australian animals, but also plants and broader ecosystems.Marta Hernandez-Jover, Professor in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health, Charles Sturt UniversityAndrew Peters, Associate Professor of Wildlife Health and Pathology, Charles Sturt UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1926462022-11-27T07:28:46Z2022-11-27T07:28:46ZChickens from live poultry markets in Nigeria could be bad for your health - scientists explain why<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/493605/original/file-20221104-23-49042z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C4000%2C2670&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Antimicrobial use in poultry is threatening the health of consumers in Nigeria.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/chickens-standing-on-passenger-seaters-arrive-in-lagos-from-news-photo/459284175?phrase=poultry%20farm%20in%20nigeria&adppopup=true">Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP via Getty Images</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Many livestock farmers treat their animals with antimicrobial medications. These are drugs that target bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. But using them the wrong way can have unwanted results. Animals are known to develop resistance to the drugs. This resistance has knock-on effects on animal and human health.</p>
<p>We wanted to find out whether this was likely to be a problem in Nigeria’s poultry markets, where live birds are sold. </p>
<p>Multidrug resistance in live chickens is a huge concern to public health globally. When resistance develops, drugs become less effective against the disease they are designed to kill. Resistance can spread to and develop in people too, if they eat food carrying multidrug resistant bacteria. The consequence could be that treatment for a disease fails, or an infection recurs. The result might be a longer stay in hospital and <a href="https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ipid/2014/541340/">higher costs for treatment</a>.</p>
<p>The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that antimicrobial resistance has the potential to be the next pandemic. Each year, over 700,000 people die of antimicrobial resistance – slightly over the number of global deaths related to <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids">HIV</a> deaths in 2021 or <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria">malaria</a> in 2020. It’s been estimated that antimicrobial resistance causes more than <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35065702/">27.3 deaths per 100,000 population</a> in sub-sahara Africa. </p>
<p><a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-50672-8_43">Our research</a> looked at the way poultry vendors used antimicrobials and what hygiene measures they took to prevent diseases in their chickens. The research took place in poultry markets in south-west Nigeria. We also set out to establish the presence of multidrug resistant <em>Eschericia coli</em> (<em>E. coli</em>) in live chickens from the markets. <em>E. coli</em> is a common bacteria found in chickens and their environment. </p>
<p>Five of the markets we visited were registered and three were unregistered. They all operated much the same. </p>
<p>We found that antimicrobial use and hygiene practices were poor among chicken vendors in the markets we studied. Vendors gave antimicrobials to both sick and healthy chickens, without veterinarians’ prescriptions. Vendors also treated chickens with drugs intended for humans – particularly antibiotics such as tetracycline and chloramphenicol – which they purchased from pharmacies. These practices may have a detrimental effect on the effectiveness of antibiotics for treating bacterial infections in humans.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="Woman pays money to chicken seller in chicken market. Photo by: Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/493606/original/file-20221104-17-spqo8n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/493606/original/file-20221104-17-spqo8n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/493606/original/file-20221104-17-spqo8n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/493606/original/file-20221104-17-spqo8n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/493606/original/file-20221104-17-spqo8n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=504&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/493606/original/file-20221104-17-spqo8n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=504&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/493606/original/file-20221104-17-spqo8n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=504&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Poultry vendors give antimicrobials to both sick and healthy chickens - increasing the risk of multidrug resistance.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/fowl-merchant-collects-money-from-a-buyer-at-onipanu-fowl-news-photo/73171452?phrase=poultry%20market%20in%20nigeria&adppopup=true">from www.gettyimages.com</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Our analysis revealed that 56.3% of faecal samples collected from chickens contained <em>E. coli</em> that were multidrug resistant. We also found extremely high levels of the bacteria were resistant particularly to ceftazidime and imipenem. The WHO classifies these drugs as last resort medicines. They are critically important antimicrobials in human medicine because there are few other options to try if they no longer work. Without options, more lives may be lost to antimicrobial resistance. </p>
<h2>Antimicrobial resistance: a public health risk</h2>
<p>Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem. But low- and middle-income countries including Nigeria are particularly at risk. Their national health systems are often ill-prepared to address the complex causes and complications associated with infections resistant to antimicrobials. The treatment of livestock is poorly managed and may be contributing to the antimicrobial resistance crisis in animals and humans in the country.</p>
<p>To reduce the overuse of antimicrobials in poultry and other livestock, vendors and other stakeholders in the poultry value chain will need better training. Interventions like educational programmes are necessary. The aim would be to encourage responsible use of antimicrobials, to protect the health of animals and humans.</p>
<p>In addition, animal health professionals must assist in developing good policies for antimicrobial use. Livestock owners should ideally consult veterinarians to develop an animal health plan, and should get prescriptions before treating their animals. More trained veterinarians will be required if this is to be achieved.</p>
<p>The government must establish systems and national centres for routine surveillance of antimicrobial use and resistance. </p>
<p>Finally, the national action plan on antimicrobials must consider improved integrated surveillance and diagnostic capacities. Previous surveys in Nigeria have already made <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7238560/">recommendations</a> on keeping drug use in check; their guidance can be considered. </p>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/495142/original/file-20221114-14-tj942p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="chickens locked up in two big cages in a market" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/495142/original/file-20221114-14-tj942p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/495142/original/file-20221114-14-tj942p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495142/original/file-20221114-14-tj942p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495142/original/file-20221114-14-tj942p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495142/original/file-20221114-14-tj942p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495142/original/file-20221114-14-tj942p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495142/original/file-20221114-14-tj942p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Poultry vendors want markets to be more organised and better structured to meet international standards. Photo by: Oluwawemimo Adebowale.</span>
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</figure>
<p>Poultry vendors in our study want the government to close unregistered live bird markets. After the first outbreak of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2681125/">avian influenza in 2006</a> the government made it compulsory to register poultry farms and live chicken markets. This was to ensure efficient surveillance and early detection of poultry diseases, and accessibility to government interventions. If vendors can consult veterinarians more easily, they are likely to use drugs in a more discriminating way. And registered markets get prompt veterinary responses and services when there are disease outbreaks.</p>
<p>Vendors also want live chicken markets to be more organised and have access to standardised and documented guidelines for hygiene and operations. They want satisfactory processing facilities, and basic amenities to assist them to produce quality chicken products. Amenities like electricity, potable water, good drainage and roads are all lacking in most live chicken markets in Nigeria.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/192646/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Oluwawemimo Adebowale does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Indiscriminate antimicrobial use in Nigeria’s poultry value chain is putting people at risk of developing resistance to medicines.Oluwawemimo Adebowale, Researcher in Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine,, Federal University of Agriculture, AbeokutaLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1933842022-10-28T01:41:02Z2022-10-28T01:41:02ZCruise ships are back and carrying COVID. No, it’s not 2020. But here’s what needs to happen next<p>Cruise ships carrying passengers with COVID are back in the news. The Coral Princess, with an unconfirmed number of people testing positive on board, is <a href="https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7959796/virus-infected-cruise-ship-to-dock-in-wa/">set to dock</a> at Fremantle, Western Australia. The Quantum of The Seas, with passengers reportedly testing positive, <a href="https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1585194230825246721">is heading for</a> Brisbane. There have been similar situations at other ports in <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/477429/cruise-ship-with-covid-19-cases-failed-to-follow-current-isolation-guidelines">New Zealand</a> and <a href="https://www.cruiselawnews.com/2022/10/articles/disease/covid-cruise-ships-return-down-under-with-hundreds-of-infected-guests/">the Pacific</a>.</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1585194230825246721"}"></div></p>
<p>But this isn’t 2020. The cruise ship industry and health authorities have learned much from large outbreaks linked to the Ruby Princess and Diamond Princess cruise ships early in the pandemic.</p>
<p>Yet, there’s even more we can do to limit the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID) spreading from cruise ships to communities on land.</p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/fleas-to-flu-to-coronavirus-how-death-ships-spread-disease-through-the-ages-137061">Fleas to flu to coronavirus: how 'death ships' spread disease through the ages</a>
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<h2>Why are we worried about cruise ships?</h2>
<p>Cruise ships can have epidemics of a variety of infectious diseases, <a href="https://theconversation.com/cruise-ships-can-be-floating-petri-dishes-of-gastro-bugs-6-ways-to-stay-healthy-at-sea-this-summer-126351">not just COVID</a>, facilitated by large numbers of people in close proximity, especially during indoor social activities.</p>
<p>We know SARS-CoV-2 is spread mainly by <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-pressure-is-on-for-australia-to-accept-the-coronavirus-really-can-spread-in-the-air-we-breathe-160641">inhaling contaminated air</a>, so indoor activities may pose a risk if ventilation is poor.</p>
<p>Cruises typically last at least a week, which covers the incubation period for infections such as influenza and COVID. So all it takes is for one infected person to be on the ship to set off an epidemic.</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1584959572342878208"}"></div></p>
<p>Staff stay on ships much longer than passengers, and can continue to infect new passengers, perpetuating a cycle of outbreaks. </p>
<p>But <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-020-0869-5#Fig1">almost half</a> of infections are transmitted asymptomatically. So, without testing everyone on board (before they board and during outbreaks), infectious people can board a ship without being aware they are infected and cause an epidemic. Infected staff can also infect new passengers, and passengers can infect communities they visit on land.</p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/cruise-ships-are-coming-back-to-nz-waters-should-we-really-be-welcoming-them-188974">Cruise ships are coming back to NZ waters – should we really be welcoming them?</a>
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</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>What happened with cruise ships and COVID in 2020?</h2>
<p>Early in the pandemic, large outbreaks on ships, such as the <a href="https://theconversation.com/yes-australians-on-board-the-diamond-princess-need-to-go-into-quarantine-again-its-time-to-reset-the-clock-131906">Diamond Princess</a> made the headlines. Some 634 of 3,711 (17%) people on board <a href="https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2020.25.10.2000180">tested positive</a> for COVID. The ship was quarantined for two weeks. </p>
<p>An <a href="https://elifesciences.org/articles/58699?utm_source=content_alert&utm_medium=email&utm_content=fulltext&utm_campaign=26-August-20-elife-alert">estimated 69%</a> of transmissions on board were transmitted asymptomatically.</p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/yes-australians-on-board-the-diamond-princess-need-to-go-into-quarantine-again-its-time-to-reset-the-clock-131906">Yes, Australians on board the Diamond Princess need to go into quarantine again. It's time to reset the clock</a>
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</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>The Ruby Princess had a COVID outbreak in March 2020 with <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-12/nsw-ruby-princess-class-action-trial-covid-19-testing-sydney/101527156">around 700 cases</a>. Yet health authorities allowed passengers to disembark in Sydney without testing, who then dispersed around the country at a time we had no vaccines. </p>
<p>Our research <a href="http://www.ijtmgh.com/article_119534_550421b9e1139603f85c3fc9af97d25a.pdf">showed</a> this resulted in growing community clusters for weeks afterwards.</p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/ruby-princess-inquiry-blames-nsw-health-officials-for-debacle-144512">Ruby Princess inquiry blames NSW health officials for debacle</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>But it’s not 2020</h2>
<p>We now have vaccines. But vaccination rates vary globally (and cruise passengers are often from many countries). Some vaccines are <a href="https://pmj.bmj.com/content/postgradmedj/98/1159/389.full.pdf">less effective than others</a>, not everyone is up-to-date with their <a href="https://theconversation.com/millions-of-australians-still-havent-had-their-covid-boosters-what-message-could-convince-them-now-190482">booster shots</a>, <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/377/bmj-2022-071113">vaccine immunity wanes</a> (even after having a booster), and current vaccines are generally <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-in-protection-against-omicron-between-2-doses-and-3-doses-of-vaccine-176447">less-effective</a> against currently circulating Omicron subvariants.</p>
<p>This means people can be infected and infectious despite being vaccinated.</p>
<p>Many of us have also had COVID, especially in 2022. But our immunity following infection (whether or not we’re also up to date with our vaccines) wanes too. People who were infected with older variants may also have a <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abq1841">dampened immune response to Omicron</a>, which means limited protection.</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1575705478461419520"}"></div></p>
<p>Cruise ships and health authorities have also tightened up their COVID protocols. </p>
<p>The New South Wales government, for instance, publishes on its website <a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/travel/cruising-rules">the COVID risk</a> of in-coming vessels. It places ships in one of three categories according to a number of factors, including the number of COVID cases on board.</p>
<p>Cruise ships also have <a href="https://cruisepassenger.com.au/news/coral-princess-covid-outbreak/">strict protocols</a> for controlling and managing outbreaks. This includes masks for close contacts, mandatory isolation for infected passengers for five days, and testing of anyone with symptoms.</p>
<p>The problem is that transmission can continue because of asymptomatic infections. The ship may need medical evacuations or assistance for severely ill people. There is also the problem of infection being transmitted to communities on shore after people without symptoms disembark.</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1585389753591279616"}"></div></p>
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<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/what-the-let-it-rip-covid-strategy-has-meant-for-indigenous-and-other-immune-compromised-communities-176664">What the 'let it rip' COVID strategy has meant for Indigenous and other immune-compromised communities</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>We can do more</h2>
<p>People disembarking and unknowingly spreading the virus is especially a problem for small towns.</p>
<p>The itinerary of the Coral Princess, which has since been modified, included the Western Australian towns of Broome and Geraldton, both of which have large Aboriginal communities, and other towns, such as Albany and Busselton. </p>
<p>Small towns may not have a hospital, may have limited access to health care, and would not have capacity to deal with many severely ill patients. Capacity for medical evacuations are also limited.</p>
<p>In the map below, we can see how hospitals are distributed in rural areas around Broome. Most hospitals are near Perth and the southwest coast. Broome has one hospital with about 40 beds. Large hospitals in Perth and Darwin are about 2,000 kilometres away, which would be the destinations for medical evacuations of severely ill patients.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Map showing distribution of hospitals in Western Australia" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=849&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=849&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=849&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1067&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1067&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1067&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Most major hospitals are near Perth, which is about 2,000 kilometres from Broome.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Samsung Lim, author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>So it’s important to monitor for outbreaks in Broome after the Coral Princess docked there this week, and ensure availability of testing to enable early intervention (such as antiviral drugs) to control outbreaks.</p>
<p>Cruises with outbreaks on board should ideally <a href="https://ozsage.org/working_group/regional-rural-and-remote/">avoid</a> small towns or remote locations with limited health services or vulnerable populations, as the impacts on these communities may be much greater than in a large city. </p>
<p>Visiting small towns during an on-board epidemic <a href="https://ozsage.org/media_releases/ozsage-position-statement-cruise-ship-epidemic-and-risk-to-small-towns-in-western-australia/">would be safer</a> if everyone who disembarks is tested first, is negative, and wears a mask on shore.</p>
<h2>What else could we do?</h2>
<p>The cruising industry has acknowledged the reality of COVID being a continuing threat. This could be improved by recognising the role of asymptomatic transmission in testing policies.</p>
<p>For instance, all passengers and crew should have a negative rapid antigen test at the start of the cruise, and during an outbreak. All close contacts and all disembarking passengers should be tested for COVID, regardless of symptoms. The cost of testing would be much less than the lost costs of large epidemics.</p>
<p>During a cruise epidemic, companies also need to consider the locations being visited, how much COVID is already present there (some remote towns have very little COVID) and available health-care systems for locals.</p>
<p>Rapid use of antivirals may also help to control epidemics on board as these allow passengers testing positive to <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(22)00644-2/fulltext">clear the virus faster</a>.</p>
<p>The aviation industry <a href="https://www.ashrae.org/file%20library/technical%20resources/covid-19/12-19_walkinshaw.pdf">does well</a> in providing safe air in-flight. The cruise industry has also started <a href="https://www.cruisecritic.com.au/articles.cfm?ID=5474">changing ventilation</a> to add fresh air instead of recirculated air indoors.</p>
<p>But there is still some way to go before we can say the threat of COVID is over, on-board or on land.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/193384/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>C Raina MacIntyre currently receives funding from NHMRC, MRFF and Sanofi for nvestigator driven research.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Samsung Lim receives funding from Medical Research Future Fund, Department of Health.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Ashley Quigley does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>We’ve learned much from large COVID outbreaks linked to the Ruby Princess and Diamond Princess cruise ships early in the pandemic. But there’s still some way to go.C Raina MacIntyre, Professor of Global Biosecurity, NHMRC Principal Research Fellow, Head, Biosecurity Program, Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneyAshley Quigley, Research Assistant, UNSW SydneySamsung Lim, Associate Professor, Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1897792022-09-22T20:17:46Z2022-09-22T20:17:46ZLizard in your luggage? We’re using artificial intelligence to detect wildlife trafficking<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/485460/original/file-20220920-19827-399kqy.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C2947%2C1967&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">A scanned lace monitor lizard (_Varanus varius_) image produced by using new technology.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Rapiscan Systems</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Blue-tongue lizards and sulphur-crested cockatoos are among the native animals <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/apr/04/australia-adds-127-reptiles-to-global-treaty-in-crackdown-on-cruel-and-abhorrent-smuggling">frequently smuggled</a> overseas. </p>
<p>While the number of live animals seized by the Australian Government has <a href="https://taronga.org.au/donate/illegal-wildlife-trade-appeal">tripled since 2017</a>, the full scale of the problem eludes us as authorities don’t often know where and how wildlife is trafficked. Now, we can add a new technology to Australia’s arsenal against this cruel and inhumane industry. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcosc.2022.757950/abstract">Our research</a>, published today, shows the potential for new technology to detect illegal wildlife in luggage or mail. This technology uses artificial intelligence to recognise the shapes of animals when scanned at international frontlines such as airports and mail centres. </p>
<p>Exotic species are also smuggled <em>into</em> the country, such as snakes, turtles and fish. This could disrupt Australia’s multi-billion dollar agricultural industries by introducing pests and diseases, and could also threaten fragile native ecosystems. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/485227/original/file-20220919-53681-ok1pe7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C36%2C4096%2C2685&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/485227/original/file-20220919-53681-ok1pe7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C36%2C4096%2C2685&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/485227/original/file-20220919-53681-ok1pe7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/485227/original/file-20220919-53681-ok1pe7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/485227/original/file-20220919-53681-ok1pe7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/485227/original/file-20220919-53681-ok1pe7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/485227/original/file-20220919-53681-ok1pe7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/485227/original/file-20220919-53681-ok1pe7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Shingleback lizards are one of Australia’s most trafficked animals.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>An animal welfare problem</h2>
<p>Wildlife trafficking is driven by several factors, including purported medicinal purposes, animals having ornamental value or for the <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1365-2664.14138">illegal pet trade</a>.</p>
<p>It can have fatal consequences, as it usually involves transporting individual animals in tight or cramped environments. This often results in the animals becoming stressed, dehydrated and dying.</p>
<p>Some people have even tried to use <a href="https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/media/pressrel/7859664/upload_binary/7859664.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22media/pressrel/7859664%22">chip packets</a> to smuggle Australian wildlife. </p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/conservation-activists-suing-indonesian-zoo-could-inspire-global-action-on-endangered-species-trade-161048">Conservation activists suing Indonesian zoo could inspire global action on endangered species trade</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p><a href="https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/crime-news/2021/02/21/lizard-smuggler-sentenced-nsw/">Traffickers often transport several individuals</a> in one go, in the hope one animal makes it alive. </p>
<p>We don’t know the complete picture of which animals are being trafficked, how they’re trafficked or even when it’s occurring. But examples from seized cases in Australia suggest traffickers highly prize Aussie reptiles and birds. </p>
<p>For example, <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/shingleback-lizard-is-one-of-australias-most-trafficked-animals">shingleback lizards</a>, a type of blue-tongue lizard, are considered one of Australia’s most trafficked species. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/482936/original/file-20220906-20-nr91r0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/482936/original/file-20220906-20-nr91r0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/482936/original/file-20220906-20-nr91r0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/482936/original/file-20220906-20-nr91r0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/482936/original/file-20220906-20-nr91r0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/482936/original/file-20220906-20-nr91r0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/482936/original/file-20220906-20-nr91r0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Just another sulphur-crested cockatoo to you? These Australian birds are exotic in the international pet trade and have been a known victim of illegal wildlife trafficking.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Dr Vanessa Pirotta</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Apart from being cruel and inhumane, wildlife trafficking can also facilitate the introduction of <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/wr/wr18185">alien species</a> into new environments. </p>
<p>This brings significant biosecurity risks. For example, zoonosis (diseases jumping from a non-human animal to a human) involves people handling <a href="https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-live-animals-are-stressed-in-wet-markets-and-stressed-animals-are-more-likely-to-carry-diseases-135479">stressed, wild animals</a>. Exotic species can also disrupt natural ecosystems, as we’ve famously seen with the damage wrought by cane toads in northern Australia. </p>
<p>Unregulated wildlife entering the country may also harbour <a href="https://theconversation.com/to-lock-out-foot-and-mouth-disease-australia-must-help-our-neighbour-countries-bolster-their-biosecurity-188010">new diseases</a> or destructive <a href="https://theconversation.com/hear-me-out-we-could-use-the-varroa-mite-to-wipe-out-feral-honey-bees-and-help-australias-environment-185959">parasites</a>. This could damage agricultural industries and potentially raise the prices of our fruit and vegetables. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/to-lock-out-foot-and-mouth-disease-australia-must-help-our-neighbour-countries-bolster-their-biosecurity-188010">To lock out foot-and-mouth disease, Australia must help our neighbour countries bolster their biosecurity</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Creating an trafficking image library</h2>
<p>Our new research documents a variety of wildlife species, which have been scanned using state-of-the-art technology to help build computer algorithms using “Real Time Tomography”. </p>
<p>Real Time Tomography is an imaging technique that uses a series of x-rays to scan an item (such as a lizard). It then produces a three dimensional image of the animal which, in turn, is used to develop algorithms. For example, mail and luggage can be scanned at the airport and, if wildlife are enclosed, the algorithms will alert operators of their presence.</p>
<p>Our study scanned known species of trafficked Australian animals to create an image reference library. A total of 294 scans from 13 species of lizards, birds and fish were used to develop initial wildlife algorithms, with a detection rate of 82%, and a false alarm rate at just 1.6%. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/482937/original/file-20220906-22-nr91r0.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/482937/original/file-20220906-22-nr91r0.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=798&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/482937/original/file-20220906-22-nr91r0.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=798&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/482937/original/file-20220906-22-nr91r0.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=798&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/482937/original/file-20220906-22-nr91r0.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1003&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/482937/original/file-20220906-22-nr91r0.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1003&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/482937/original/file-20220906-22-nr91r0.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1003&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Wildlife algorithm successfully detecting a shingleback lizard. This is a screenshot from the user interface alerting the operator of a detected shingleback lizard (<em>Tiliqua rugosa</em>) via the green bounding box which has labelled this a lizard.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Pirotta et al. 2022</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This research is the first to document the use of 3D X-ray CT security scan technology for wildlife protection within the peer-reviewed scientific literature. It’s also the first to report results for the detection of reptiles, birds and fish within such scans. </p>
<p>The detection tool is designed to complement existing detection measures of Australian Border Force, biosecurity officers and detection dogs, which remain crucial in our fight against wildlife crime. </p>
<h2>How else are we stopping wildlife trafficking?</h2>
<p>The tools currently helping to detect and restrict wildlife trafficking mainly rely on human detection methods.</p>
<p>This includes <a href="https://www.austrac.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-10/AUSTRAC_IWT%20Guide_October%202020.pdf">cyber-crime investigations</a> or Australian Border Force and biosecurity officers manually searching bags. <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/policy/australia/detector-dogs">Biosecurity detector dogs</a> patrolling airports are also useful, as are smartphone reporting apps such as the <a href="https://taronga.org.au/conservation-and-science/act-for-the-wild/wildlife-witness">Wildlife Witness App</a>.</p>
<p>Also crucial are efforts to dismantle illegal trade networks at the source. This is by understanding and reducing <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.13578">consumer demand</a> for wildlife and wildlife products, providing alternate livelihoods for would-be poachers, and enforcing stronger governance and monitoring. </p>
<p>Seized animals can be used as evidence to identify traffickers, with previous cases resulting in successful prosecution by environmental investigators. For example, a former rugby league player has been <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/most-serious-offending-ex-nrl-player-jailed-for-animal-smuggling-20191018-p53230.html">jailed for four years</a> after getting caught trying to smuggle a variety of animals in and out of Australia.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/elephant-ivory-dna-analysis-offers-clearest-insight-yet-into-illegal-trafficking-networks-177012">Elephant ivory: DNA analysis offers clearest insight yet into illegal trafficking networks</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Continuing the fight</h2>
<p>All these measures help fight wildlife trafficking, but there’s no single solution to predict when and where the events will likely take place.</p>
<p>Wildlife traffickers may adapt their behaviours frequently to avoid being detected. As a result, innovative and adaptive solutions, such as our new technology, are vital to support existing detection techniques. </p>
<p>Any effort to stamp out this terrible activity is a step in the right direction, and the potential for 3D detection enables us to adapt and evolve with how traffickers may change their behaviours. </p>
<hr>
<p><em>We would like to acknowledge Dr Phoebe Meagher from the Taronga Conservation Society Australia for her contribution to this research and article.</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/189779/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Dr Vanessa Pirotta is employed by Rapiscan Systems as the chief scientist for this wildlife research project. This is a collaborative project with the Australian Federal Government (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, previously the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment) and the Taronga Conservation Society Australia. This project receives funding from DAFF.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Dr Justine O'Brien is a research scientist and Manager of Conservation Science at the Taronga Conservation Society Australia. She is an Honorary Associate at the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of NSW. She receives funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Zoo and Aquarium Association Wildlife Conservation Fund, and the Taronga Foundation. </span></em></p>The number of live animals seized by the Australian Government has tripled since 2017, with blue-tongue lizards and sulphur-crested cockatoos frequently captured.Vanessa Pirotta, Postdoctoral Researcher and Wildlife Scientist, Macquarie UniversityJustine O'Brien, Manager of Conservation Science, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, University of Sydney, UNSW SydneyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1880102022-08-11T20:04:22Z2022-08-11T20:04:22ZTo lock out foot-and-mouth disease, Australia must help our neighbour countries bolster their biosecurity<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-foot-and-mouth-disease-why-farmers-fear-apocalyptic-bonfires-of-burning-carcasses-186741">Foot-and-mouth disease</a> now poses a high threat to Australia. This highly contagious livestock virus is sweeping Indonesia – the closest it’s been to Australia <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/about/news/media-releases/media-statement-foot-and-mouth-disease-detected-indonesia">since the 1980s</a>. A large outbreak here could cause decimate the livestock industry and cause <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/biosecurity/biosecurity-economics/fmd-update-of-2013-estimate">A$80 billion</a> in economic damage over the coming decade.</p>
<p>The peril coincides with Australia’s first <a href="https://www.biosecurity.gov.au/about/national-biosecurity-committee/nbs">national biosecurity strategy</a> released by the federal government this week. The plan warns Australia faces “multiple risks, on multiple fronts, at the same time” and cites foot-and-mouth disease as among the emerging challenges.</p>
<p>But the foot-and-mouth outbreak in Indonesia should not come as a surprise. It’s been decades in the making – just the latest consequence of biosecurity shortcomings in the region. </p>
<p>A suite of measures are needed to prevent exotic pests and diseases entering Australia. Crucial to this is being a good neighbour: helping other countries in our region to strengthen their biosecurity efforts.</p>
<h2>Dwindling agriculture aid</h2>
<p>Foot-and-mouth disease is just one of many invasive pests and diseases to have spread internationally, including in Southeast Asia in recent years. </p>
<p>Regrettably, <a href="https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/seasonal-pests-and-diseases/spring/varroa-mite">Varroa mite</a> (which attacks honeybees) and <a href="https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/crop-growing/priority-pest-disease/fall-armyworm">fall armyworm</a> (which destroys crops) both entered Australia in the past two years, leading to significant economic, social and environmental harm. </p>
<p>This comes on the top of the economic <a href="https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/58834/">impact of invasive species</a>, such as the red imported fire ant and feral pigs, which is estimated to cost Australia up to <a href="https://theconversation.com/pest-plants-and-animals-cost-australia-around-25-billion-a-year-and-it-will-get-worse-164969">$24.5 billion annually</a>.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/pest-plants-and-animals-cost-australia-around-25-billion-a-year-and-it-will-get-worse-164969">Pest plants and animals cost Australia around $25 billion a year – and it will get worse</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Now, foot-and-mouth disease is knocking on our door. So how did Australia become so vulnerable to such an outbreak? Declining government support for international agricultural development must take some of the blame.</p>
<p>Between <a href="https://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/bitstream/handle/2123/14755/AVHR%20%2371%20contents%20A4Final.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y">the 1970s and the early 2000s</a>, Australian aid worked with partner countries to boost animal health in Southeast Asia. This included support for the eradication of foot-and-mouth disease in The Philippines and the control of avian influenza in Indonesia.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/478660/original/file-20220811-15-vr0mgb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/478660/original/file-20220811-15-vr0mgb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/478660/original/file-20220811-15-vr0mgb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/478660/original/file-20220811-15-vr0mgb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/478660/original/file-20220811-15-vr0mgb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/478660/original/file-20220811-15-vr0mgb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/478660/original/file-20220811-15-vr0mgb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/478660/original/file-20220811-15-vr0mgb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Australia’s varroa mite outbreak has so far been contained to the east coast.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Unfortunately, since 2013, such agricultural programs have ended or been greatly reduced in scope in line with <a href="https://donortracker.org/australia/agriculture">decreased spending in the sector</a>. The cuts came as part of broader <a href="https://acfid.asn.au/media-releases/new-oecd-data-australia%E2%80%99s-contribution-foreign-aid-remains-sluggish-despite-growing">reductions</a> to Australia’s overseas aid budget – including a cut of <a href="https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2020/02/australia-steps-down-aid-in-asia-as-it-steps-up-in-the-pacific/">more than 40%</a> in aid to Southeast Asia in 2020. </p>
<p>Indeed, in 2021 Australia contributed <a href="https://acfid.asn.au/media-releases/new-oecd-data-australia%E2%80%99s-contribution-foreign-aid-remains-sluggish-despite-growing">just 0.22%</a> of its gross national income towards overseas development assistance, compared to the OECD average <a href="https://www.oecd.org/dac/financing-sustainable-development/development-finance-standards/official-development-assistance.htm">of 0.33%</a> for that year. </p>
<h2>Prevention is good for the bottom line</h2>
<p>The cost of supporting effective agricultural biosecurity services in neighbouring countries would be but a small fraction of the cost of a major disease outbreak. </p>
<p>Looking forward, cost-efficient biosecurity programs <a href="https://portlandpress.com/emergtoplifesci/article/4/5/539/226789/One-Biosecurity-a-unified-concept-to-integrate">will require</a> integrated risk identification and management across human, animal, plant and environmental health. Such a joined-up approach is essential to address major and interrelated sociological and environmental biosecurity challenges. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-foot-and-mouth-disease-why-farmers-fear-apocalyptic-bonfires-of-burning-carcasses-186741">What is foot and mouth disease? Why farmers fear 'apocalyptic bonfires of burning carcasses'</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>A priority in the new <a href="https://www.biosecurity.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-08/National%20Biosecurity%20Strategy%28final%29.pdf">national biosecurity strategy</a> is to create “stronger partnerships” at the local, regional, national and international levels. One of the initial steps identified is to help shape global biosecurity standards, rules and conditions. It will also:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“deepen international partnerships and capacity building, including in the Indo-Pacific, to increase engagement, harmonisation, skills exchanges and information sharing on national priority pests, weeds and diseases.” </p>
</blockquote>
<p>This is a great foundation for further strengthening global agricultural biosecurity systems. But to fully and effectively meet the biosecurity challenges of the 21st Century, it’s crucial to ensure agricultural biosecurity systems fully integrate with humans and our natural environment.</p>
<p>Coordinating the activities of different sectors – such as human health, agriculture and the natural environment – would result in more effective use of limited resources, especially those required to support frontline activities. This will ultimately be far better for the national budget.</p>
<h2>Broader focus on livestock health</h2>
<p>Effective agriculture aid programs require a broad focus on livestock health, rather than just tackling diseases that might threaten Australia.</p>
<p>For example, many small-scale farmers would prefer to vaccinate cows against diseases such as haemorrhagic septicaemia and anthrax that kill cattle, rather than only vaccinating them against foot-and-mouth disease which causes cows to produce less milk, but <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-foot-and-mouth-disease-why-farmers-fear-apocalyptic-bonfires-of-burning-carcasses-186741">won’t usually</a> kill the animal.</p>
<p>Controlling diseases with a high death rate would build trust from small-scale farmers in animal health services. This could, in turn, make rural communities more receptive to vaccinate their animals against other diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease.</p>
<p>It takes considerable effort to establish effective and efficient vaccination campaigns and other biosecurity measures. But once they’re in place, maintaining them is less costly. If funding for recurrent maintenance isn’t in place and disease outbreaks occur, this trust will be lost.</p>
<p>This lesson was learnt in Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia and Laos during the avian influenza pandemic <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK22151/">which started in 2003</a>. During that period, poultry producers were forced by government disease control agencies to cull affected flocks without receiving compensation. </p>
<p>The intervention still casts a shadow over relationships between producers and animal health services, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/tbed.13673">complicating</a> efforts to control and monitor disease.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/yes-wash-your-shoes-at-the-airport-but-we-can-do-more-to-stop-foot-and-mouth-disease-ravaging-australia-187602">Yes, wash your shoes at the airport – but we can do more to stop foot-and-mouth disease ravaging Australia</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Beyond livestock related biosecurity risks, adequate investment is also needed in the countries of origin to improve biosecurity practices for imported plant products. </p>
<p>This includes <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2021-05-05/flower-industry-calls-for-more-biosecurity-funding/100115190">cut flowers</a> imported from developing countries where a 2021 investigation detected pests <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/policy/risk-analysis/plant/cut-flowers">in 12% of consignments</a>.</p>
<h2>Taking a long-term view</h2>
<p>Much work is needed to reduce the risk of further pests and diseases entering into Australia. This includes ongoing support to help our regional neighbours strengthen their biosecurity and associated food security systems.</p>
<p>Of course, this is not the only step. Australia must also ensure effective biosecurity surveillance at the border and actively engage the Australian community to report any incursions that may occur.</p>
<p>And most importantly, Australia’s biosecurity strategies must take a long-term, integrated view. These strategies must consider both benefits and costs and, crucially, have guaranteed bipartisan support at the state and federal levels.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/188010/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Robyn Alders is an Honorary Professor with the ANU Development Policy Centre and a Senior Consulting Fellow with the Chatham House Global Health Programme. She also consults to Australian and international aid organisations and is Chair of the Kyeema Foundation and the Upper Lachlan Branch of the NSW Farmers' Association. </span></em></p>Indonesia’s foot-and-mouth outbreak shouldn’t come as a surprise. It’s been decades in the making – just the latest consequence of biosecurity shortcomings in the region.Robyn Alders, Honorary Professor, Australian National UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1876022022-07-26T06:53:16Z2022-07-26T06:53:16ZYes, wash your shoes at the airport – but we can do more to stop foot-and-mouth disease ravaging Australia<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/476008/original/file-20220726-18-bw5j7y.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=8%2C0%2C5506%2C3670&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Passengers arriving in Australia from Indonesia will be <a href="https://minister.agriculture.gov.au/watt/media-releases/new-stronger-biosecurity-powers-international-airports">directed</a> to wash their shoes after the federal government ramped up efforts to prevent foot-and-mouth disease entering the country. </p>
<p>But effective biosecurity involves more than just what happens at the airport. Australia operates one of the <a href="https://cebra.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/3535013/CEBRA_Value_Docs_KeyResultSummary_v0.6_Endorsed.pdf">most comprehensive</a> biosecurity systems in the world, however, there’s more we can do.</p>
<p>Biosecurity is also not just an agricultural issue. It’s essential to protecting human health, societies and the environment. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, good biosecurity <a href="https://cebra.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/3535013/CEBRA_Value_Docs_KeyResultSummary_v0.6_Endorsed.pdf">doesn’t come cheap</a>. Adequate <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/policy/partnerships/nbc/intergovernmental-agreement-on-biosecurity/igabreview/igab-final-report">funding</a> is vital. That includes ensuring those who cause the problems contribute to fixing them – something that doesn’t happen now.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="cow behind a gate bearing a stop sign" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/476007/original/file-20220726-20-y9sdrd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/476007/original/file-20220726-20-y9sdrd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476007/original/file-20220726-20-y9sdrd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476007/original/file-20220726-20-y9sdrd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476007/original/file-20220726-20-y9sdrd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476007/original/file-20220726-20-y9sdrd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476007/original/file-20220726-20-y9sdrd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Good biosecurity doesn’t come cheap.</span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>The foot-and-mouth threat</h2>
<p>Foot-and-mouth disease (unrelated to hand, foot and mouth disease in humans) is a highly contagious <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC387408/">viral infection</a> that affects livestock such as cattle, sheep and pigs. It causes painful blisters on the feet and in the mouth, preventing the animal from eating, drinking or even standing up. </p>
<p>The disease <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-foot-and-mouth-disease-why-farmers-fear-apocalyptic-bonfires-of-burning-carcasses-186741">was detected</a> in mainland Indonesia in May – <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6499730/">40 years</a> since the last outbreak there - before spreading to Bali <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/about/news/media-releases/media-statement-foot-and-mouth-disease-confirmed-in-bali">earlier this month</a>. </p>
<p>Foot-and-mouth disease is <a href="https://www.woah.org/en/disease/foot-and-mouth-disease/">endemic</a> in many countries. But its arrival in Indonesia makes it more likely the disease could reach Australia, given the significant travel and trade between the two nations. </p>
<p>Australia exports <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/products/insights/snapshot-of-australian-agriculture-2022">more than two-thirds</a> of its livestock products. Official estimates put the economic cost of a major outbreak in Australia at <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/biosecurity/biosecurity-economics/fmd-update-of-2013-estimate">A$80 billion</a>.</p>
<p>In the United Kingdom, a 2001 outbreak of the disease <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-11/uk-fmd-outbreak-helping-australia-protect-its-farrmers/101070438">cost</a> the economy around $13 billion and more than 6 million animals were destroyed. </p>
<p>There have been <a href="https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/anthony-albanese-refuses-to-close-border-to-indonesia-over-trade-impacts-despite-concerns-over-foot-and-mouth-disease/news-story/1bfe62a6f2e6c22c0887c9f02528352e">calls</a> for Australia to close the border to Indonesia following the current foot-and-mouth outbreak. But <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jul/25/foot-and-mouth-disease-australia-parcels-china-indonesia-checked-fmd-government-says-border-should-not-shut">farmers say</a> the radical move would not remove the risk entirely and would do more harm than good.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-foot-and-mouth-disease-why-farmers-fear-apocalyptic-bonfires-of-burning-carcasses-186741">What is foot and mouth disease? Why farmers fear 'apocalyptic bonfires of burning carcasses'</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="dead cow lifted above pile of others" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/475996/original/file-20220726-14-kfd1cx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/475996/original/file-20220726-14-kfd1cx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=392&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/475996/original/file-20220726-14-kfd1cx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=392&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/475996/original/file-20220726-14-kfd1cx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=392&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/475996/original/file-20220726-14-kfd1cx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=493&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/475996/original/file-20220726-14-kfd1cx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=493&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/475996/original/file-20220726-14-kfd1cx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=493&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">A UK outbreak of the disease left millions of animals dead.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Gerry Penny/EPA</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Where does shoe-washing come in?</h2>
<p>We can think of biosecurity as a bit like <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.1990.0090">Swiss cheese</a>. Every slice of Swiss cheese has holes. But when the slices are lined up, the block is solid and impenetrable. </p>
<p>Biosecurity, done well, involves figuring out how to line the slices up.</p>
<p>Catching diseases at the border is one slice of the cheese. That’s why the federal government is now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jul/20/foot-and-mouth-disease-australian-airports-to-step-up-precautions-as-farmers-grow-anxious">directing passengers</a> who’ve flown in from Indonesia to clean their shoes and walk over disinfectant mats at airports.</p>
<p>Travellers will also be asked to declare any contact with farms and livestock. Those with visibly contaminated shoes will be taken to a biosecurity area.</p>
<p>Research has <a href="https://www.aasv.org/shap/issues/v8n4/v8n4p169.html">shown</a> these measures are not always effective. But having said that, it’s good practice to clean your shoes any time you’ve been off the beaten track.</p>
<p>The soles of shoes contain any number of contaminants. In 2008, for example, a <a href="https://nzpps.org/_journal/index.php/nzpp/article/view/4859">survey</a> at Christchurch Airport found bacteria and fungi on 99% and 78% of footwear, respectively. </p>
<p>A good scrub, then a wipe with disinfectant, is usually enough to reduce the contamination to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167587705001479">acceptable levels</a>. Even a rinse with water is <a href="https://nzpps.org/_journal/index.php/nzpp/article/view/6852">better than nothing</a>. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/wearing-shoes-in-the-house-is-just-plain-gross-the-verdict-from-scientists-who-study-indoor-contaminants-177542">Wearing shoes in the house is just plain gross. The verdict from scientists who study indoor contaminants</a>
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<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1551447287641133056"}"></div></p>
<h2>What else can we do?</h2>
<p>Good biosecurity extends far beyond shoe-cleaning. It involves other activities at the border and <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/policy/australia/reports-pubs/nair">within Australia</a>, as well as efforts overseas.</p>
<p>The greatest risk of foot-and-mouth disease entering Australia comes from <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2016.00085/full">meat products</a> from an <a href="https://www.woah.org/en/disease/foot-and-mouth-disease/">affected country</a>. It’s easy to declare these when you arrive in Australia – or better still, don’t bring them in at all.</p>
<p>This is why extra <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jul/20/foot-and-mouth-disease-australian-airports-to-step-up-precautions-as-farmers-grow-anxious">detector dogs</a> have been stationed at Australia’s airports - to detect unauthorised meat brought into Australia.</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1548804279044952064"}"></div></p>
<p>Farmers must practice good <a href="https://www.farmbiosecurity.com.au/toolkit/planner/">biosecurity</a> on their properties, such as maintaining hygiene, keeping records and rigorous monitoring of livestock health.</p>
<p>Preventing the infection at source countries is a highly <a href="https://theconversation.com/australian-agricultures-biggest-threat-needs-a-global-approach-16512">cost-effective</a> way to protect Australia from imported diseases.</p>
<p>Labor this month <a href="https://minister.agriculture.gov.au/watt/media-releases/14-million-package-builds-biosecurity-protection">announced</a> $5 million to help Indonesia, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea combat livestock diseases. It includes personnel and logistic support to distribute vaccines.</p>
<p>However, because these vaccination programs take <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0223518">months to complete</a>, the risk of foot-and-mouth disease in Indonesia will remain high for some time.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="man points rod at cow" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/475994/original/file-20220726-17-muu4l.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/475994/original/file-20220726-17-muu4l.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=403&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/475994/original/file-20220726-17-muu4l.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=403&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/475994/original/file-20220726-17-muu4l.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=403&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/475994/original/file-20220726-17-muu4l.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=507&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/475994/original/file-20220726-17-muu4l.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=507&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/475994/original/file-20220726-17-muu4l.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=507&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Livestock vaccination programs take time.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Firdia Lisnawati/AP</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Where to now</h2>
<p>The threat of foot-and-mouth disease is not new. Australia <a href="https://animalhealthaustralia.com.au/foot-and-mouth-disease/">has detailed</a>, well-rehearsed response plans and arrangements in place. But more is needed.</p>
<p>In 2017, an independent review <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/sitecollectiondocuments/biosecurity/partnerships/nbc/priorities-for-aus-bio-system.pdf">found</a> budgetary and other constraints were making it hard for Australia to meet its biosecurity commitments.
At the same time, biosecurity risks were increasing. The review said substantial new investment was needed to strengthen the national system. </p>
<p>Currently, the costs of managing and controlling new diseases is borne by those affected by their entry and spread – such as farmers and taxpayers. Those who create the risks – such as importers, vessel owners and travellers – are generally not called on to contribute to response costs. </p>
<p>But this not need be the case. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/risa.13620">Recent research</a> has suggested a solution whereby importers would have to purchase biosecurity risk insurance and premiums would be used fund clean up costs. </p>
<p>Shoring up Australia’s biosecurity requires us all to accept shared responsibility. That means everyone adhering to the rules – and yes, washing your shoes at the airport. </p>
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<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/video-should-australia-close-its-border-to-bali-in-the-fight-against-foot-and-mouth-disease-187527">VIDEO: Should Australia close its border to Bali in the fight against foot and mouth disease?</a>
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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/187602/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Susan Hester works for The Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis (CEBRA). CEBRA receives research funding from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries, as well as the Queensland, New South Wales, Victorian, South Australian and Tasmanian governments. Susan acknowledges the efforts of Andrew Robinson and Tom Kompas in reviewing this article.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Aaron Dodd is a Chief Investigator of The Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis (CEBRA), which receives research funding from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), and New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), as well as the Queensland, New South Wales, Victorian, South Australian and Tasmanian governments.</span></em></p>Effective biosecurity involves more than just what happens at the airport. And it doesn’t come cheap.Susan M Hester, Associate Professor, University of New EnglandAaron Dodd, Research Fellow - Biosecurity, The University of MelbourneLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1867412022-07-12T03:15:52Z2022-07-12T03:15:52ZWhat is foot and mouth disease? Why farmers fear ‘apocalyptic bonfires of burning carcasses’<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/473508/original/file-20220712-18-vk29k0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=22%2C0%2C2980%2C1994&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Foot and mouth disease – usually referred to by its acronym FMD – is the most feared livestock disease in the world. It can cripple the livestock sector, cause immense animal suffering, destroy farmer businesses, create food insecurity and has massive trade impacts for Australia.</p>
<p>It’s little wonder Australian farmers, rural communities, consumers and governments have reacted to the incursion and spread of FMD through Indonesia with dread.</p>
<p>This high impact livestock disease has not been on our doorstep <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/about/news/media-releases/media-statement-foot-and-mouth-disease-detected-indonesia">since the 1980s</a>. Keeping it out is a new challenge and a national priority.</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1546645532390612993"}"></div></p>
<h2>What is foot and mouth disease?</h2>
<p>This disease is caused by a viral infection. It’s present in many areas of southeast Asia, and most recently in Indonesia, where it has so far spread eastwards to Bali. Papua New Guinea, Australia and the South Pacific are <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-disease-weeds/animal/fmd#the-consequences-of-an-fmd-outbreak-in-australia">historically FMD-free</a>.</p>
<p>What makes FMD virus so remarkable is its <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC387408/">environmental resistance</a>. It can persist on many inanimate objects, such as equipment used with livestock, people’s clothing and shoes, on the tyres of vehicles and in livestock transport. </p>
<p>It can also persist in livestock feed and livestock products, such as meat and hides. It can even remain infectious on the hands and within noses of those in contact with infected livestock. </p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1546625618543927296"}"></div></p>
<p>This means everything associated with infected livestock can become contaminated. On the positive side, FMD is not a disease that readily infects humans, and meat and milk from infected livestock are considered <a href="https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/plans-for-responding-to-serious-disease-outbreaks/foot-and-mouth-disease/potential-effects-of-a-foot-and-mouth-outbreak/">safe to consume</a>.</p>
<p>Still, despite human safety, countries free of FMD would not buy Australian meat or milk if we became infected because of the fear of importing the disease.</p>
<p>The nature of this virus is what scares agricultural industries. FMD virus could plausibly be introduced via a tourist’s contaminated shoes, or through smuggled meat products in a passenger’s bag or the mail. There is a plethora of incursion pathways.</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1544981001700401152"}"></div></p>
<h2>How does FMD affect animals?</h2>
<p>FMD affects cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and deer. FMD is one of the most <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC387408/">contagious diseases</a> known – it’s at least as contagious as the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in some situations, for example.</p>
<p>The characteristic sign in FMD infected animals is blisters. These are apparent in the mouths and hooves of infected animals – especially in the soft tissue immediately above the hoof, and between the two toes that form the hoof. </p>
<p>Rupture of these blisters produce ulcers. FMD lesions are very painful: animals stop walking, stop eating and drool. The severity of signs vary with different strains of FMD virus and different species. </p>
<p>Another remarkable characteristic is that within an infected herd or flock, nearly all animals become infected and sick, yet few will die from the disease in normal circumstances. It is a high morbidity, low mortality disease with a massive economic impact.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/473500/original/file-20220712-18-yu3iaa.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A vet inspects a cow lying down" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/473500/original/file-20220712-18-yu3iaa.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/473500/original/file-20220712-18-yu3iaa.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/473500/original/file-20220712-18-yu3iaa.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/473500/original/file-20220712-18-yu3iaa.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/473500/original/file-20220712-18-yu3iaa.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/473500/original/file-20220712-18-yu3iaa.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/473500/original/file-20220712-18-yu3iaa.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The characteristic sign in FMD infected animals is blisters.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">EPA/Bagus Indahono</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Why FMD is so hard to control</h2>
<p>FMD is globally distributed and globally feared. Infected countries are isolated from the global livestock trade.</p>
<p>There are a large number of FMD <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC387408/">virus strains</a>. This is important because one measure to prevent economic and welfare impacts is to vaccinate susceptible livestock. </p>
<p>However, the vaccine needs to match closely with the strain in a region that is causing FMD. Also, the protection period is generally short-lived, perhaps 12 months or less.</p>
<p>Maintaining high levels of vaccination and herd immunity is challenging in livestock populations, especially in developing countries. It requires an advanced system of livestock identification, and advanced vaccine manufacture and delivery infrastructure.</p>
<p>Another problem is the host range of FMD. Besides managed livestock, in Australia FMD virus could infect feral pigs, feral goats and wild deer. </p>
<p>Once the infection enters these unmanaged populations, disease control becomes exponentially more difficult. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/one-of-the-most-damaging-invasive-species-on-earth-wild-pigs-release-the-same-emissions-as-1-million-cars-each-year-163250">'One of the most damaging invasive species on Earth': wild pigs release the same emissions as 1 million cars each year</a>
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<p>For example, we haven’t been able to successfully manage <a href="https://theconversation.com/one-of-the-most-damaging-invasive-species-on-earth-wild-pigs-release-the-same-emissions-as-1-million-cars-each-year-163250">feral pigs</a>, despite the massive damage they inflict to our environment, such as degrading our waterways and threatening native species. </p>
<p>If Australia’s feral population gets infected, it might mean we can never eradicate FMD, should an incursion occur.</p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/473509/original/file-20220712-16-pr826k.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Four black feral pigs" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/473509/original/file-20220712-16-pr826k.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/473509/original/file-20220712-16-pr826k.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=393&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/473509/original/file-20220712-16-pr826k.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=393&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/473509/original/file-20220712-16-pr826k.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=393&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/473509/original/file-20220712-16-pr826k.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=494&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/473509/original/file-20220712-16-pr826k.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=494&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/473509/original/file-20220712-16-pr826k.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=494&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Foot and mouth disease may be impossible to eradicate if the virus infected feral pigs.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>The response</h2>
<p>When responding to an FMD incursion in developed countries such as Australia, the goal is eradication. Based on the economic impacts of the disease, it’s less costly in the long run to eradicate than to live with the disease.</p>
<p>Perhaps the best example of such a response is when FMD entered the United Kingdom in 2001. How it entered is unknown, but <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35581830">a theory</a> is the virus entered from illegally imported infected meat fed to Northumberland pigs. </p>
<p>There was a delay in detection. By the time authorities recognised the problem, the infection had spread widely. The response involved identifying both infected premises and those likely to be infected because of possible contact with the virus, and then culling all livestock on those premises. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.nao.org.uk/report/the-2001-outbreak-of-foot-and-mouth-disease/">This devastated</a> the UK’s agriculture and tourism sectors, resulted in the death of more than 6.5 million livestock and cost £8 billion. The <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35581830">media coverage</a> presented images of apocalyptic bonfires of burning carcasses and soldiers digging mass graves.</p>
<p>Even if a country demonstrates that elimination has been successful, it still won’t be able to trade again for many months, as its trading partners respond. This is why it’s so important to get on top of any incursion <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/animal/fmd#how-could-fmd-virus-enter-australia">rapidly</a>.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/hear-me-out-we-could-use-the-varroa-mite-to-wipe-out-feral-honey-bees-and-help-australias-environment-185959">Hear me out – we could use the varroa mite to wipe out feral honey bees, and help Australia's environment</a>
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<hr>
<p>The closest analogy to an FMD response we’re familiar with is the incursion of <a href="https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/horses/health-and-disease/influenza/summary-of-the-200708-ei-outbreak">equine influenza</a> (“horse flu”) in New South Wales and Queensland in 2007. </p>
<p>Although culling isn’t part of the response for to equine influenza, the bans on horse movements and equine events, the mobilisation of a large veterinary workforce, and the creation of disease “zones” would be repeated, with the same disruptive effect on communities.</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1545899659683840000"}"></div></p>
<p>To Australia’s advantage, because FMD is such a high profile and high impact disease, federal, state and territory governments have well-developed <a href="https://animalhealthaustralia.com.au/ausvetplan/">response plans</a> and have “war-gamed” FMD scenarios over many decades. </p>
<p>And more recently, other animal pest and disease incursions such as varroa mite <a href="https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/media-centre/releases/2022/ministerial/varroa-mite-incursion-detected-in-nsw">in honey bees</a> and Japanese encephalitis <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/animal/japanese-encephalitis">in pig herds</a> have helped test our response systems for an FMD incursion. </p>
<p>However, we shouldn’t underestimate the cost and challenge of confronting this disease that has arrived just this month on our doorstep. So much depends on it.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/186741/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michael Ward receives funding from Meat & Livestock Australia, World Organisation for Animal Health.</span></em></p>Foot and mouth disease hasn’t been on our doorstep since the 1980s. Keeping it out of Australia is a new national priority.Michael Ward, Chair of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, University of SydneyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1746402022-01-11T12:12:28Z2022-01-11T12:12:28ZAntarctica’s unique ecosystem is threatened by invasive species ‘hitchhiking’ on ships<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/440083/original/file-20220110-17-9j5yqz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">knelson20 / shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Antarctica has been relatively isolated from the rest of the world for millions of years but these days ships could potentially introduce marine animals and seaweeds. Invasive species can have drastic consequences for ecosystems, for example by taking over areas and creating a new habitat or becoming predators for species with no suitable defences. </p>
<p>The best way to protect against this is to prevent any non-native species arriving in the first place. Of course, any new species would still need to survive the freezing waters around Antarctica but, as it happens, the ships usually visit the areas that are warming fastest due to climate change.</p>
<p>Aside from a few seals, whales and migratory birds, Antarctica’s unique marine life has been largely cut off by the currents of the Southern Ocean which rotate clockwise around the continent and deflect away most floating organisms. The species that do arrive, perhaps attached to drifting kelp, are faced with year-round low temperatures and strong seasons. </p>
<p>Although this barrier has existed for millions of years, ships allow species to reach Antarctica and its coastal waters that could never otherwise have made the trip. Reaching the Antarctic coastline from sub-Antarctic islands can take up to three years for species associated with <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-018-0209-7">kelp rafts</a>. The same species could make the same journey in just a few days if attached to a ship’s hull.</p>
<h2>Mapping the invasion risk</h2>
<p>What might this mean for Antarctica and its ecosystem? In my academic research I hunt for non-native species that live on the hulls of ships that visit the continent, and I study where those ships go. I have scraped hulls and pipes, freeing ships of their barnacles and sludge to find out what species are already being transported there and where in the world they come from. Such ships travel the whole world, with many regularly visiting both the Arctic and Antarctic each year, typically via the Atlantic. Their hulls are generally only cleaned every couple years and can carry anything from mussels and crabs to barnacles, amiphods (shrimp-like crustaceans), bryozoans, hydroids (similar to anemones or jellyfish) or seaweed.</p>
<p>Based on my latest study, published in <a href="https://www.pnas.org/content/119/3/e2110303118">the journal PNAS</a>, Antarctic-going vessels are most likely to introduce organisms from southern South America, Northern Europe, or the western Pacific Ocean.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/440086/original/file-20220110-23-1kjbxw5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/440086/original/file-20220110-23-1kjbxw5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/440086/original/file-20220110-23-1kjbxw5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=370&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/440086/original/file-20220110-23-1kjbxw5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=370&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/440086/original/file-20220110-23-1kjbxw5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=370&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/440086/original/file-20220110-23-1kjbxw5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=465&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/440086/original/file-20220110-23-1kjbxw5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=465&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/440086/original/file-20220110-23-1kjbxw5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=465&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Port to port traffic network of all ships that visited Antarctica 2014-2018.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">David Aldridge</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Most voyages reach Antarctica via one of the five recognised <a href="https://www.scar.org/scar-news/humanities-and-social-science-news/gateway-cities/">gateway cities</a> – Punta Arenas (Chile) and Ushuaia (Argentina) in South America, Hobart (Australia), Christchurch (New Zealand), and Cape Town (South Africa). However, our study found that an extra 53 places acted as departure ports. </p>
<p>There are some security measures ships could take, such as special hull coatings that algae and animals can’t stick to very well, or regular hull cleanings. Countries could require proof of a clean hull or regular inspections before permitting ships to enter certain regions.</p>
<p>Though logistically complex, these measures are being adopted around the world in places like Hawaii, the Galapagos Islands, New Zealand and Australia, and may provide example strategies for reducing the introduction of non-native species to Antarctica via ships. With support from the Antarctic community, these gateway ports could become locations for biosecurity screening, before ships depart for Antarctica. </p>
<p>Around 100 to 200 ships visit Antarctica each year, an up to 10-fold increase since the 1960s. The vast majority stick to two particularly accessible regions, The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, which means these areas are most at risk.</p>
<p>Activities on the continent and in the Southern Ocean can largely be divided into research and its support carried out by national operators, tourism and fishing. The top 20 potential invasion hot spots are locations visited by combinations of tourism, research, fishing or supply vessels. While tourism accounted for 67% of visits to all Antarctic locations (followed by research 21%, fishing 7%, supply 5%, and other 1%), research vessels were the only ones with connections to all areas of the continent. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/440223/original/file-20220111-21-6ig5xu.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A small crab" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/440223/original/file-20220111-21-6ig5xu.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/440223/original/file-20220111-21-6ig5xu.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/440223/original/file-20220111-21-6ig5xu.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/440223/original/file-20220111-21-6ig5xu.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/440223/original/file-20220111-21-6ig5xu.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/440223/original/file-20220111-21-6ig5xu.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/440223/original/file-20220111-21-6ig5xu.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">European shore crab <em>Carcinus maenas</em> found living on a ship that visited Antarctica and the Arctic.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Arlie McCarthy</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Therefore, different locations as well as each activity type need tailored, but consistent, biosecurity practices. We urgently need to ensure everyone in the region works together to look for new species.</p>
<h2>Don’t move a mussel</h2>
<p>So far, researchers have found only five non-native species free-living in Antarctic waters that were probably introduced through human activities. These include <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-62340-0">Chilean mussels</a>, just like the ones we eat, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-march-of-the-king-crabs-a-warning-from-antarctica-43062">a kind of crab</a>. Although many other species live on the hulls of Antarctic-going ships, mussels and crabs are particularly worrying because there are no similar animals in shallow waters around the continent. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/440219/original/file-20220111-19-1jprqog.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Metal grid with stuff stuck to it." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/440219/original/file-20220111-19-1jprqog.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/440219/original/file-20220111-19-1jprqog.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/440219/original/file-20220111-19-1jprqog.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/440219/original/file-20220111-19-1jprqog.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/440219/original/file-20220111-19-1jprqog.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/440219/original/file-20220111-19-1jprqog.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/440219/original/file-20220111-19-1jprqog.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Barnacles, algae and small crustaceans stuck to a ship that visited Antarctica and the Arctic each year of the study period.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Arlie McCarthy</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Mussels could perhaps create a new kind of habitat, “mussel beds”, that might outcompete local species or allow even more non-native species to arrive. Crabs would represent a new kind of predation that local species might not be able to defend themselves against. Though concerning, it for now remains a mystery whether or not these animals could survive and establish populations in Antarctica in the long run or, indeed, if they will actually have negative effects on the native marine life.</p>
<p>For now, Antarctica and the Southern Ocean remain the least invaded marine regions on the planet and represent humanity’s last chance to demonstrate that we can manage and mitigate the risks of invasive species at a continental scale. If we do not, climate change will open the door to the world and our neglect will transform the iconic ecosystems we love.</p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/polar-invasion-how-plants-and-animals-would-colonise-an-ice-free-antarctica-47369">Polar invasion: how plants and animals would colonise an ice-free Antarctica</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/174640/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Arlie McCarthy received funding for this work from the General Sir John Monash Foundation, the Zoology Department at the University of Cambridge (Whitten Studentship), the University of Melbourne (W.E.J. Craig Travelling Scholarship), St John's College Cambridge. </span></em></p>New research maps how ship traffic connects Antarctica to worldwide ecosystems.Arlie McCarthy, PhD Researcher, British Antarctic Survey, and Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1685522021-10-12T12:07:43Z2021-10-12T12:07:43ZReporting all biosafety errors could improve labs worldwide – and increase public trust in biological research<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/424277/original/file-20211001-23-1442y9w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C10%2C7252%2C5004&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Some institutions publish information about their mishaps, while others do not.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/february-2021-bavaria-munich-soldiers-of-the-german-armed-news-photo/1231180728">Peter Kneffel/picture alliance via Getty Images</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>The <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)02019-5">origin of SARS-CoV-2</a> remains a mystery. One theory is that the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 was transmitted from animals to humans – <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/onehealth/basics/zoonotic-diseases.html">a fairly common occurrence</a>. Another is that it came from a laboratory accident – a <a href="https://my.absa.org/LAI">more infrequent circumstance</a>. </p>
<p>Around the world, scientists conduct many kinds of biological research experiments – from basic studies exploring how living systems operate to synthesizing novel organisms. Applications range from developing medical treatments to protecting the food supply to modifying bacteria to cleaning up oil spills and much more. A subset of experiments may also involve <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-gain-of-function-research-matters-162493">gain-of-function research</a>, which involves modifying an organism to gain a new property or ability.</p>
<p>The idea that a pathogen could escape from a laboratory and infect the entire world is the stuff of horror movies. Working with biological materials does have inherent risks, and <a href="https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/153567601502000103">laboratory incidents will happen</a> – the goal is to minimize risks to laboratory personnel, the community and the environment. </p>
<p>We are <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=CcisQ1kAAAAJ">biosafety</a> <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=sNOHbC4AAAAJ">and</a> <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=YkYvOhoAAAAJ">biosecurity</a> professionals with expertise in mitigating risks associated with biological research. Without a standardized, international framework for reporting laboratory incidents and responses, the task of mitigating such risks is quite difficult. If laboratories were more open about when things go wrong, others could learn from their mistakes and lessen the chances of a future accident.</p>
<h2>Science and technology mishaps</h2>
<p>In 1984, <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2014/12/bhopal-the-worlds-worst-industrial-disaster-30-years-later/100864/">30 tons of a highly toxic gas</a> were released in Bhopal, India. Considered one of the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/dec/08/bhopals-tragedy-has-not-stopped-the-urban-disaster-still-claiming-lives-35-years-on">world’s worst industrial accidents</a>, the explosion killed several thousand people. </p>
<p>When one of Chernobyl’s radioactive nuclear cores had a meltdown in 1986, the Soviet government hid details and <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/unsealed-soviet-archives-reveal-cover-ups-chernobyl-plant-before-disaster-2021-04-26/">spread misinformation</a> about the event, even though the heat from the reactor could be <a href="https://www.epa.gov/radnet/chernobyl-epas-radiological-monitoring">seen from space</a>.</p>
<p>By contrast, when an accident occurs with a biological material, it is not a spectacular event like an explosion or meltdown. A disease caused by a biological organism takes time to appear. It may take days or weeks for symptoms to present after infection. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/425344/original/file-20211007-15-wff7l1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A woman stands in front of an area cordoned off with caution tape and a sign saying 'Keep Out.'" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/425344/original/file-20211007-15-wff7l1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/425344/original/file-20211007-15-wff7l1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425344/original/file-20211007-15-wff7l1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425344/original/file-20211007-15-wff7l1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425344/original/file-20211007-15-wff7l1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425344/original/file-20211007-15-wff7l1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425344/original/file-20211007-15-wff7l1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Investigators found laboratory security breaches at the heart of a foot-and-mouth outbreak in Britain, 2007.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/government-official-stands-near-signs-warning-of-an-news-photo/76685039">Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images News via Getty Images</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The <a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/science.7973702">1979 Sverdlovsk Anthrax Outbreak in the Soviet Union</a> and the <a href="https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn12615-faulty-pipe-blamed-for-uk-foot-and-mouth-outbreak/">2007 Pirbright Institute’s foot-and-mouth incident in the U.K.</a> are examples where biological materials unintentionally escaped the laboratory. People got sick and farm animals died. </p>
<p>Laboratory-related infections are frequently tied to the breakdown of a particular laboratory safety procedure, equipment or organizational process. </p>
<p>Here in the U.S., several well-documented laboratory errors have resulted in potential exposures, including the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/labs/pdf/Final_Anthrax_Report.pdf">2014 unintentional release of potentially viable anthrax bacteria</a>, the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/labs/pdf/Investigation-into-Dec-22-2014-CDC-Ebola-event.pdf">2014 potential exposure of a laboratory technician to Ebola virus</a> and the <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/09/21/gao-inactivation-failures-high-containment-labs/90776218/">2015 discovery of improperly inactivated anthrax bacteria</a> that was shipped around the globe. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2014/p0711-lab-safety.html">In</a> <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2015/s0204-ebola-lab.html">each</a> <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2014/s0619-anthrax.html">case</a>, medical care was provided and no one became ill. </p>
<h2>Biological incident reporting</h2>
<p>In the U.S., a <a href="https://www.aappublications.org/news/2019/03/08/mmwr030819">standardized system to report</a> all biological incidents and potential exposures does not exist. </p>
<p>The U.S. <a href="https://osp.od.nih.gov/biotechnology/nih-guidelines/">National Institutes of Health</a> has requirements for reporting any <a href="https://osp.od.nih.gov/biotechnology/faqs-on-incident-reporting/">significant problems, accidents and illnesses</a> involving experiments with altered genetic material. If a research institution receives U.S. government funding, failure to comply with NIH rules can result in a loss of this funding, no matter where in the world the lab is located. </p>
<p>But private, corporate or <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/blog/techtank/2017/10/09/do-it-yourself-biology-shows-safety-risks-of-an-open-innovation-movement/">DIY biology laboratories</a> operate with even less government oversight and fewer reporting requirements – though many have adopted their own <a href="https://www.genspace.org/community-biology-biosafety-handbook">biosafety practices</a> and follow local requirements and best management practices. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/424281/original/file-20211001-23-18xjcsn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A woman in full body PPE reaches for a beaker containing a murky liquid." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/424281/original/file-20211001-23-18xjcsn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/424281/original/file-20211001-23-18xjcsn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=422&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/424281/original/file-20211001-23-18xjcsn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=422&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/424281/original/file-20211001-23-18xjcsn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=422&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/424281/original/file-20211001-23-18xjcsn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=530&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/424281/original/file-20211001-23-18xjcsn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=530&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/424281/original/file-20211001-23-18xjcsn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=530&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Numerous biolabs operate around the world.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/laboratory-technician-works-in-the-production-plant-of-the-news-photo/1231378210">Yamil Lage/AFP via Getty Images</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Outside the U.S., the <a href="http://doi.org/10.1177/1535676016661772">robustness of biosafety and biosecurity oversight</a> varies significantly from country to country. </p>
<p>[<em>Over 110,000 readers rely on The Conversation’s newsletter to understand the world.</em> <a href="https://theconversation.com/us/newsletters/the-daily-3?utm_source=TCUS&utm_medium=inline-link&utm_campaign=newsletter-text&utm_content=100Ksignup">Sign up today</a>.]</p>
<h2>Sharing information</h2>
<p>Although reporting to the U.S. government is required in certain circumstances, the information contained in the reports may never reach the public. </p>
<p>Some institutions openly publish information about their incidents, while others keep that data private. Reasons may include concerns about reputation, protection of personal health information or even sensationalism in the media. Some fear reprisal from a disgruntled employee, a competitor or even a nation-state. Others are concerned about the spread of misinformation by <a href="https://www.bostonmagazine.com/2006/05/15/fear-in-the-air/">individuals who fear biological labs</a> or those who seek to <a href="https://time.com/5550654/crispr-gene-editing-human-embryos-ban/">end human genetic engineering research</a> or <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/peta-complaint-lab-animals-pitt-research-lab-university-of-pittsburgh/">ban animal experiments</a>. </p>
<p>Even with these concerns, we believe a more transparent and comprehensive system of reporting biological incidents to a neutral third party would help reduce the number of laboratory incidents – and could improve public trust in the scientific enterprise. If this type of system had been in place prior to COVID-19, more data would presumably have been available to help evaluate the Wuhan laboratory leak hypothesis and cut down on speculation.</p>
<p>In the U.S., a possible way to do this is to expand the American Biological Safety Association’s <a href="https://my.absa.org/LAI">Laboratory Acquired Infection database</a>. Currently, it contains incident data only from published research papers. But it could be broadened to include all kinds of incident data. In our opinion, an international version of such a reporting system would also help reduce the number and severity of laboratory incidents, both locally and worldwide. The more information available about the root cause of incidents, the more it could be used to help improve training, procedures and controls – and prevent future problems. It would also suggest how safety systems break down and what systems might be at risk. </p>
<p>Biosafety and biosecurity professionals have been discussing this topic for a <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nm0811-919">long time</a>, including at a <a href="https://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/legal/boards/biosafetytaskforce/meetings/Documents/agenda-081208.pdf">U.S. Trans-Federal Task Force on Optimizing Biosafety and Biocontainment</a> and by a <a href="https://www.phe.gov/s3/Documents/fesap.pdf">Federal Experts Security Advisory Panel</a>. But to make a centralized reporting system a reality, key players will need to commit and act. They include governments, international agencies, industry partners and the scientific community.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/168552/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>David Gillum is the past president of the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA) International. He is a past-judge and member of the safety and security committee for the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Kathleen Vogel receives funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of State, Ploughshares Fund. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Rebecca Moritz is the 2021 President-Elect of the American Biological Safety Association</span></em></p>A centralized reporting system for laboratory incidents involving dangerous pathogens in biological research does not exist in the US or internationally.David Gillum, Executive Director of Environmental Health and Safety and Chief Safety Officer, Arizona State UniversityKathleen Vogel, Interim Director and Professor of the School for the Future of Innovation in Society, Arizona State UniversityRebecca Moritz, Biosafety Director and Responsible Official, Colorado State UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1631972021-07-14T12:24:12Z2021-07-14T12:24:12ZWe work with dangerous pathogens in a downtown Boston biocontainment lab – here’s why you can feel safe about our research<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/410851/original/file-20210712-70807-1iay608.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=600%2C0%2C4959%2C3275&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Security precautions, thoughtful facilities design, careful training and safe lab practices help keep pathogens isolated.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Boston University Photography</span></span></figcaption></figure><p><em><a href="http://www.bumc.bu.edu/microbiology/people/faculty/ronald-b-corley-phd/">Microbiologist Ronald Corley</a> has gone to work every day throughout the pandemic as director of the <a href="https://www.bu.edu/neidl/">National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories</a>. Within this secure lab facility in Boston, scientists study pathogens as diverse as tuberculosis, Ebola virus, yellow fever virus and Zika virus. Many investigators there quickly turned their attention in 2020 to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.</em></p>
<p><em>Here Corley answers some of the most frequently asked questions about this kind of biosecure lab and the work researchers do inside it.</em></p>
<h2>What is the purpose of a biocontainment facility?</h2>
<p><a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2020.08.021">A newly emerging or reemerging human pathogen</a> is detected somewhere around the globe <a href="http://infectiousdiseases.edc.org/">every 12 to 18 months</a>.</p>
<p>Infectious diseases don’t respect borders. Because of the global economy and unprecedented mobility, everyone on the planet is vulnerable to potentially devastating infectious diseases that may have originated halfway across the world. In this age of high-speed travel, we are as little as 36 hours away from any outbreak.</p>
<p>As with SARS-CoV-2, scientists may know little about emerging pathogens or the diseases they cause. Studying these germs – whether bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms – in the safe environment of a biocontainment laboratory is the best protection humankind has against these diseases. In the lab, researchers can safely test new diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. The more scientists learn about these new diseases, the better prepared we are for the ones that will come after.</p>
<p>This is where labs like the NEIDL, and our stringent safety measures, are important. I feel safer from infection working in the NEIDL than I do in my apartment building. We know what we’re working with in the lab and how to keep ourselves and others safe. But outside, I don’t know who I might pass who could have a transmissible pathogen, including the coronavirus.</p>
<p>This is not to say that there is no risk working within the laboratory – there is. But we minimize it through a series of safety measures – including building systems, laboratory design, personal protective equipment, training and safety protocols – that have been tried and tested in laboratories across the world.</p>
<h2>How do you try to minimize risk?</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.bu.edu/researchsupport/compliance/ibc/#biosafety-manual-tab">Our biosafety manual</a> sets the standards for all work with biological material in the NEIDL. Requirements increase in complexity from Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) on to BSL-3 and BSL-4.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/341976/original/file-20200615-65961-1md20md.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/341976/original/file-20200615-65961-1md20md.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/341976/original/file-20200615-65961-1md20md.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=329&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/341976/original/file-20200615-65961-1md20md.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=329&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/341976/original/file-20200615-65961-1md20md.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=329&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/341976/original/file-20200615-65961-1md20md.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=413&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/341976/original/file-20200615-65961-1md20md.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=413&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/341976/original/file-20200615-65961-1md20md.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=413&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Biosafety levels are defined by how much risk is involved in working with particular pathogens.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">The Conversation</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determines each pathogen’s biocontainment level, based on what’s known about how it infects its host, the severity of the disease it causes, how easily transmissible the pathogen may be and the nature of the work itself – does it potentially create aerosols, for example.</p>
<p>The biosafety levels require <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/cpr/infographics/biosafety.htm">different types of engineering controls</a> – such as the building materials the space uses, directional air flow to ensure pathogens can’t get out, HEPA filtration so that only sterile air is discharged from the lab space and so on.</p>
<p>The administrative controls required vary by biosafety level, as well – safety protocols, requirements for personnel training, limiting access and so forth.</p>
<p>Each level requires different types of personal protective equipment: gloves and lab coats in a BSL-2 laboratory, protective lab wear and N95 or PAPR respirators in BSL-3 or a fully encapsulating suit in a BSL-4 laboratory.</p>
<p>“Safety First” is not just a bumper-sticker phrase at the NEIDL. Everyone from public safety officers to support staff to researchers has fully bought into the culture of safety. It informs the way we’re trained and drilled, the way pathogens are transported to the facility, and policies that govern our employees. We know the risks of the work, train on protective measures, and ensure every member of our staff follows our protocols.</p>
<h2>What does containment look like with these safety strategies in place?</h2>
<p>Everyone undergoes annual background checks, medical clearances and training. Only cleared staff can enter the building alone. </p>
<p>There are limited ways into the space, one for pedestrians, and one for vehicles, like delivery trucks. Entry requires access via biometric or card access or both, and screening by security. Access controls limit staff members to entering spaces where they have permission to work, based on their training, clearances and biosafety protocols. A network of security systems and closed-circuit cameras monitors the facility.</p>
<p>Entering laboratories requires that workers don the appropriate PPE for the area. Within the labs, we know what pathogen we are working with and how it is being used and are confident staff are following the safety measures required to keep them safe. This ensures the safety of others in the building as well as the surrounding community.</p>
<p>Importantly, the biosafety practices ensure that each pathogen we’re studying is restricted to the appropriate spaces. Researchers work at biosafety cabinets that sterile-filter the air before releasing it back into the lab.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/410845/original/file-20210712-27-1o9ypjl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Scientist in full PPE works under the hood of a biosafety cabinet" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/410845/original/file-20210712-27-1o9ypjl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/410845/original/file-20210712-27-1o9ypjl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/410845/original/file-20210712-27-1o9ypjl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/410845/original/file-20210712-27-1o9ypjl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/410845/original/file-20210712-27-1o9ypjl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/410845/original/file-20210712-27-1o9ypjl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/410845/original/file-20210712-27-1o9ypjl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Working with pathogens only within a specially ventilated biosafety cabinet provides another layer of security.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Boston University Photography</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>What kinds of regulation and oversight are there?</h2>
<p>Biocontainment laboratories do not function in a vacuum. The building and laboratory designs, and the PPE and operating procedures that protect staff, meet the guidelines set by the CDC and by the 574-page book “<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/labs/pdf/SF__19_308133-A_BMBL6_00-BOOK-WEB-final-3.pdf">Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories</a>” from the CDC and National Institutes of Health.</p>
<p>To carry out a project, the lead scientist begins with an application to the Institutional Biosafety Committee. Experts in biosafety and science review the application, as do laypersons who provide a community perspective. These deliberations are open and transparent thanks to public participation on the committee. Its <a href="https://www.bu.edu/researchsupport/compliance/ibc/about-the-ibc/ibc-meeting-minutes/">minutes are posted online</a>. Safety professionals also inspect the laboratory facilities before work gets underway. </p>
<p>In the city of Boston, projects that involve any BSL-3 or BSL-4 work require review and approval from the Boston Public Health Commission, one of the only local public health departments with this type of oversight. Work with certain types of pathogens called “<a href="https://www.selectagents.gov/sat/list.htm">select agents</a>” that pose a severe threat is further regulated by the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/cpr/dsat/fsap.htm">Division of Select Agents and Toxins</a> within the CDC.</p>
<p>Here at the NEIDL, both city and federal officials inspect the laboratories, interviewing personnel and reviewing records, including maintenance records. They also inspect pathogen inventories. Inspections can be announced or unannounced. </p>
<h2>What would happen if something went wrong?</h2>
<p>An important aspect of safety is making sure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. Three trainings per year involve first responders from the city as well as from Boston University. These are done as either live drills or tabletop exercises with experts walking through what an emergency would look like. Afterward we review how we did and develop plans for improvement.</p>
<p>Community members are also part of the exercises, and this keeps our neighbors involved and hopefully provides assurance of our ability to handle accidents, keeping ourselves and the community safe.</p>
<p>At Boston University, we post all laboratory incidents, including those at the NEIDL, on a quarterly basis to ensure that we remain transparent in our activities. Depending on what went wrong, we may also report to the BPHC and the CDC. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/410846/original/file-20210712-27-14f8fjq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="exterior of a building" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/410846/original/file-20210712-27-14f8fjq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/410846/original/file-20210712-27-14f8fjq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/410846/original/file-20210712-27-14f8fjq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/410846/original/file-20210712-27-14f8fjq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/410846/original/file-20210712-27-14f8fjq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/410846/original/file-20210712-27-14f8fjq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/410846/original/file-20210712-27-14f8fjq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The safety of a facility like the NEIDL benefits from the expertise and resources available in a densely populated area.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Boston University Photography</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Why place these high-security labs in urban environments with lots of neighbors instead of the middle of nowhere?</h2>
<p>Scientific research is a communal activity, and advances happen in places where diverse expertise is concentrated. It’s no different for research on emerging pathogens. Research on pathogens relies on faculty with expertise in not only the pathogens themselves but chemistry, engineering, stem cell biology, structural biology, immunology and more.</p>
<p>Biocontainment research also requires facilities engineers, safety professionals and security personnel. You can find personnel with diverse experience and expertise in metropolitan areas that are already home to biomedical research.</p>
<p>The original permitting process of the NEIDL mandated a <a href="https://www.bu.edu/neidl/files/2013/01/SFEIR-Volume-III.pdf">comprehensive risk assessment</a> to determine any potential danger for the community. After two years and independent review by two scientific panels, we ended up with the most extensive analysis of risk for any BSL-3 or BSL-4 facility in the U.S. It considered hundreds of possible scenarios that might result in exposure of a worker to a pathogen, or the release of a biological agent. The report concluded that it’s as safe, or even safer, to have such a facility in an urban environment than in a rural or suburban environment.</p>
<p>“Near misses” have occurred at these kinds of labs within the U.S. and Europe. A near miss might, for example, involve glove tears and a potential exposure to a pathogen during laboratory work, but these have never resulted in any community infections. At the NEIDL, we intend to maintain this track record.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/410849/original/file-20210712-25-gcc2ln.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="three men in full PPE gather around lab equipment" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/410849/original/file-20210712-25-gcc2ln.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/410849/original/file-20210712-25-gcc2ln.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/410849/original/file-20210712-25-gcc2ln.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/410849/original/file-20210712-25-gcc2ln.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/410849/original/file-20210712-25-gcc2ln.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/410849/original/file-20210712-25-gcc2ln.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/410849/original/file-20210712-25-gcc2ln.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Scientists put their intellectual curiosity to work on problems that challenge public health.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Boston University Photography</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>What are the risks of not doing this research?</h2>
<p>Science builds on what’s been learned before, accelerating our ability to respond to new outbreaks. The data we generate speeds progress on other pathogens as well, and informs how we develop and test potential therapeutics and vaccines. The risk of not doing this work is to leave ourselves more vulnerable to emerging pathogens as they arise.</p>
<p>Professionals working on emerging infectious diseases are interested in solving problems that benefit the public’s health. We take pride in our work and are serious about our responsibility to perform our work safely and securely. We recognize that this research is often viewed skeptically and thus strive to keep the trust of the public by ensuring transparency around the work we do.</p>
<p>[<em>The Conversation’s science, health and technology editors pick their favorite stories.</em> <a href="https://theconversation.com/us/newsletters/science-editors-picks-71/?utm_source=TCUS&utm_medium=inline-link&utm_campaign=newsletter-text&utm_content=science-favorite">Weekly on Wednesdays</a>.]</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/163197/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Ronald Corley receives funding from the National Institutes of Health, and the Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness. </span></em></p>The microbiologist who directs the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories at Boston University explains all the biosafety precautions in place that help him feel safer in the lab than out.Ronald Corley, Director of the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories and Chair of Microbiology, Boston UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.