Victoria is facing an increasing risk of exotic animal or plant disease outbreaks or pest incursions. Key drivers of risk include the increased movement of people, goods and vessels into Victoria, climate change, criminal activities such as international smuggling, and changes to land use and industry practices. These factors are causing significant increases in the size, scale, complexity and frequency of biosecurity threats.
Recent outbreaks that Victoria has dealt with include Avian Influenza and Japanese encephalitis. There is currently an emerging threat from a range of animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease.
Effective biosecurity is essential to the ongoing health of Victoria’s agricultural production, community, economy and environment.