Emergency Preparedness and Outbreak Response
The Biosecurity Services Group (BSG) leads the Australian Government in minimising the impact of pests, diseases and contaminants on Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry. BSG also works to improve the health and welfare of farm animals.
These outcomes are achieved by working with stakeholders in peace time to develop and test emergency response plans. In actual, real-life pest and disease outbreaks (such as equine influenza), BSG has a lead role in the response by coordinating resources, operational and technical support as well as communications.
Emergency Response Plans
BSG assists in the development of sector specific response plans such as:
PDF [2mb]Coordinating National Responses and Activities
BSG coordinates national activities to ensure a comprehensive, consistent and informed approach to preparedness and response activities for agricultural critical incidents and participates in a number of high-level committees and taskforces.
BioSIRT
BioSIRT (Biosecurity Surveillance Incident Response and Tracing) is a spatial and textual, web based software application that has been developed to enable better management of information and resources in emergency responses across animal or plant diseases, pests and incursions.
Conducting Training and Exercises
BSG conducts training activities and simulation exercises such as:
Also see the information on the Rapid Response Team (RRT).
Crisis Communications
An effective and tested National Communications Network is in place to respond to agricultural emergencies. Read more.
Collaborative Partnerships
BSG works closely with many government agencies and industry groups to ensure a unified approach to animal, plant or food safety emergencies.
Some of our partners include:
- Australian Government agencies
- State and Territory agricultural departments
- Animal Health Australia
- Plant Health Australia
- SAFEMEAT
- Meat & Livestock Australia
- Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority
- Fisheries Research & Development Corporation
Contact Us
If you would like to know more about BSG's role or our approach to pest and disease emergencies, email the Biosecurity Emergency Management Unit.