Quarantine concerns

Food, plant material and animal products from overseas could introduce some of the world’s most serious pests and diseases into Australia, devastating our valuable agriculture and tourism industries and unique environment. Rabies, foot and mouth disease, or avian flu could be introduced by infected animals or in food purchased overseas or from trading with overseas vessels.

International vessels could bring in unwanted pests through many different avenues such as:

• The vessel itself could have exotic insects on the deck or marine pests on the hull (biofouling) or in ballast water
• The galley could have stored product pests or diseased fruit and vegetables
• Waste from the vessel (i.e. dry stores, cooked and uncooked meat, vegetable scraps and eggs) if not stored securely could become a breeding ground for exotic pests and diseases
• Souvenirs with plant and animal content could contain exotic insects
• Plants and items with feathers and seeds
• Animals including ships pets, hitch-hikers or imported animals
• Human health concerns