Biosecurity

Sarah Herrmann. Oyster farms in Stansbury have been forced to close while authorities investigate whether food safety is at risk from brevetoxins produced by the microalgae Karenia. At least six farms were closed from Monday, May 5, as a precaution under the Primary Produce (Food Safety Schemes) (Seafood) Regulations 2017.

Potential declines in bee populations due to varroa mite infestation could jeopardise Australian horticultural production, Rabobank says in a newly-released report ... In the report, How varroa mites might impact Australian pollinators, the bank’s RaboResearch division says this threat comes at a time when demand growth for pollination is outpacing growth in beehive numbers.

Prue Weir spoke about the issue of tropical soda apple at the Kyogle Council meeting on Monday, April 14. Ms Weir is a part of a group of residents formed in late 2023 to raise awareness of the insidious weed ... “It is an environmental disaster,” Ms Weir said.

With the arrival of deer breeding season, the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions is reminding communities of the heightened risk of feral deer on the road as well as increased activity and damage across Australia's landscapes including in suburban streets.

Spiny Burrgrass. It's gnarly and sounds like it would win a fight against the cats eye burr. It's not from round here but it will grow well in the type of conditions we have. We must be careful not to help it spread.

A research project is under way to aid Australian grain growers to manage snail and slug damage in crops by optimising bait spreading operations. Snails and slugs cause substantial crop damage and impose costs on the Australian grains industry estimated at $43 million annually.

Beekeepers are being urged to check the health of their hives and be alert for unwanted pests during bee pest blitz this month ... DPIRD deputy chief plant biosecurity officer Michelle Christy said there were more than 4500 registered beekeepers in Western Australia who owned more than 53,400 hives.

At a meeting held at All Saints Anglican Church Hall in Clifton last Wednesday, attendees from across the Darling Downs heard why biosecurity is so important. The Condamine Catchment Management Association (CCMA) held a general meeting, which included guest speaker Craig Hunter, a Senior Biosecurity Officer for Biosecurity Queensland.

Cattle ticks have been found on cattle at a property next to the Bonalbo Showground. It was during a routine inspection of the cattle that the ticks were discovered and the relevant authorities notified the managers of the showground. 

"If we can remove young pigs before they breed it will put real pressure on feral pig population." - John Medcalf, Lachlan Shire Mayor. A joint operation between NSW Farmers Tottenham branch and the Australia Pig Doggers and Hunters Association (APDHA) has conducted a very successful feral pig bounty trial in the Tottenham area. The trial resulted in the removal of 1,427 feral pigs...