What is Biosecurity

The policy and resource infrastructure required to manage agricultural and environmental pest and pathogen incursions evolve and strengthen over time. Animal and plant health responses involve the highly coordinated efforts of various entities. Governments partner with state and territory officials, subject matter experts, and representatives of the commodity(ies) that are/may be impacted by the invasion. Short-, intermediate-, and long-term animal and plant health incident management tactics may change over time depending upon multiple conditions and externalities that will be described in this chapter. Results to response may range from fully successful eradication to learning to live with the pest and deregulation. Although the scope, timeframe, and consequences of events can vary, actions taken in response to the identification of an exotic plant or animal pest, disease, or condition are designed to minimize economic and environmental impacts, ensure trade and food security, assure business continuity, and avoid social unrest.