Biosecurity in the bioprotection continuum: The complexities for pasture

Abstract

The most effective biosecurity strategy for natural and productive ecosystems is to prevent establishment of pests and diseases at the outset. This requires effective pre- and at-border interventions. Well-developed biosecurity systems consist of a series of activities designed to sequentially reduce risk. As a continuum, they entail offshore risk assessments, pathway risk management, early detection and diagnosis, post-border surveillance and finally eradication. The last resort, eradication, is expensive and most uncertain. Failing that long-term management solutions have to be sought.