AS a rule of thumb for biosecurity risks for on-farm vehicles, if it’s been out and about, then check it out.

A useful vehicle biosecurity risk assessment chart has been produced to help determine if a vehicle requires a clean down before entering a property to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases on-farm.

Agriculture Victoria grains biosecurity officer, Jim Moran, said the checklist was produced for grain growers by the Grains Farm Biosecurity Program.

“The Vehicle Biosecurity Risk Assessment Tool is a quick reference guide for assessing a vehicle that has travelled off a property or is not stationed on a property,” he said.

Mr Moran said the checklist gave grain growers a quick assessment strategy to help them determine if a vehicle required a clean down before re-entering their property.

“For example, the checklist suggests key questions to consider when a vehicle either arrives or re-enters, such as - Where has the vehicle been and what is the likelihood it has come into contact with weeds or other pests?” he said.

“What were the road conditions it came on? Dry, damp, muddy or flooding? – These will all have an impact on the level of risk the vehicle represents to your farm.”

Mr Moran said the checklist was comprehensive but still simple and easy to use and included prompts about road surfaces travelled (including paddocks) and their corresponding biosecurity risk level ratings.

He said depending on the level of risk assessed, the checklist then provided practical solutions for treating the vehicle.

“But remember if it’s wet conditions forget it,” Mr Moran said.

“Vehicles shouldn’t be entering the productive areas of your property when it is wet or flooded unless there is an urgent need.

“Mud sticks to tyres and is flicked up into the hard-to-see and clean components, giving weeds, pests, and diseases, a ride to the next paddock or property.

“Flood water behaves similarly, washing muddy water over vehicles and machinery, but also can provide a means of transport for weeds, pests and diseases, spreading around the property or district as it moves.

“The best tactic is not drive onto muddy or flooded paddocks and protect your farm’s production zones from the introduction and spread of pests, weeds and diseases.”

More information is available at agriculture.vic.gov.au.