AGRICULTURE Victoria is asking school holidaymakers to help keep the state’s $17.5 billion agriculture industry safe from biosecurity threats including pests and diseases.

Biosecurity Victoria executive director, Katherine Clift, said there were many ways the community can be biosecurity aware, including complying with state regulations while travelling.

“Victorians travelling interstate should be aware of border quarantine restrictions around moving plants, fruit and vegetables or risk hefty fines,” he said.

“Biosecurity measures such as not bringing fruit and vegetables into the state will help protect Victoria’s valuable horticulture industry from exotic pests including Mediterranean fruit fly.

“If you are planning to visit our excellent wineries, don’t wander into the vineyards in case you get phylloxera on your footwear and spread it elsewhere – this tiny insect can destroy grapevines and significantly impact our $170 million wine industry.”

Beachgoers can minimise the risk of pests and diseases by following the steps of Check, Clean and Dry – check all vessels, fishing, diving and surfing equipment and remove anything including water, sand and seaweed. Also, remember to check your catch for signs of disease.

“Clean boats at home or at a commercial carwash. Wash wetsuits, fishing and diving equipment with fresh, soapy water,” Dr Clift said.

“Dry all boating, fishing and diving equipment completely before heading out into the water again,” he said.

For those making trips to farms, it’s essential to comply with Biosecurity Management Plans and follow biosecurity signage requirements to help prevent spreading pests and disease.

“When you’re planning to visit a farming property, call ahead to see if there are any specific biosecurity requirements or potential issues,” Dr Clift said.

“When you arrive, sign the visitor record book, wash and disinfect your footwear and arrange to meet your hosts at their house or on a sealed or gravel area away from livestock,” she said.

When it’s time to go home, farm visitors should wash their footwear again to avoid carrying pests and diseases to other properties or regions.

“If you’re spending a lot of time on farms – or travelling to multiple properties – our Come Clean, Stay Clean, Go Clean learning module has great tips to help build your biosecurity awareness,” Dr Clift said.

“The short course will only take around 15 minutes of your time, but could save your friends and relatives so much more if you’re able to keep them safe from biosecurity threats.”

Information and eLearning modules for farm visitors are available via: agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/emergency-animal-diseases/information-for-farm-visitors-service-providers