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Edition 3, September 2023
Join the Quest and Learn How to Protect our Biosecurity
The Great Biosecurity Quest is a new science program that will teach Victorian's how to combat against the pests and diseases that threaten our environment and agriculture industry.
Held in October, Victorians can register to join the Quest as a Watchout Warrior and access a science toolkit that explains the pests and diseases in their backyard, local garden or national park.
Watchout Warriors can also report their discoveries via Agriculture Victoria’s online portal and help keep our natural assets safe.
Ahead of the Great Biosecurity Quest’s opening, Melbourne Royal Show visitors can take part in the Junior Quest, an interactive display in the Livestock Building which will educate children on specific animals and diseases.
Visitors will also discover how to join the Great Biosecurity Quest and enter a competition to win an iPad Mini.
The Great Biosecurity Quest is on from October 9 to 22. For more information and to register to become a Watchout Warrior, visit the Great Biosecurity Quest stand at the Melbourne Royal Show or visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurityquest
Make a difference in biosecurity 🌿
Meet people who are protecting what matters most to Victorians from the harms of pests and diseases.
We hear it often, it takes a village to care for anything important. In the case of biosecurity, every Victorian has a role to play in preventing the harms of pests and diseases impacting what matters to all of us.
Nine Victorians generously donated their time to share why biosecurity is important to them and what they do about it. Watch the video below and discover their stories at agriculture.vic.gov.au/make-a-difference
📻 AgVic Talk Season 6 - A taste you can trace
Have you ever wondered what traceability is? In season six of the AgVic Talk podcast we explore traceability and how it can connect businesses along the supply chain – from the farm to consumer.
New online marine pest resources 🌊
A new Invasive Marine Pests Module that aims to protect Victoria's precious marine environments against invasive pests is now available.
Whether you're a commercial or recreational fisher or boater or you live near or love to visit coastal areas - this module offers a deep dive into how marine pests are managed in Victoria.
👨🌾Farmers - are you ready for the next dry spell?
Tune into our Managing Seasonal Variability lunchtime webinar series to help you plan ahead.
Sessions will occur each Wednesday from September 20 to October 25, between 12:30 to 1:30 pm. Farmers are welcome to join one, or all sessions.
Topics will include:
- Managing seasonal variability: a farmer’s perspective
- Climate outlook and tools
- Fodder conservation
- Siting and design of Stock Containment Areas
- Animal nutrition and feeding
- Livestock water supply options
Know the symptoms: Equine Influenza 🐴
Equine influenza (EI) is an exotic disease to Australia caused by a highly contagious virus that can be spread horse to horse or by humans on their skin, clothes and riding equipment.
The main clinical signs of EI are usually:
- sudden increase in temperature (to between 39°C and 41°C)
- deep, dry, hacking cough
- watery nasal discharge, which may later contain pus.
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