Plant health surveillance is a cornerstone of Queensland’s biosecurity strategy, safeguarding the state’s $9 billion (Annual Report 2023–2024, www.daf.qld.gov.au) horticulture and broad-acre cropping industries from the increasing threat of exotic plant pathogens. These threats are amplified by global trade and climate change, requiring robust measures to protect agriculture, natural ecosystems, and communities.
Effective surveillance provides critical evidence of the distribution and incidence of pathogens and diseases enabling the timely decision making that leads to the implementation of effective measures for control, containment, or eradication – especially for high priority diseases. Additionally, surveillance supports trade by demonstrating the absence of diseases and pests of concern, which assists in meeting interstate and international market access requirements.
Biosecurity Queensland conducts targeted surveillance programs for high-priority plant pathogens across the state. Survey locations are strategically selected based on risk factors, such as proximity to high-risk pathways, the biology of targeted pathogens, and or the presence of host plants or commodities.
This poster highlights Biosecurity Queensland’s proactive approach to plant pathogen surveillance throughout 2024, emphasizing its pivotal role in securing Queensland’s agricultural productivity and environmental health.