The Role of Shooters and Hunters in Farm Biosecurity

Those of us who spend a lot of time in the bush learnt very quickly that farm biosecurity is a pretty big deal. That said, perhaps you're only just getting started on your hunting journey and don't know all that much about biosecurity or maybe, you've never even heard the term 'biosecurity'. In either case, if that's you, hopefully this article is worth reading.

What is Biosecurity?

In a nutshell, biosecurity is a comprehensive approach designed to protect our environment, economy, and public health by preventing the introduction and spread of harmful organisms. These include viruses, bacteria, animals, plants, pathogens, and insects that could pose a threat to our natural and agricultural systems. It also involves managing the impact of these threats if they are already present.

Now, that's the textbook definition, so let's take a look at biosecurity and how that relates to farms allowing access to shooters and hunters. 

Examples of Farm Biosecurity as it Relates to Shooters and Hunters

A typical example of farm biosecurity as it relates to shooters and hunters is the spread of weeds and noxious plants through the transfer of seeds and contaminated soil. Think about it. When you drive onto a property, you're driving over dirt, paddocks, creeks, etc. There are ample opportunities to pick up weeds or other noxious plants by them getting flicked up under your vehicle or stuck on your footwear and clothes. When you leave the property you take these weeds with you. If you then travel to another property, you risk spreading these weeds on the next property.

Another example is the spread of disease via feral animals. Unlike livestock, feral animals aren't contained in a general area and are generally free to roam long distances if they so desire. This means an infected feral animal can take a disease from one area and introduce it to other feral animals or livestock in a different area.

Practical Steps to Ensure Better Farm Biosecurity

As hunters and shooters, there are a few simple steps we can be aware of to minimise the risk of compromising a farm's biosecurity. Check them out:

• Ask the farmer about their biosecurity protocols (and follow them). 
• Make sure you have clean footwear before entering the property. 
• Make sure your vehicles (car, quad, buggy, etc) are clean before entering the property. 
• When leaving the property, give your vehicles a hose off all over and underneath to remove any loose dirt, seeds, manure, plant matter, etc. This is especially important when travelling directly to another property.

And here's one last tip exclusively for us hunters and shooters: make sure you ethically engage as many feral animals as possible during your hunting or shooting trip. Don't just look for trophies or take a single animal for meat. Keeping feral animal numbers under control is a major contributor to ensuring farm biosecurity and biosecurity in general.

So, with all that in mind, get out there, have a heap of fun, put some meat on the table, get that trophy, and do your part in keeping our farms' biosecurity intact.