On-farm biosecurity is essential to protect your land, livestock and waterways from invasive pests and diseases.
Several high-risk species are of concern for Northland farmers, including Madagascar ragwort, velvetleaf, Manchurian wild rice, Mycoplasma bovis and invasive freshwater clams.
Wash farm machinery and vehicles to reduce the risk of pests hitchhiking.
While pests do spread by natural means such as wind, water and birds, it is usually people that help to move pests the greatest distances.
Farmers can help control the entry of pests and diseases on to the farm by taking steps to reduce the risk of pests hitchhiking on stock, vehicles, people, equipment, and in feed and grains. Staying vigilant and checking for anything new or unusual can help stop new pests before they become established, while they are still easier to control.
What can you do?
Treat your gate as if it is a border. To help prevent invasive species from becoming established on your land, make biosecurity part of your daily routine and stay alert for anything unusual.
- Have a biosecurity plan for your farm
- Ensure any equipment, machinery or vehicles coming on to your property are free of soil, seeds and vegetation. Establish a dedicated wash down area.
- Wash farm machinery and vehicles when moving between sites and properties
- Source seed, hay and other fodder crops from reputable, clean suppliers
- Use a designated quarantine paddock for new stock for 24 hours
- Use reliable contractors and ask if they follow weed hygiene practices
- Be extra vigilant in areas where you have had contract equipment and machinery operating on the farm
- Be extra vigilant when purchasing second-hand farm gear and make sure it is clean before bringing it home
- Been visiting other sites? Clean your vehicle underside and tyres before returning home.
If you spot anything new or unusual on your farm, take action early and find out what it is before it has a chance to spread.
- Take clear photos or collect a sample if you need help with identification
- Seal any samples securely so seeds, plant fragments, or other material cannot escape
- Email photos or bring samples to an NRC office and ask Biosecurity staff for assistance
- You can also call the MPI Hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
Resources
Bracts at base of Madagascar ragwort flower are less than or equal to 0.8mm.
Invasive freshwater clam (Corbicula fluminea) - Photo credit NIWA.
