Category: biosecurity

CSIRO to Release Foreign Fungi to Control Coastal Invasive Weed for Penguin Nests

The CSIRO announced that it will be releasing the Venturia paralias fungi to attack the invasive coastal weed called sea spurge that is threatening nesting sites of native Australian little penguins as well as coastal vegetation. “Our research found that the fungus is highly specific towards sea spurge. Based on our results, the fungus was…


The Curious History of Nunn-Lugar and the Former Soviet Republics

Commentary​ Grand treaties were devised during the Cold War between the East and West. These treaties were negotiated with the best of intent (at least on the West’s side) to mitigate the likelihood of any nuclear, chemical, biological, or other, forms of conflict. There were several treaties, including, but not limited to, the Space Treaty,…


Australia Warns About Biosecurity Risks From Chinese Lunar New Year Gifts

With the Lunar New Year, only weeks away on Feb. 1, the Australian Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud has reminded Australians to ensure that gifts sent or brought to Australia from overseas do not pose a biosecurity risk. Littleproud said gifts could contain pests and diseases that can seriously impact the nation’s environment, agriculture, and tourism…


6 Tips to Secure Mobile Devices in Your Organization

Mobile technology can be an excellent tool for productivity and convenience, but it also poses security threats. So be aware and watchful. Smartphones are all around us, and people use them for work every day. Mobile technology can be an excellent tool for productivity and convenience, but it also poses security threats. CheckPoint’s Mobile Security…


Mooncakes Can Pose a Biosecurity Risk to Australia: Agriculture Minister

Australian biosecurity officers are checking mooncakes and other gifts from overseas for biosecurity concerns as the Mid-Autumn festival approaches. Agriculture Minister David Littleproud is advising importers and consumers to check the biosecurity rules before finalising gift orders. The fact sheet is also available in Chinese and Vietnamese. “Australia has strict biosecurity conditions to ensure goods…


Biosecurity Checks Get a $371M Beefing Up

Biosecurity controls will be beefed up in a bid to protect Australian agriculture from devastating diseases and pests. Prime Minister Scott Morrison will on Tuesday travel to Beef 2021 in Rockhampton to make a $371 million funding announcement one week ahead of the federal budget. “Australia’s biosecurity system protects $42 billion in inbound tourism, $53…