What is biosecurity?
Biosecurity is the implementation of measures to reduce the risk of spreading Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) or pests and diseases. In basic terms, its the things we can do and the actions we can take to prevent the spread of problematic species.
Why is biosecurity important?
Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) are any plant, animal or disease that has been moved into a novel environment through human activities and can be extremely harmful for our environment – they are one of the leading causes of global biodiversity loss. For more information about the impacts of INNS see the Our Challenge page.
INNS can live in mud and water for up to two weeks so can be easily spread from one area to another.
How do I conduct biosecurity?
When you go walking, cycling, canoeing or any other leisure activity, make sure your equipment is clean and free from any harmful INNS.
You can do this by following three simple steps outlined in the ‘Check Clean Dry’ campaign, before leaving going home or between places if you are visiting different sites in one day.
Check your clothes and equipment for plants and animals. Pay particular attention to damp or hard to inspect areas.
Clean everything thoroughly. Use hot water where possible (45C) and soak for 15 minutes.
Dry everything – some species can live for days in moist conditions, but drying will kill INNS animals and plants.
For more information on this campaign go to www.nonnativespecies.org/checkcleandry/
What about plants in my garden?
If you are a gardener or pond owner, make sure you dispose of your garden waste carefully to avoid introducing INNS to the wild – see the campaign here www.nonnativespecies.org/beplantwise/
