Click here to watch the extended version of the Stay on the Path Biosecurity Basics video
When visiting Tasmania, or touring around the state, you can help protect Tasmania's primary industries, environment, economy, and way of life from the adverse impacts of pests, weeds and diseases by STAYING ON THE PATH.
Keep to designated areas when visiting farms, orchards, vineyards, and primary production facilities. Always remain on the established paths when visiting some of Tasmania's beautiful parks and reserves, or if you are bushwalking through one of the state's many beautiful landscapes.
Stay on the path at farms
If you are visiting livestock production properties and facilities around Tasmania, it is vital that you DO NOT ENTER without first seeking the owner or managers’ permission. By entering the property, you may unintentionally introduce a pest, weed or disease that could have serious consequences for the farmer.
The detection of foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease in Indonesia has resulted in an increased level of vigilance in the potential pathways for these and other animal diseases to enter and spread in Australia, and Tasmania. Find out more about foot-and-mouth disease.
Stay on the path at vineyards
Tasmania produces some of the finest wines in the world and our winemakers take biosecurity very seriously.
Vineyards and wine grapes can be susceptible to a range of biosecurity threats, like the serious bacterial disease, Xylella. Some producers may allow controlled access to their vines, but only with adherence to strict biosecurity protocols. Always check with the vineyard's cellar door or office before entering the vines.
For more information on how you can help protect Tasmania's wine industry from biosecurity threats, visit the Wines Tasmania website.
Stay on the path at orchards
There are many pests and diseases that can have serious impacts on orchards - from cherries and apples through to berries and other small fruits.
Agritourism is now a well-established and very popular holiday past time. You may be moving between different farms as you tour Tasmania, increasing the likelihood of you unintentionally spreading harmful pathogens and other biosecurity threats.
When you arrive at an orchard or production facility, always follow the signs that indicate designated parking areas. Ensure your vehicle is clean from visible mud and dirt, and make sure your clothing and footwear are thoroughly cleaned before entering the property.
It’s a good idea to contact the owners or managers ahead of your visit to check for any biosecurity protocols and practices that may be in place at the property. Always seek permission before entering.
Stay on path in Tasmania's parks, reserves and wilderness
If you are trekking through Tasmania’s many scenic parks and reserves, it is vital that you stay on formed paths and tracks.
You can help limit the spread of the fungal disease root rot (Phytophthora cinnamomi) and other pests and diseases by walking on prepared tracks and camping in designated areas and facilities.
Here are some actions you can take to help prevent the introduction and spread of diseases like root rot:
- Obey track and road closed signs, these may have been closed to prevent the disease spreading
- Keep to formed tracks, moving off infected tracks into uninfected areas will spread the disease
- Where tracks are designated as one way, always walk in the direction indicated
- Clean your gear before you leave your campsite. Brush the soil off your tent floor, pegs, toilet trowel etc.
- Use wash down stations where provided
Know your general biosecurity duty
Find out how you can meet your
general biosecurity duty (GBD) when visiting or returning to Tasmania, or if you are importing or purchasing items to be delivered to Tasmania.
Stay on the Path related GBD profiles:
More inormation
Find out more about the Biosecurity Basics