Australian Biosecurity

Australian Biosecurity Information for people travelling or sending goods to Australia.

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has portfolio responsibility for managing Australia's biosecurity system. Keeping Australia free from many of the pests and diseases present in other parts of the world is a shared responsibility. Knowing what you, your friends and family can bring into the country either through the airport or through the mail will help k

eep our environment, agricultural industries and economy safe. Questions posed to this page will be referred to the department's website and feedback form.

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Media inquiries should be directed to 02 6272 3232 or [email protected]
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For queries about what can and can't be sent or brought to Australia, visit http://agriculture.gov.au/travelling.

H5 bird flu has been detected in Australia. This is the serious H5 bird flu strain that has been circulating globally.To...
24/06/2026

H5 bird flu has been detected in Australia. This is the serious H5 bird flu strain that has been circulating globally.

To date there have only been detections in migratory seabirds that occasionally visit southern Australia.

There are no detections in poultry and no evidence of large-scale deaths in any animals.

The current risk of bird flu to people in Australia is low.

Australia is well-prepared to respond quickly to H5 bird flu.

Avoid. Record. Report. If you see multiple sick, dying or dead birds or other animals, don’t touch them. Take a photo or video from a distance and record your location and report to the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888. This will put you in touch with your state or territory department of primary industries.

Find out more about bird flu at https://srkr.io/6184BGqm

H5 avian influenza (bird flu) has been confirmed in a migratory seabird found on an isolated beach in southern Western A...
21/06/2026

H5 avian influenza (bird flu) has been confirmed in a migratory seabird found on an isolated beach in southern Western Australia. This is the first detection of H5 bird flu in Australia.

There have been no detections in poultry or additional native species.

Australia is well prepared to respond to H5 bird flu.

You can help. If you find multiple sick or dead birds or other animals do not touch them.

- Avoid – contact.
- Record – what you see.
- Report – to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

For more information visit https://srkr.io/6187BGjW.

Herbal inhalers found at Cairns Airport contained 6 plant species of concern.Even traditional remedies can pose risks.Th...
19/06/2026

Herbal inhalers found at Cairns Airport contained 6 plant species of concern.

Even traditional remedies can pose risks.

The traveller can breathe easy knowing they avoided a hefty penalty.

Declare and check what you can bring before you travel.

🚨 Illegal importer sentenced and shut down. 🚨 Under Operation Crane, investigators and frontline officers uncovered atte...
18/06/2026

🚨 Illegal importer sentenced and shut down. 🚨

Under Operation Crane, investigators and frontline officers uncovered attempts to import meat and seafood that had been deliberately misdeclared as low-risk goods.

Weiwen LI of Hua Chen Pty Ltd has been sentenced after pleading guilty to illegally attempting to import high-risk goods that posed a biosecurity threat to Australia.

Hua Chen Pty Ltd operated an approved arrangement. The department immediately revoked the company’s approved arrangement status, following the detection in 2023.

The department’s swift response prevented further breaches and significantly impacted Weiwen LI’s trade business.

Misdeclared goods can carry serious risks, including exotic diseases and harmful contaminants that threaten human health, agriculture and export markets.

If you attempt to bypass Australia’s biosecurity controls, you will face serious consequences. Accurate import declarations are required by law.

If you have information about illegal food imports, report it. Call the department’s Redline on 1800 803 006.

12/06/2026

Australia’s biosecurity strength comes from individuals making a real difference.

Last year’s Australian Biosecurity Awards recognised Dr Nerida Donovan, a citrus pathologist helping protect Australia’s citrus industry from devastating pests and diseases.

From working with industry to strengthening disease detection and preparedness, Nerida is supporting growers, safeguarding livelihoods and helping keep our food supply secure.

Do you know someone making a difference like Nerida?

🗓 Nominations close at 5 pm AEST on Tuesday 16 June 👇

A funeral keepsake card with seeds was declared by a passenger returning from the UK, however it didn’t meet import cond...
12/06/2026

A funeral keepsake card with seeds was declared by a passenger returning from the UK, however it didn’t meet import conditions.

The traveller intended on planting the seeds in a memorial garden of their own.

Sadly, the seeds didn’t meet import conditions and were disposed of.

The traveller understood the importance of protecting Australia’s environment.

11/06/2026

Last year’s Australian Biosecurity Awards recognised Ella Matta Pastoral, whose commitment to practical, on-farm biosecurity is helping protect livestock, livelihoods and regional communities.

By implementing strong biosecurity practices and leading by example, they are helping reduce risk, prevent the spread of disease and strengthen the resilience of Australia’s agricultural sector.

Do you know a producer or grower leading the way in biosecurity? Nominate them for the 2026 Australian Biosecurity Awards!

Nominations close: 5 pm AEST Tuesday 16 June 👇

Animal Health Australia
Plant Health Australia

08/06/2026

Great biosecurity starts with informed, empowered communities 👥🌱

The Australian Biosecurity Awards celebrates people and groups who lead in their communities, build awareness and take practical action to protect what matters most.

In 2025, the Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group was recognised for its strong community-led approach to biosecurity.

Through local engagement, education and on-the-ground programs, the group empowers landholders and residents to identify risks early, take action and play an active role in protecting their region. 💬👇

Today is World Environment Day 🌱Australia is home to unique plants, animals and ecosystems found nowhere else. Pests, we...
05/06/2026

Today is World Environment Day 🌱

Australia is home to unique plants, animals and ecosystems found nowhere else. Pests, weeds and diseases can put these at risk.

Environmental biosecurity helps protect the places we love—from our natural landscapes to our communities.

We work with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and industry partners on key environmental biosecurity issues.

Everyone has a role to play. Small actions can help stop pests and diseases from entering Australia or spreading inside our borders, because Australia is worth protecting.

A traveller declared dried snails and cow hide (kpomo).These items didn’t meet import conditions and were disposed of. G...
05/06/2026

A traveller declared dried snails and cow hide (kpomo).

These items didn’t meet import conditions and were disposed of.

Giant African snails and untreated hides pose serious biosecurity risks.

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