‘Come clean, go clean’ to reduce biosecurity risks

Most pests and diseases don’t arrive with a warning: they’re often introduced unknowingly on boots, tyres, tools or plant material. And with the olive harvest now upon us, the people, vehicles and equipment moving more frequently between properties present an increased biosecurity risk.

So here’s a timely reminder about Farm Biosecurity’s ‘come clean, go clean’ approach to help manage that risk. Simple and practical, it means ensuring anything entering your property is clean, and anything leaving it is clean as well.

Why clean is the key

Soil is one of the biggest risk pathways for pests and diseases. Even small amounts can carry fungal spores, insects, weed seeds or plant pathogens. Tyres, undercarriages, boots and tools are common carriers, particularly when moving between paddocks, properties or regions.

Without regular cleaning, pests and diseases can spread quickly and become established in new areas. Once present, they can be difficult and costly to manage, with impacts on productivity and market access.

On-farm biosecurity practices – and resources to assist

• Make sure visitors and staff understand and follow the biosecurity measures you have in place. Keeping records of visitors, vehicles and equipment movements supports traceability if an issue arises. Record keeping templates are available to help make this easier.
• Setting a clear entry point helps manage how people and vehicles move onto a property. Directing visitors and contractors to a single access point makes it easier to apply hygiene measures. Farm gate signage can help set expectations before people enter.
• Clean vehicles, equipment and tools before they enter and before they leave a property. The quick guide to vehicle biosecurity outlines simple steps to follow.
• Provide boot cleaning stations or footbaths at entry points and keep them well maintained. You can make your own footbath using simple, inexpensive materials.
• Where possible, keep visitor vehicles out of production areas and use on-farm vehicles only. Where practical, using dedicated gear, boots or clothing for different production areas can also reduce cross-contamination.

Apply it both ways

‘Come clean, go clean’ works in both directions. Before people, equipment or produce leave your property, check that soil and plant material have been removed. This helps prevent pests and diseases from spreading to neighbouring farms and the wider industry.

Keep it consistent

To ensure the most effective biosecurity effects for your property, apply the “come clean, go clean” measures all the time, not just during high-risk periods like harvest. It takes just a few minutes but makes a massive difference to the protection of your property, and the wider industry, from pest and disease incursions.

About the Farm Biosecurity Program

Farm Biosecurity is a joint initiative of Animal Health Australia (AHA) and Plant Health Australia (PHA) on behalf of their members, helping producers reduce the risks posed by diseases, pests and weeds to their crops and livestock.

This website provides information about on-farm biosecurity measures, encouraging producers to identify risks to their livestock, crops and plant products, and to minimise those risks through good practices.

Find out more and access additional resources here.