Plant biosecurity and One Health: government and industry roles as risk creators and mitigators

Abstract

The One Health concept highlights the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health and places significant importance on plant biosecurity. This is due to the profound impact of plant biosecurity on food safety and security for animals and people, biodiversity, and the economy. This narrative review examines the roles of government and industry as risk creators and mitigators in plant biosecurity within a One Health framework, focusing on how their collaboration can strengthen surveillance, enhance regulatory policies, and mitigate the spread of plant pests and diseases. Plant biosecurity, which encompasses the measures to safeguard plant biosecurity and life in the same way that animal biosecurity safeguards animal and human health and life, is a critical component of One Health. Measures include a range of policies, regulations, strategies and activities to protect plants from exotic and established pests and diseases. Government, industry, and community actions are critical elements of plant biosecurity. These include pest surveillance and the establishment and maintenance of pest-free areas. Government agencies and industry professionals play a central and pivotal role in shaping plant biosecurity by implementing policies and regulations and developing innovative strategies. These actions can have a dual effect on plant biosecurity: they can either mitigate risks by preventing the introduction and spread of pests or create risks if regulations are inadequate or poorly enforced. The success of plant biosecurity efforts depends on how well government policies align with One Health principles, which require a careful balance between economic, environmental, social and health-related technical/scientific considerations. Pest surveillance, a foundational element of plant biosecurity, provides the tools for early detection and rapid response to pest outbreaks, essential for protecting plant biosecurity. Surveillance programs enable continuous monitoring of pest populations and the detection of emerging threats, which is critical for maintaining pest-free areas. The benefits of pest surveillance are numerous and extend beyond plant biosecurity, contributing to broader One Health objectives by reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases and preserving the ecological integrity of ecosystems. It underpins important economic and trade objectives by projecting confidence in the safety and health of Australia's agricultural products to international trading partners. Strategies to achieve and maintain pest-free areas include stringent quarantine measures, continuous surveillance, and effective rapid response protocols. The interconnectedness of plant biosecurity with One Health is evident in these efforts, as maintaining pest-free areas supports ecosystem health, minimises the need for chemical interventions and consequent pressure on antimicrobial resistance, and promotes sustainable agricultural practices. Government actions, pest surveillance, and the maintenance of pest-free regions are essential components of a robust plant biosecurity strategy. By aligning these measures with One Health principles, it is possible to protect plant biosecurity, enhance environmental sustainability, and contribute to global health outcomes. This holistic approach highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration and the need for solid biosecurity frameworks to safeguard plant biosecurity in an increasingly interconnected world.

Keywords: Governance; Industry; One health; Plant biosecurity; Surveillance.

Fig. 1

Graphic illustrating the Australian plant biosecurity landscape and phytosanitary trading system, based on the IPPC framework, showing the interconnected elements that safeguard plant resources and define the roles and responsibilities of government, farmers, and communities in promoting shared biosecurity responsibility (Ransom, L. Pers. Comm.)