Current biosecurity activities

Stopping pests at the border

Our borders are a frontline for biosecurity. Each year, invasive pests like Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) threaten to cross into NSW, putting pressure on our farmers, food supply, and natural environment. A single incursion can spread rapidly, resulting in significant costs for industries, damage to ecosystems, and disruption to communities.

Biosecurity Officers have increased checks at NSW - Queensland border sites as part of Operation VICTA. They are inspecting hay carriers, soil, and other high-risk movements to stop fire ants before they spread into NSW.

Your role

Here are some ways you can carry out your biosecurity duty:

• Check regularly – inspect hay, soil, turf, and equipment for signs of Red Imported Fire Ants before moving them.
• Have the correct paperwork – carry the required biosecurity certificates, permits, or movement records when transporting restricted items.
• Report suspect ants – it’s your legal duty to report unusual ant nests or suspect fire ants. You can do this online or by calling 1800 680 244.

Please note that in certain situations, Emergency Orders apply, setting out specific measures you must follow. Stay up to date with the latest NSW Red Imported Fire Ant requirements.

Carrying out your biosecurity duty is part of our shared responsibility to protect the economy, environment, and communities. If you have the correct paperwork and movement records, you’ll get through the border smoothly and help stop pests from spreading into NSW.

Protecting the border

Compliance teams are actively protecting the border through Operation VICTA — a joint initiative with NSW Police, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Transport for NSW and the National Fire Ant Eradication Program. Officers conduct roadside checks across northern NSW to identify vehicles carrying materials that may contain Red Imported Fire Ants.

If materials are moved in breach of the Emergency Order, vehicles are directed to return to Queensland, and Penalty Notices are issued.

Fire Ant Compliance / Operation VICTA

Data source: Operation VICTA (June 2026).

Protecting pollination

Pollination plays an important role in supporting agricultural production across NSW. Each year, thousands of hives are moved across the state to pollinate crops such as almonds, apples, canola and blueberries. These activities support food production and contribute significantly to the NSW economy.

When large numbers of hives are brought together, there is an increased risk of pests and diseases spreading. A single unhealthy hive or non-compliant operator can put industries, the environment and communities at risk.

Biosecurity Officers undertake ongoing compliance activities at pollination events across NSW. This includes inspecting hives, auditing operators, and monitoring high-risk activities to help prevent the spread of pests and diseases, including Varroa mite and American foulbrood.

Your role

Here are some ways you can carry out your duty:

• Check your hives – make sure they are healthy, well-maintained, and free from disease.
• Keep your records up to date – record all hive movements and health checks as they happen and store them somewhere safe and easy to access.
• Provide records on request – if a Biosecurity Officer requests your hive movement or health records, have them ready to show straight away. Paper or digital is fine, as long as it’s complete and accessible.

Please note that specific requirements under the Australian honey bee industry Biosecurity Code of Practice apply to registered beekeepers and set out specific measures you must follow.

Carrying out your biosecurity duty is part of our shared responsibility to protect the economy, environment, and communities. If your hives are healthy and your records are in order, you’ll be accepted at pollination sites and help protect fellow beekeepers from harmful diseases.

Compliance at pollination

Compliance teams undertake targeted programs to monitor the bee industry and ensure beekeepers meet the Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice. This includes audits to confirm hives are healthy before attending pollination events and inspections to ensure disease risks are managed and biosecurity threats are contained. Where threats are identified, directions may be issued to remove the risk, and Penalty Notices may be issued where appropriate controls have not been implemented.

Bee compliance results

Data source: Pollination compliance program (June 2026).

Cattle tick

Cattle tick activity can increase seasonally in some regions of NSW. Cattle tick is a parasite that can weaken livestock and spread disease. Left unchecked, it can negatively impact animal welfare and increase production costs.

Biosecurity Officers undertake ongoing surveillance and compliance activities across NSW. This includes inspecting properties, investigating reports, and ensuring treatment and quarantine requirements are met to help prevent the spread of cattle tick.

Your role

Here are some ways you can carry out your duty:

• Check regularly – inspect your stock often for signs of cattle tick and act quickly if you find them.
• Report infestations – it’s your legal duty to report cattle tick. You can do this online or by calling 1800 680 244.
• Follow treatment rules – if your property is under a treatment program or quarantine order, complete all required treatments and meet any movement conditions.

Please note that in certain situations, regulatory requirements apply, outlining specific measures you must follow. More information about cattle tick and tick fever.

Carrying out your biosecurity duty is part of our shared responsibility to protect the economy, environment, and communities. By reporting and treating cattle tick, you protect your livestock, support industry, and help stop cattle tick from spreading across NSW.

Cattle tick compliance

Compliance operates surveillance systems along the QLD border to monitor movements of potential cattle tick carriers and ensure compliance with the Biosecurity Order (Permitted Activities) 2019.

These cattle tick compliance activities are also undertaken as part of Operation VICTA, alongside broader border biosecurity compliance operations.

Movements of certain animals into NSW require a Record of Movement (ROM). Camera detections are checked to confirm a ROM has been obtained. Where a ROM has not been provided, Compliance investigates and may issue Penalty Notices.

These systems operate continuously and support the detection of breaches and effective enforcement action.

Operation results

Data source: Cattle tick compliance program (June 2026).