09 January 2024. Last updated 12 January 2026.
During recovery from flooding, biosecurity is a key priority to help protect your property and livestock from weeds, pests and diseases. Support for your agribusiness, including access to emergency fodder and ways to uphold your GBO during an extreme weather event can be found at North and North West Queensland floods—support for agribusiness | Business Queensland.
Fodder is a key pathway for introducing new and unwanted weeds, along with other biosecurity problems. When obtaining fodder, it is a good idea to ask for a signed declaration that actions have been taken to ensure it is not contaminated with weed seeds or other biosecurity matter.
Clean up debris and other waste, including food waste, animal carcasses, and other organic matter. This will help prevent the spread of diseases and remove places where pest animals like rodents, wild dogs and feral pigs can feed and find refuge.
Floodwaters are a major way that weeds and pests can be transported into new areas. Be vigilant in checking areas that have flooded for anything new and take immediate action to control new weeds and pests before the issue becomes widespread. There is more information available at Biosecurity matters after prolonged flooding events - Farm Biosecurity with useful resources for producers experiencing prolonged weather events.
Report any suspected Prohibited invasive plants you may sight on your property to your local government or Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23. Biosecurity Queensland works with government agencies, industry and community groups to manage issues related to invasive plants and animals that emerge from natural disasters.
You may wish to Weed Spotters Network Queensland. The Weed Spotters Network Queensland aims to find, identify and document those new occurrences of potential weeds at an early stage so that preventative actions can be taken.
Yellow crazy ants are easily spread by floodwaters. Please keep an eye out when you are cleaning up after the flooding. The Wet Tropics Management Authority can provide assistance with suspected yellow crazy ants.
Some plants and diseases do best during and following wet conditions, there is a Livestock diseases following floods factsheet available to understand what to look out for.
Contaminated water (and food) can result in the spread of Emergency Animal Diseases. Monitor your animals closely for any signs of illness or disease. You must contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or the Emergency Disease Hotline 1800 675 888 if you suspect the presence of a notifiable disease. This resource summarises key signs and symptoms of Emergency Animal Diseases.