Decision Support: Developing and Delivering Diagnostic Information to Strengthen Australia's Biosecurity

Rapid identification of emergency plant pest and pathogen incursions is essential to reduce the cost of eradication and impacts through rapid response. Diagnostic technology and data underpin our capacity for early identification and monitoring. Previously there was no single information resource, web-based or otherwise, to provide diagnostic information for targeted emergency plant pests (EPPs). Fast access to diagnostic information at the time of a suspected incursion is vital to biosecurity responsiveness. This project has developed an easy-to-use, web- accessible national diagnostic database known as 'The Plant Biosecurity Toolbox' (PBT) that helps users to quickly assess a suspected incursion. The PBT has a wide audience, providing information at a variety of levels - from general biology and risk analysis to detailed molecular tests. The PBT contains a collection of diagnostic protocols for EPPs and provides users with images, taxonomic and biological information as well as identification instructions, diagnostic procedures and contact details for experts and accredited diagnostic laboratories. The PBT is accessible via the Pest and Diseases Image Library (PaDIL) website (www.padil.gov.au/pbt), and provides access to other linked biosecurity diagnostic tools, such as the Remote Microscope Diagnostic Network and the Biosecurity Bank. In the next phase of the project, we are looking to develop portable pest modules for specific industries, which will be available for PDAs or as podcasts. The PBT will increase Australia's capacity and skills for plant biosecurity.