Children in Western Australian schools are gaining first-hand knowledge of the appalling damage which can be done to our agricultural industry by ignorant travellers.
Quarantine officers have begun visiting WA schools equipped with an assortment of `illegal entrants' ranging from Giant African Snails and bongo drums to foodstuffs such as dried frogs, caterpillars and cicadas to press the message about quarantine.
Also, using videos and other aids, the officers provide a vivid picture of the damage which can be done through the introduction of exotic pests and diseases.
Agriculture Minister Ernie Bridge said the initiative was part of an intensive national effort to enhance community awareness of the dangers posed by travellers bringing illicit goods into the country.
"Those dangers should not be underestimated. For example, a single outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Australia would be expected to result in a drop in rural production of about $1.2 billion, and the loss of 43,000 jobs, in the first year," he said.
"Foot and mouth disease is contagious and is widespread in Europe, Asia, South America, the Middle East and Africa, and a likely source of its introduction would be in foodstuffs which many travellers carry."
A comprehensive quarantine kit has also been provided to primary schools to enable teachers to participate in the campaign.
The kits include a teacher's guide, quarantine dictionary, role-play cards, poster material, activity and case study information, and two videos including information presented by teenage `reporters'.
The two-pronged approach means children can gain a first hand understanding through direct access to quarantine officers, as well as covering the issue in everyday lessons such as environmental and social studies, English, history, science or geography.
Mr Bridge said that by teaching children to understand the importance of quarantine, it was hoped that parents and ultimately the wider community would gain greater awareness.
"If we reach a point where children start talking about keeping Australia free of foot and mouth disease, or the dangers presented by Giant African Snails, we will know the campaign is a success," he said.
The Minister said quarantine could not succeed through Government regulation alone, and the long-term cost of an uninformed or indifferent public would be reflected in higher costs in direct quarantine effort.
