Many countries have pests and diseases that could have disastrous effects on Australia's animals and plants. These pests and diseases could be carried by people, by animals, in animal products such as meat, in plants or in plant products such as timber, or in soil on machinery.

All of these must undergo quarantine inspection, and many plants and animals must be isolated at quarantine stations so any pest or disease risks can be identified and prevented from entering the community.

The following information has been extracted from the AQIS publication 'Australia's most unwanted: A guide to exotic pests and disease'.  PDF [2.8mb]