Zoo and aquarium biosecurity

Biosecurity is security against diseases and pests that could harm our native environment, our economy or our community. It is the precautions taken to lower the risk of spreading or introducing these pests or diseases.

Good biosecurity is important to zoos and aquariums because it helps to keep wildlife, both in our care and in the wild, safe and healthy. It also helps to protect our people, domestic animals and ecosystems.

ZAA works with its members, veterinarian professionals and the government to maintain and improve high standards of biosecurity. We do this by producing manuals and guidelines for good practice, conducting training, engaging with government, raising awareness, setting expectations for our members and educating the public.

 

National Zoo Biosecurity Manual

The National Zoo Biosecurity Manual (NZBM) was produced as a cooperative initiative between the Zoo and Aquarium Association, the Australian Wildlife Health Network, the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Australian Zoo Industry.

Guidelines (numbered sequentially for each section) outline the recommended practices to achieve best practice zoo biosecurity outcomes. The manual outlines both basic guidelines and higher level guidelines for all zoos.

A biosecurity self-audit checklist for ongoing assessment and improvement is available, in electronic format, as a supplement to this manual.

Download National Zoo Biosecurity Manual

Download Australia’s National Zoo Biosecurity Manual Self-audit Checklist

Download Mycoplasma agassizii Disease Risk Assessment for Australia