US-based carrier United Airlines is revising its biosecurity measures after it failed twice to report dogs that flew into the country on its aircraft.
The Department of Agriculture says it found that United staff had failed to report a dog’s arrival twice − into Brisbane Airport in March and into Sydney Airport back in December 2022 − on its flights.
The dogs were assessed and managed by veterinary officers to ensure they met biosecurity requirements, including quarantine.
The department says the airline also failed to meet its dis-insection requirements as well as failed to provide biosecurity officers with the necessary information, both of which happened in August 2023.
The department Deputy Secretary for Biosecurity, Justine Saunders says that the breaches are an “unacceptable” biosecurity risk.
“Our goal is to protect Australia from exotic pests and diseases,” she says.
““The unchecked importation of live animals into Australia poses an unacceptable biosecurity risk.”
Ms Saunders points out that Australia is free of many pests and diseases such as rabies, which can be transmitted from dogs to humans.
“The entry, spread and establishment of rabies would have devastating impacts in Australia,” Ms Saunders says.
The department says that in August, the airline agreed to comply with several requirements over the next 15 months which will be monitored by the department.
These requirements include a revision of their internal processes, systems, and training.
The enforceable undertaking is one of the tools used by the department to ensure Australia’s robust biosecurity requirements are met.
If the airline does not comply, the Federal Court may take measures including directing compliance with the enforceable arrangement or imposing a fine or damages, the department says.
Other compliance measures which can be used include infringement notices, civil penalty orders, injunctions and criminal sanctions.