The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is reminding the public not to enter canola crops for photographs to help prevent the spread of weeds, pests and diseases.
Canola crops and wildflowers across Western Australia are creating popular photography backdrops, but DPIRD is urging locals and tourists to avoid jumping fences and entering paddocks.
Weed seeds and soil that may contain fungal diseases can be carried on footwear and vehicles and spread to other properties, potentially causing significant damage to crops.
DPIRD Regional Biosecurity Coordinator Richard Watkins said people should remain on road verges when stopping to view or photograph crops and wildflowers.
The department also is encouraging the public to help support Western Australia's biosecurity surveillance and early detection efforts by watching road verges for pests and diseases and reporting unusual observations through the MyPestGuide Reporter app.
Roadside monitoring provides an important first line of defense for detecting potential biosecurity threats. People stopping to admire wildflowers and crops are encouraged to watch for anything unusual and report their observations.
The reminder comes during National Biosecurity Week, which highlights the role the community can play in protecting agricultural crops from pests and diseases.
Source: Government of Western Australia, "National Biosecurity Week: Canola crop biosecurity reminder"