Biosecurity workshop: A case study on logging trucks

A recent biosecurity workshop explored practical ways to reduce the spread of soil-borne pathogens via logging trucks.

Bringing together industry experts, researchers and government, the workshop focused on logging trucks as a potential vector for pathogens like Phytophthora, a group of microscopic organisms that can cause serious tree diseases.

Attendees heard about the complex challenge of mapping this risk, exploring how interconnected the industry is.

NZFOA-NZFFA Transport Committee chair, Tim Sandall,  highlighted the scale of New Zealand’s logging transport system and the importance of preparedness. With around 2,500 log trucks moving up to 5,000 loads daily, the risk of spreading pathogens between regions  is very real.

Scion  scientist Darryl Heron presented, showing how logging trucks can act as a pathway for pathogen spread. Soil samples taken from trucks showed similar pathogen communities to those found in forest soil with high-risk species like Phytophthora pluvialis and Phytophthora multivora were detected. The findings reinforce the importance of, and need  for, consistent hygiene practices, even when there is no active incursion.

Participants agreed  that while the ideal practice of sterilising  logging trucks is impractical day to day, a “bronze standard” approach to hygiene,  such as removing large clumps  of soil, is achievable and effective.

Despite the scale of the challenges the industry does  not have to start from scratch. The workshop highlighted some  proven  management strategies from both  New Zealand and abroad that can be adapted to keep forestry operations running while managing biosecurity risks.

In the closing  session discussing recommendations and possible interventions that could be actioned, the concept of ‘peacetime’ (when not dealing with an incursion)  versus  ‘wartime’ (pathogen incursion)  biosecurity planning emerged. During peacetime, existing protocols should be reviewed and scalable infrastructure and operating procedures developed that can be rapidly activated during an outbreak. Building facilities and training personnel during peacetime ensures readiness for wartime scenarios.

The workshop concluded with a call to embed biosecurity into business-as- usual operations. That includes simple, preventative measures like vehicle cleaning, driver education and inter-agency collaboration, all supported by better data-sharing and a stronger culture of responsibility.

As the forestry sector faces a growing threat of pathogen spread due to increased trade, tourism and climate change, building a resilient, scalable and practical biosecurity system is not just a precaution, it is essential.