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Recreation in natural areas

Don't be a Phytophthora Dieback carrier. Mud sticks! Start out clean, stay clean.

Phytophthora (pronounced fy-TOFF-thora) is a devastating plant killer causing Phytophthora Dieback disease and infection is permanent. It is a soil borne water mould which spreads naturally in soil moisture or roots. It is spread much faster and further by humans moving even small amounts of contaminated soil or plant material. So when you’re in the bush please take care not to spread this devastating plant disease. 

How to stop the spread: are you a carrier?
Good hygiene practices are essential: start out clean and stay clean. This is much easier if you stick to paths or roads and avoid wet areas.

If you’re part of a walking/adventuring group, it would be great if hygiene for plant & animal health was discussed before each field activity along with the obligatory reminders for human health on sun care, water intake etc. 
Download our flier and help stop the spread of Phytophthora Dieback. 

An easy and effective method to disinfect your shoes, bike tyres and any gear that touches the ground is to use a spray bottle with 70% methylated spirits:
  • In a 1 litre spray bottle (these are widely available), carefully pour 700 ml of methylated spirits. Using a funnel makes it a much safer job.
  • Then fill to top with water, replace spray nozzle and shake the bottle gently to mix. 
  • Use a scrubbing brush or stick to get dirt and mud out of the treads of your boots or wheels, then spray with the 70% methylated spirits.
The best ways to stop the spread of Dieback:
  • ensuring good hygiene
  • starting out clean, staying clean and finishing clean
  • sticking to tracks
  • avoiding muddy areas
  • definitely not going from known infested areas to unknown or sensitive, threatened or rare species or community habitats.
  • Commercially available methylated spirits, mixed roughly 7 parts to 3 parts water, is a good disinfectant for anything that will come in contact with the ground. Spray bottles are widely available and an easy way to apply the disinfectant, as described above.
  • A good strong brush is great to get out soil that is deeply imbedded soil into boot treads and bike tyres. Once cleaned of mud & soil then spray with 70% methylated spirits. NB It is important to clean (with water, tools, wipes etc), before disinfecting with methylated spirits. 
Not only your shoes! Mud sticks!

Soil sticks on anything that touches the ground:

  • backpacks
  • walking sticks
  • tent pegs and of course
  • off-road bikes and car tyres
  • even clothing while you’re sitting!
So dust yourself off and discard any mud or soil as you go!
 
Further reading: Downloads and useful links
Our leaflet 'Are you a carrier? Phytophthora Dieback is a silent plant killer' explains how Phytophthora Dieback is spread and the simple actions required to halt the spread.

Other organisations have also developed great informative material. For example, the Sydney Harbour Federation Trustin NSW, or in other states, the WA Dieback Working Group and Western Australian Project Dieback site, which also includes hygiene information. There is also a detailed guide from WA, in Managing Phytophthora Dieback in Bushland A Guide for Landholders and Community Conservation Groups EDITION 7, 2015 Western Australia.