Western Australia (WA) is free of many pests found elsewhere in Australia. Many animals (mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians) can establish wild populations in their State and could threaten agriculture, the environment, public amenity, other organism or human beings. It is primarily for these reasons that some are prohibited while others can only be imported and kept under permits or licences which impose conditions.
Quarantine WA inspectors, or nominated air cargo staff, check all consignments for quarantine risk material such as straw, seed, soil and fruit in animal containers. In addition, inspectors check all but a small list of familiar animals (see list presented later in this article) to confirm the species and ensure that appropriate permits or licences are in place.
Where and when inspections take place
At the Eucla and Kununurra road checkpoints, vehicles and animals are inspected 24 hours a day. On other border roads, random mobile inspections are conducted. At Perth Domestic Airport inspections are done in the quarantine area of the air cargo building during business hours (see below). At regional airports inspections take place in the baggage area on arrival of the aircraft.
At Perth Domestic Airport if an animal other than livestock requires inspection, the air cargo company will advise you to arrange an inspection by contacting Quarantine WA on the telephone number below. The animal will be held in the quarantine area until cleared by an inspector. A delay may occur if an inspector is doing other inspections off-site.
- You must arrange transport of your animals so they can be inspected during business hours (see below), even if you are arriving at a different time.
- You are responsible for your animals' welfare while they await inspection. Animals arriving outside business hours will be held in appropriate facilities until inspected during business hours.
Inspection hours/days
Business hours: 7.30am to 4.30pm
Perth Domestic Airport is open Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
Outside these times NO inspections are available.
Contact Quarantine WA to arrange an inspection.
Quarantine WA
Telephone: +61 (0)8 9334 1800
Fax: +61 (0)8 9334 1880
Email: schedular@agric.wa.gov.au