Pest Intentions is a comic series created under the Northern Australia Biosecurity Strategy (NABS) to spark curiosity, conversation, and everyday awareness about biosecurity. Through humour and storytelling, the comics help make biosecurity more relatable and easier to understand for communities across northern Australia.
While the stories are intentionally fun and engaging, they reflect an important message: pests and diseases can affect our environment, agriculture, and communities, and noticing and reporting something early can make a real difference.
Pest Intentions invites everyone to keep an eye out, trust their instincts, and share concerns when something doesn’t seem right – because we all have a role to play, and a shared responsibility, for protecting our home and our way of life.
National Biosecurity Week | 24-30 August
Sometimes the answer is simple.
Strange plant?
Unfamiliar insect?
Mystery critter that definitely followed you home?
Can you keep it? Probably not.
If something doesn’t belong, report it and let the experts check it out.
That’s how we keep pests and diseases from becoming everyone’s problem.
National Bacon Lovers Day | 20 August
Cattle diseases don’t just affect cows — they can impact milk, cheese, beef… and yes, bacon! Biosecurity keeps our farms and food supply safe so we can keep enjoying our breakfast favourites.
Stay alert, report anything unusual, and help protect the foods we love.
World Zoonoses Day | 6 July
Zoonoses are diseases that can jump from animals to people — and catching them early is the key to keeping everyone safe.
World Pest Day | 6 June
Pests might be small, but they can cause big problems for our farms, forests, waterways, and communities. From sneaky insects to unwelcome plant diseases, staying alert is key.
Check, clean, and report anything unusual — it’s the best way to keep pests from turning into a major headache!
National Hamburger Day | 28 May
Today we celebrate juicy, tasty burgers… and the biosecurity that keeps the ingredients safe and healthy! Because a burger is only as good as the care that goes into it… and yes, maybe your appetite.
International Day of Plant Health | 12 May
Plants do amazing things — they give us food, shade, and clean air. But pests and diseases can sneak in and cause big trouble!
Keep your eyes open, report anything unusual, and help keep our plants, ecosystems, and communities healthy and happy.
World Health Day | 7 April
Some superheroes wear capes… ours wear lab coats.
By stopping pests and diseases before they arrive, biosecurity protects the health of people, animals, and the planet. Tiny invaders beware — Jesse and Arlo are on watch!
National Prime Rib Day | 27 April
From farm to fork, biosecurity checks make sure the meat we enjoy is healthy and protected from pests and diseases.
So every bite is not just delicious… it’s safe too.
Dig in, enjoy, and remember: great meat starts with great care!
International Day of Forests | 21 March
Forests aren’t just trees – they’re homes for wildlife, providers of clean air, and part of our everyday lives.
But forests can be threatened by tiny pests that damage leaves, slow tree growth, and harm forest health. That’s why it’s up to all of us to help look after them.
Easter isn’t just for chocolate…
Even while we’re hunting eggs, pests are on the move! If you’re travelling this Easter, check, clean, and report anything unusual – it’s the best way to keep our farms, forests, and wildlife safe. Who knew pests could be so opportunistic?
