DAFF have issued a reminder that Australians should be aware that biosecurity breaches are taken seriously; "all food, plant material and animal products must be declared whether you are carrying them with you or importing them.”

Failure to declare goods or making a false declaration can result in fines of up to $60,000 and imprisonment. The public can dispose of items they don’t wish to declare at quarantine bins in airport terminals before they reach the baggage examination area.

Information on incoming passenger declarations and penalties is available at DAFF Travel Information.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) have taken immediate action to contain and exterminate Asian honey bees detected on a cargo vessel that arrived at Townsville from Port Moresby in early January.

Read more: Asian Honey Bee