Biosecurity Is For All Of Us

Biosecurity Is For All Of Us
Biosecurity refers to measures that are taken to stop the spread or introduction of harmful organisms to human, animal and plant life.

Biosecurity is always an issue to consider when we are working or playing in the field. Now, it is more clear than ever with the spread of Rapid Ohia Death(ROD), an infectious fungus that can be transported by humans, that we can all do a little more.

So, in the spirit of Halloween and in order to keep our projects less spooky, we will now be providing spray bottles of isopropyl alcohol to decontaminate boots, and we plan to install boot brushes in the near future.

HOK currently monitors our sites to ensure that there are no Naio Thrips, Little Fire Ant and other potential pests, but you can also help reduce the spread of ROD by decontaminating your own boots before and after you hike or participate in field volunteering.
If you must work around or cut ʻōhiʻa, here are some good housekeeping rules to reduce transmission of disease an invasives include:

• Clean your gear/tools. clean tools and gear before and after use. Brush all soil off of tools and gear, then spray with 70% rubbing alcohol. Shoes and clothes should also be cleaned before and after entering forests. Wash clothes with hot water and soap. 
• Wash the tires and undercarriage of your vehicle with a high pressure water source and remove all soil or mud, especially after traveling from an area with ROD and/or if you have traveled off-road.
• Inspect plants and soils before bringing on site and keep good records of plant sources.