The problem with grubby footwear at international borders a New Zealand case study of golfers

Abstract

Due to New Zealands geographical isolation the country is free from many pests and diseases that are problematic in agricultural horticultural and natural environments elsewhere To help protect against incursions by new pests and diseases biosecurity officers check and if necessary clean travellers footwear as they enter the country Golf shoes can collect and carry contaminants such as soil and leaf matter If contaminated footwear is not detected at the border it can provide an entry pathway for potential biosecurity hazards such as unwanted pests and diseases This research examined the experiences of golfers returning to New Zealand after playing golf overseas both in terms of their risk awareness and of their biosecurity experiences at the New Zealand border Results show that 36 of respondents were unsure whether soil and leaf material found on golf shoes was a biosecurity risk while 56 of respondents had not seen any information regarding the requirement for clean sport shoes when travelling This may influence their response to biosecurity issues when travelling and returning to New Zealand Raising awareness of the biosecurity risks and encouraging participation among golfers could be achieved through golforientated information packs that include cleaning brushes