Anima Co.

01/06/2026

World Milk Day! 🐄

⚠️ Exotic Disease Alert: Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)

💥Impacts of this disease
This disease spreads very quickly among livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. If introduced, it could affect farms across the country, impact milk and meat supply, and cause major trade disruptions. It would also affect animal welfare.

🔍What to look for
• Blisters in the mouth
• Blisters on the feet
• Drooling
• Lameness or difficulty walking
• Fever

📍Where you might see it
• Farms
• Saleyards
• Livestock transport vehicles

What to do if you suspect FMD in livestock
🛑 Isolate affected animals and stop all animal movements off your property
📞 Report instantly to your local veterinarian or the 24/7 Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888

28/05/2026

National Hamburger Day 🍔
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.

20/05/2026

⚠️Exotic Pest Alert: Tropilaelaps Mite (Tropilaelaps clareae)

💥Impacts of this pest
Bees help pollinate many of the foods we eat — fruits, vegetables, nuts and more. A serious bee parasite could weaken hives, reduce pollination, and affect crop production. This would impact farmers, food availability, and the wider community.

🔍What to look for
• Bees that appear weak or unable to fly
• Deformed wings
• Declining hive strength
• Unusual hive collapse

📍Where you might see It
• Backyard beehives
• Commercial apiaries
• Around hive entrances

What to do if you find it
📞 Report immediately to your local state or territory agriculture agency or the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881

12/05/2026

National Apple Pie Day 🥧
The ultimate comfort food - warm, sweet, a little bit crunchy on top… is there anything better than apple pie?

But behind every perfect slice is a whole lot more than just a good recipe — from crisp Aussie apples to golden oats and zesty lemons, it all starts with healthy crops (and keeping pesky pests out of the mix).

This National Apple Pie Day, dive into the full story, learn where your ingredients come from, and grab a recipe to bake your own!

Full recipe here: https://animaco.com.au/recipe-book_apple-pie/

12/05/2026

International Day of Plant Health! 🌱

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.

06/05/2026

What happens when you combine science, creativity and a made-up aquatic pest?
You get Build-a Super Aquatic Pest — a free aquatic biosecurity education program being rolled out under the Northern Australia Biosecurity Strategy!

Designed for Years 3–5, this curriculum-aligned activity helps students explore biosecurity through Science, Design and HASS — all while having a bit of fun along the way.

Students step into the role of pest detectives, scientists and artists as they create their own fictional aquatic pest and investigate:
🔵how pests spread
🔵the impacts they can have
🔵how biosecurity helps protect our environment and industries

The best part? Every pest is completely imaginary, so the focus stays on creativity, curiosity and learning.

It's easy for teachers to implement too!

Schools in WA, QLD and NT can also enter the Build-a Super Aquatic Pest competition, with the chance to win $500 prizes for their school!

🗓️Entries are open until Tuesday 2 June 2026.

Get ready to see what weird and wonderful aquatic pests students can dream up 💭

Download the teacher guide, student booklet and competition information at www.animaco.com.au/super-pest

26/04/2026

National Prime Rib Day! 🥩

There’s nothing like a perfectly cooked prime rib — juicy, tender, and full of flavour. But before it even reaches your plate, a lot of work goes into keeping it safe and traceable.

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!

24/04/2026

This morning we took the first steps in our Pave the Way mentoring series – and what a way to start!

Set against the lush surrounds of the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, 14 participants joined us for a mentoring walk that was about connection, support, fresh perspective – and of course, getting out in nature!

Getting out from behind our desks and into a shared space changes the dynamic. Walking side-by-side opens up conversations in a way that feels more natural. That’s what Pave the Way is all about: creating the conditions for real conversations, shared learning, and practical takeaways that help people grow – while also building important networks and relationships.

A big thank you to everyone who showed up with a genuine desire to learn and share. You’ve helped set the tone for what this series can become.

A special thank you to Lynette Pathy for making this idea come to life!

If you’re interested in being part of future walks, you can reach out to me or learn more here: https://animaco.com.au/what-we-offer/pave-the-way/

24/04/2026

Exotic fruit might look magical… but it can carry pests, diseases, and even fines!
If you’re travelling with food or plants this long weekend, remember to check, clean, and report anything unusual — it helps keep our farms, forests, and communities safe.

23/04/2026

It’s World Book and Copyright Day! 📖

Today, we celebrate the stories that move us, the worlds that transport us, and the characters that stay with us long after the last page.

Last Train Home has been on its journey into readers’ hands, and I’m grateful for everyone who’s joined the ride. If you haven’t yet hopped aboard, there’s never a better day than today to pick up a book and lose yourself in a story.

Let’s keep turning pages, sharing stories, and supporting the magic of reading — because every book has the power to take us somewhere new.
Learn more about Last Train Home: https://animaco.com.au/book/

The Bookshop Darwin will be hosting a book signing for me on Saturday 9 May from 10.30-12 if you would like to come down and grab a copy!

By day, Anne creates programs to empower, motivate and encourage people to reach their goals and aspirations. In her spare time, Anne writes novels to spark you