Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are helping improve how Plant Health Australia’s (PHA) digital systems share and use information.

By enabling secure and automated data exchange between systems, APIs reduce manual reporting, improve access to data and support more efficient information sharing across Australia’s plant biosecurity network.

APIs create a digital link between systems, allowing them to communicate securely and exchange information automatically. This reduces duplication, streamlines processes and improves the value of the data collected across PHA programs.

How do we use APIs in PHA’s Digital Systems?

AUSPestCheck®

AUSPestCheck® APIs have been established with a number of stakeholders to upload surveillance records directly from jurisdictional systems into AUSPestCheck®, reducing reporting burden and supporting more streamlined data submission.

AUSPestCheck® has also progressed a proof of concept API integration with Biosecurity Commons, enabling authorised users to access AUSPestCheck® Program data from within the Biosecurity Commons analytical platform. This improves how data can be accessed and used while reducing duplication and maintaining appropriate security and data management controls.

The Digital Systems Team is also investigating future API capabilities with Commonwealth stakeholders to access relevant AUSPestCheck® Program data directly from the system in real-time. This connection has the potential to support activities in data reporting, auditing and compliance, and operational decision making.

To enable API access for data upload to AUSPestCheck®, please contact your Participant Administrator who will coordinate the necessary setup with the AUSPestCheck® Helpdesk at apc@phau.com.au.

Australian Plant Pest Database (APPD) – Connecting with Tasmania

The Digital Systems Team has recently established an API connection with the Tasmanian Plant Pest Database (TPPD) to facilitate bulk uploads of data to the APPD. This has added a significant quantity of new data points to the 1.4 million records already available within the platform.

Through supporting the collation of pest and pathogen data in the APPD, PHA and the 16 national reference collections contribute to vital biosecurity research and response activities.

Collection Managers and Data Uploaders wishing to enable API access for data uploads to the APPD should contact the APPD Helpdesk at appd@phau.com.au to arrange the necessary setup.

Pest and Disease Image Library (PaDIL) – Occurrence distribution map

Through integration with the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), APIs are used to embed Occurrence Distribution Maps within PaDIL species pages. This enables users to view current distribution information sourced from reputable and global external datasets without the need to manually maintain duplicate map visualisations in the system.

As PHA continues to enhance its Digital Systems, APIs will play an important role in connecting systems, improving data sharing and supporting collaboration across Australia’s plant biosecurity network. APIs help connect systems, reduce manual processes and improve access to data, making it easier to support surveillance, research, preparedness, and evidence-based decision-making across Australia’s plant biosecurity system.