CANBERRA, Nov. 25 -- Scientists from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) have warned that a significant decline in European honey bee populations across Australia could cost the Australian economy up to 5.1 billion U.S. dollars.

The dramatic prediction came in a CSIRO report released on Tuesday -- "Australia's Biosecurity Future" -- which identified 12 "biosecurity megashocks" that posed a threat to Australia's agriculture industries, economy and environment.

Among them are a human disease pandemic, invasion of a devastating wheat disease and European honey bee colonies being wiped out.

Of the latter, CSIRO Biosecurity Flagship Science Director Dr. Gary Fitt said: "Losing this free pollination service would severely impact production of several fruit and vegetables including avocados and almonds."

"This would impact our economy with losses of around 4-6 billion Australian dollars (3.5-5.1 billion U.S. dollars)."

Fitt said these three events alone could "devastate Australia's agricultural industries, economy and environment, and could severely alter our way of life."

"As an island nation Australia has largely been able to maintain strong biosecurity. However, the 12 biosecurity megashocks identified in this new report could turn into reality if we become complacent with our nation's biosecurity measures," he said.

Fitt said it was much better to pre-empt and avoid biosecurity issues than have to deal with the consequences.

"Dominating the news right now is the Ebola virus crisis, which is an obvious global health concern," he said.

"Meanwhile farmers near Katherine, in the Northern Territory, are dealing with an outbreak of a new disease -- Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus -- and while not fatal to people like Ebola, this virus is devastating their crops which has severe financial impacts."

The new report outlines an examination and assessment of what Australia needs to do, biosecurity-wise, to protect its " environment, industries, people and way of life over the next 20- 30 years."

"We have identified a number of important trends, such as the need to produce more food for a growing population while dealing with ongoing pressure on the key soil, water and biodiversity resources which sustain production," Fitt said.

"These trends will produce new challenges for all our plant and animal industries, our environment and human health."

"Understanding the biosecurity megatrends identified in the report will help Australia prepare for, and deal with the pests and diseases that threaten our farming sector, environment and people."

These trends point towards a future where existing biosecurity processes and practices may not be sufficient to protect Australia.

CSIRO partnered with Animal Health Australia, the Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) and the Invasive Animals CRC and consulted with various industry, government and scientific organizations to deliver the report.