Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania

Latest Advisories

Subscribing to get Biosecurity Tasmania Advisories is the best way you can keep yourself up-to-date and fully informed about Tasmanian biosecurity issues. Our Advisories cover topics such as changes or proposed changes to Tasmania’s import regulations, animal health and welfare, plant health, forthcoming regulation reviews and opportunities for public comment, new or emerging pest/disease risks and a range of other matters related to Tasmania’s biosecurity.

463 advisories found.

Biosecurity Advisory 33/2025 - Development of the Primary Produce Safety (Horticulture Produce) Regulations 2025

In Tasmania, Primary Produce Safety Regulations are enforced to manage potential risks to human health associated with foodborne illness during production of primary produce. The products that are currently regulated are meat and poultry, some seafood, eggs and petfood.

Until recently, seed sprouts were the only regulated horticultural commodity. However, since February 2025, new national Primary Production and Processing (PPP) Standards were introduced for berries, leafy vegetables and melons. More information on the development of the Standards can be found in the Proposal P1052 - PPP Requirements for Horticulture (Berries, Leafy Vegetables and Melons) | Food Standards Australia New Zealand

To implement these standards in Tasmania, new regulations are required. Draft Primary Produce Safety (Horticulture Produce) Regulations 2025 have been developed under the Primary Produce Safety Act 2011 to:

adopt the PPP Standards in Tasmania
establish food safety schemes for berries, leafy vegetables, melons and seed sprouts
provide compliance requirements (accreditation, food safety programs, audits)
stipulate fees and penalties

Public consultation is now open on these draft regulations and will close at 5 pm on 5 December 2025.
You can access the consultation draft and make a submission at Development of the Primary Produce Safety (Horticulture Produce) Regulations.
For more information, please contact:
Email: product.integrity@nre.tas.gov.au
Mail: Product Integrity Branch, NRE Tas, PO Box 46, King Meadows TAS 7249

(30/10/2025)
Categories: Cropping; Policy and Legislation; Plant diseases; Horticulture; Plant pests; Seeds;

Biosecurity Advisory 32/2025 - Potato Mop-top Virus Response Winding Down

Biosecurity Tasmania’s response to the detection of potato mop top virus (PMTV) is winding down as management in Tasmania moves to an industry led approach.

Since July 2025, Biosecurity Tasmania and the state’s potato industry have been actively responding to a detection of PMTV in Tasmania.

PMTV was first detected in potatoes harvested from Northwest Tasmania in July 2025. Over the following months, further detections were made across sites in the north and south of the state.

On 19 September 2025 the National Management Group, formed under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed, agreed that PMTV was not technically feasible to eradicate from Australia.

Some of the acknowledged challenges for successful eradication included:

the widespread presence of powdery scab, the vector of the virus.
difficulty detecting all infected areas; and
the virus's ability to persist undetected in soil in the presence of powdery scab.

To the best of our knowledge, PMTV has not been eradicated anywhere it has been detected globally.

Once the response winds down, PMTV will become a pest to be managed through the potato production process.

Based on the experience of other countries such as New Zealand, it is anticipated that impacts to the potato industry will be minimal if the below steps are taken:

Establishing reasonable crop rotations.
Following good biosecurity hygiene practices.
Taking steps to manage the virus vector, powdery scab; and
Considering potato varieties which are more resilient to the virus.

Biosecurity Tasmania will continue to work with the industry to understand how PMTV is best managed in Tasmania, particularly when it comes to market access requirements.

All directions previously placed on premises during the response will be lifted and tracing and surveillance actions will cease.

To support the ongoing management of PMTV, Biosecurity Tasmania will be issuing a General Biosecurity Direction (GBD) detailing measures to slow the spread of the virus in Tasmania. The GBD will provide guidance to growers, contractors and processors on measures such as clean down of vehicles and machinery to reduce the movement of soil and managing powdery scab as appropriate.

The GBD will be available on the NRE website once issued https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/the-tasmanian-biosecurity-compendium/general-biosecurity-directions

The Tasmanian Government has provided $200 000 to the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) for a research program to help understand long term management of PMTV in Tasmania.

For market access support for businesses, please contact the market access team biosecurity.marketaccess@nre.tas.gov.au

Information about PMTV and preventing further disease spread is available here https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/plant-biosecurity/pests-and-diseases/potato-mop-top-virus

NRE Tas would like to thank the Tasmanian potato industry for their ongoing collaboration during the PMTV response and the Tasmanian community for their understanding during this time.

(22/10/2025)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds;

Biosecurity Advisory 31/2025 - Start of Fruit Fly High Risk Season for Tasmania

Spring is here, which means more pressure and risk of fruit flies occurring in fruit from mainland states. Biosecurity Tasmania asks all Tasmanians to keep an eye out for anything unusual in the fruit they buy or grow. The spring and summer months are the peak times for fruit fly activity interstate and a time of increased risk for Tasmania.

Tasmania is fruit fly free, help us keep it that way!

Biosecurity Tasmania has strict controls and ongoing statewide surveillance in place; all aimed at reducing the risk of fruit flies getting into Tasmania. We also rely on the eyes of everyone and ask everybody to report any signs of fruit fly.

Tell-tale signs of fruit fly include live larvae or eggs in the flesh of fruit, or small puncture marks on the skin of fruit. Fruit fly larvae look similar to blowfly maggots and could potentially be found in fruit that you purchased, or from fruit grown in your backyard.

Fruit flies lay eggs in a wide range of fruits and fruiting vegetables.

Remember biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and we all have a general biosecurity duty. Biosecurity Tasmania works closely with mainland states to help manage the fruit fly risk and there are increased resources and inspections taking place at the border for imported fruit fly host produce. However, the risk to Tasmania can never be zero. Therefore industry, government and the community are encouraged to remain vigilant and work together to help protect Tasmania.

Anyone who notices any larvae in fruit is asked to put the fruit in a sealed bag or container, place it in the refrigerator and contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 03 6165 3777. Please DO NOT dispose of any fruit that has larvae present.

More information on fruit fly is at www.nre.tas.gov.au/fruitfly

(7/10/2025)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife; Bird flu; Freshwater pests; Livestock; Marine pests; Pasture;

Biosecurity Advisory 30/2025 – National Management Group releases decision on potato mop-top virus response in Tasmania

Tasmania is responding to the detection of potato mop-top virus (PMTV; Pomovirus solani). PMTV was first detected in Tasmania in July 2025.

On Wednesday 17 September 2025 Biosecurity Tasmania presented its view on feasibility of eradication to the national Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP). The CCEPP presented its recommendation on this matter to the National Management Group (NMG) under the national processes detailed in the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed.

On Friday 19 September 2025 the NMG accepted the CCEPP advice that PMTV is not technically feasible to eradicate from Australia.

This decision reflects several key challenges:

Difficulty detecting all infected areas
The virus's ability to persist undetected in soil
Widespread presence of powdery scab (a known vector with long-lived soil-borne spores)
Risk of spread via seed, tubers, and soil movement

Importantly, there are no human health or food safety risks associated with PMTV or powdery scab and potatoes remain safe to eat.

Globally, PMTV occurs in many countries around the world. Experience shows that it can be successfully managed.

Industry-wide implementation of good biosecurity practices and management of powdery scab are the keys to minimising further spread and reducing impacts of PMTV in Tasmania.

The simplest first step is to “come clean, go clean" by removing soil and plant material from machinery, equipment, and boots before leaving one property and entering another.

Fresh and processing potatoes may still be exported to the mainland as long as they meet the import requirements specified by the relevant jurisdictions. There are no specified requirements for processed products such as chips.

While the NMG's decision means that an eradication strategy for PMTV will no longer be pursued, Biosecurity Tasmania will continue to:

Undertake a level of tracing and testing to support industry needs and help us understand more about the virus,
Work with impacted properties to understand their business needs and how production may continue while minimising the risk of spread of PMTV both within and from the property, and
Collaborate with the potato industry to work toward re-establishment of seed potato exports.

Report potential signs of the disease in potatoes or potato plants - contact Biosecurity.Tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au immediately, or call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

To stay updated on the biosecurity response to Potato mop-top virus in Tasmania, visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/PMTV

(22/9/2025)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds;

Biosecurity Advisory 29/2025 - Notification of additional potato mop-top virus (PMTV) detection

Tasmania is responding to the detection of potato mop-top virus (PMTV; Pomovirus solani).

Biosecurity Tasmania is undertaking testing and tracing activities in collaboration with the potato industry. 

Testing by Biosecurity Tasmania’s Plant Diagnostic Services has confirmed a new detection in a harvested seed potato line currently in cool storage, bringing the total number of known affected sites to nine (9):

Seven (7) grower sites from which harvested potatoes (currently in storage) have been tested and PMTV detected, and 
Two (2) other sites where PMTV has been detected in potatoes, including a small research site in the south and a storage site in the north.

The new seed line has been traced to the south of the state, making it the first grower site to be affected in that region.

PMTV has also been detected in samples from three single potatoes. One potato was found at a processing site, and two were bought as fresh produce from retail stores. Links to known infected sites continue to be investigated. 

Biosecurity Tasmania works with impacted properties to understand their business and production needs while minimising the risk of spread of PMTV both within and from the property.

All sites identified as Infected Premises are issued a Biosecurity Direction under the Biosecurity Act 2019, restricting the movement of potato material, machinery and equipment, and soil to minimise the risk of spread of the virus.

Early traceback activities indicate that the virus may have been present in Tasmania for at least two years. All potato growers need to remain vigilant for any signs of disease in potato plants and potato stock.

If you do see any potential signs of the disease in potatoes or potato plants, please contact Biosecurity.Tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au immediately, or to call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

To stay updated on the biosecurity response to Potato mop-top virus in Tasmania, visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/PMTV

(19/9/2025)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds;

Biosecurity Advisory 28/2025 - Potato mop-top virus response update

Tasmania is responding to the detection of potato mop-top virus (PMTV; Pomovirus solani).

Biosecurity Tasmania has been collaborating with industry to support testing of Tasmanian certified seed potato lines prior to planting. This testing program was completed as a high priority to:

Provide data on the presence of PMTV across seed lines,
Enable industry to make decisions about the 2025/26 growing season, and
Inform the future direction of the response.

All generation 2-5 certified seed potato lines have now been tested for PMTV. The bulk of this testing was achieved through a third-party provider of potato diagnostic services, with a smaller number of seed lines tested by the Biosecurity Tasmania laboratory.

PMTV was detected in only a relatively minor proportion of the significant volume of certified seed tested. For the remaining lines, it is important to understand that a result of ‘not detected’ may mean either that virus is not present, or that it is present but below detectable levels with the sampling and diagnostic tools applied.

Even so, the results provide information for the industry to act on for this planting season.

It is expected that the industry will be able to plant only seed lines in which PMTV has not been detected. Biosecurity Tasmania will continue to work with industry members to identify the best option for disposal of seed lines identified as infected. It will also continue to conduct tracing of any detections of PMTV and establish controls on material that may contribute to the spread of PMTV.

Tasmanian potatoes are safe to eat and continue to be recognised as a great, healthy, delicious product produced by our strong and vibrant local industry.

Feasibility of eradication of PMTV from Tasmania

The position of the Biosecurity Tasmania is that PMTV cannot be eradicated. This position is acknowledged and supported by Tasmania's Chief Plant Protection Officer, industry peak bodies and key Tasmanian industry stakeholders. This view has been informed by the following:

The widespread presence of powdery scab, the vector of the virus.
The ability of the virus to survive undetected within powdery scab spores for many years in the soil.
There is no control method known to effectively eliminate powdery scab.
The virus may present asymptomatically in tubers and plants.
It is not known how PMTV entered Australia, and it is unlikely that this can be confidently determined. This means reinfection is possible even if an attempt at eradication were made.

Biosecurity Tasmania presented its view on feasibility of eradication to the national Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP) on 17 September 2025. The CCEPP will present its recommendation on this matter to the National Management Group (NMG) through the national processes under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed. The decision of the NMG is anticipated shortly.

What industry can do

Globally, PMTV occurs in many countries around the world and experience shows that it can be successfully managed.

Industry-wide implementation of good biosecurity practices and management of powdery scab are the keys to minimising further spread and impact of PMTV in Tasmania.

Contractors, including planting, harvesting and carting services, utilities providers, agronomists and field officers, must support Tasmanian primary producers by making biosecurity a routine part of their day-to-day business practices.

The simplest first step is to follow a “come clean, go clean” approach by removing soil and plant material from machinery, equipment, and boots before leaving one property and entering another.

Biosecurity Tasmania will continue to collaborate with the potato industry to work toward re-establishment of seed potato exports.

What Biosecurity Tasmania is doing

Biosecurity Tasmania will continue to

Undertake a level of tracing and testing to support industry needs and help us understand more about the virus,
Work with impacted properties to understand their business needs and how production may continue while minimising the risk of spread of PMTV both within and from the property, and
Collaborate with the potato industry to work toward re-establishment of seed potato exports.

Report potential signs of the disease in potatoes or potato plants - contact Biosecurity.Tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au immediately, or to call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

To stay updated on the biosecurity response to Potato mop-top virus in Tasmania, visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/PMTV

(19/9/2025)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds;

Biosecurity Advisory 27/2025 - Potato mop-top virus investigation continues

Biosecurity Tasmania is continuing to respond to the detection of potato mop-top virus in Tasmania (PMTV). An Incident Management Team has been established to manage the response.

There are no food safety or human health risks associated with the virus, and all Tasmanian potatoes are safe to consume.

Biosecurity Tasmania has been undertaking tracing activities in collaboration with the potato industry. Early surveillance efforts have focused on sampling and testing seed potatoes currently in storage.

This week, three new potato samples have tested positive for PMTV. All samples were from single potatoes. One potato was found at a processing site, and two were bought as fresh produce from a retail stores. Links to any known infected sites have not yet been confirmed.

The Incident Management Team is tracing these samples to find their source, however this process is complex because of where and how they were found.

We would like to thank industry and community members for continuing to look out for signs of PMTV. If you do see any potential signs of the disease in potatoes or potato plants, please contact Biosecurity.Tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au immediately, or to call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

For the most up to date information on the response, head to www.nre.tas.gov.au/pmtv

(12/9/2025)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds;

Biosecurity Advisory 26/2025 - Conditions for importation of Tasmanian potatoes into other states and territories

Like Tasmania, other Australian states and territories maintain biosecurity systems and may impose import requirements for certain commodities based on risk.

In Tasmania, potatoes may be grown for three types of market: fresh potatoes for eating, processing potatoes for processing into chips or other products, or seed potatoes that are planted and grown into new potato crops.

Due to the recent detection of Potato Mop Top Virus (PMTV) in Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia have implemented restrictions on the movement of unprocessed Tasmanian potatoes and other risk items such as equipment used in potato production.

Exports of potatoes to these states for processing and for the fresh food market is allowed where exporters can meet the stated conditions. Each set of import conditions is individual to the relevant state, so it’s important to refer to information published by that state.

Generally, potatoes must:

not be sourced from properties potentially associated (‘linked’) with infected sites (noting each jurisdiction has a different definition for ‘linked’);
be free of soil;
be free of powdery scab symptoms;
be packaged and labelled ‘for human consumption’ as well as with property of origin details.

Seed potatoes currently cannot be exported to these states without further specific approvals being granted by the regulatory agency within the relevant jurisdiction.

There are currently no restrictions on potatoes that have already been processed (such as frozen french fries).

As conditions and certification requirements differ between the jurisdictions, it is critical that exporters check specific requirements prior to sending any consignments to make sure they are not held up or disallowed entry.

Biosecurity Tasmania will help impacted growers navigate these movement restrictions. Exporters can email Public.Information@nre.tas.gov.au for assistance. Alternatively, growers can reach out to Potatoes Tasmania.

Information published by each state can be found at the following websites:

New South Wales: Potato mop-top virus

Victoria: Potato mop-top virus importation restrictions established | Biosecurity updates | Moving plants and plant products | Biosecurity | Agriculture Victoria

South Australia: Potato mop top virus (PMTV) - Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia - PIRSA

States and territories may continue to update import conditions. It is anticipated that other states and territories will implement conditions soon. It is therefore important for exporters to keep up to date on the requirements of their destination markets.

Biosecurity Tasmania will continue to provide advice as other states announce their import requirements.

(9/9/2025)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Seeds; Policy and Legislation;

Biosecurity Advisory 25/2025 - Potato Mop-Top Virus Response Update

Biosecurity Tasmania is continuing to respond to the detection of Potato mop-top virus in Tasmania.

Four (4) further detections, including two (2) in seed potatoes, have now been made in the North and Northwest of the state.

These response efforts have identified a total of six (6) Infected Premises.

Additional surveillance, sampling and diagnostic activities are continuing to be conducted as part of the biosecurity response.

Biosecurity Tasmania has been undertaking tracing activities associated with the detection and, in collaboration with industry, has expanded general surveillance efforts to sampling and testing seed potatoes currently held in storage.

Four (4) sites have direct linkages with each other and include a small research plot in the state’s South.

The detection of PMTV in the research plot was confirmed following submission of volunteer potatoes to Biosecurity Tasmania for testing.

Volunteer potatoes are residual potatoes that can remain in the ground following a harvest. The tubers can survive in the soil and then sprout in future seasons.

Two (2) detections have been made in seed lines arising through increased general surveillance efforts. Tracing activities and examination of potential linkages with these two lines are ongoing.

PMTV has been detected in several varieties grown in Tasmania.

All sites identified as Infected Premises are issued a Biosecurity Direction under the Biosecurity Act 2019, restricting the movement of potato material, machinery and equipment, and soil to minimise the risk of spread of the virus.

If you think you have seen Potato mop-top virus in your crop or backyard, phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

To stay updated on the biosecurity response to Potato mop-top virus in Tasmania, visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/PMTV

(28/8/2025)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds;

Biosecurity Advisory 24/2025 - Update on Potato mop-top virus detection in Tasmania

Biosecurity Tasmania is responding to the detection of Potato mop-top virus on a property in Northwest Tasmania.

A biosecurity incident has been declared, and an Incident Management Team has been implemented to manage the biosecurity response. The Incident Management Team was formed upon initial suspicion that the plant virus was present in Tasmania.

Biosecurity Directions are in place to stop the movement of potato material, machinery and equipment from the site and an associated storage facility.

Through the additional surveillance and sampling activities being conducted as part of the biosecurity response, an additional site has returned a positive result for Potato mop-top virus in potato tubers.

This was confirmed via diagnostic testing on the evening of 20 August 2025.

This detection was made in volunteer potato tubers originating from a research plot in the states South.

Biosecurity Tasmania is working with owner of the research plot to undertake tracing activities.

Volunteer potatoes are residual potatoes that can remain in the ground following a harvest. The tubers can survive in the soil and then sprout in future seasons.

The biosecurity response to Potato mop-top virus remains in the investigation phase and next steps, including an assessment of the feasibility of eradication, will depend on further information gathered.

All potato growers need to remain vigilant for any signs of disease in potato plants and potato stock.

If you think you have seen Potato mop-top virus in your crop or backyard, phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

To stay updated on the biosecurity response to Potato mop-top virus in Tasmania, visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/PMTV

(22/8/2025)
Categories: Animals (general); Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Livestock; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports;

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