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.

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Biosecurity Advisory 38/2022 - We need your help to keep foot-and-mouth disease out of Tasmania and Australia

If you are travelling to Indonesia (including Bali) during the school holidays, this is how you can help:

Avoid direct contact with any farm animals while you are away.
Do not pack any animal products, including meat, dairy or untanned hides, in your luggage to bring -home with you. These items pose a serious risk of introducing foot-and-mouth disease to Australia.
Declare these items to biosecurity officers upon your arrival to Australia and inform them you have recently travelled from Indonesia/Bali.
Clean your clothing, shoes and equipment thoroughly before departing, especially if you have been on any farms, have gone hiking, visited any markets or zoos, or have been in rural areas of Indonesia.

By taking these actions you will help protect Tasmania, and the rest of Australia, from the introduction and spread of foot-and-mouth disease and other unwanted pests, weeds, and diseases that would impact Tasmania.

We all have a biosecurity duty to help protect Tasmania.

Find out more on the Biosecurity Tasmania website: www.nre.tas.gov.au/FMD

(30/9/2022)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 37/2022 - Public comments invited on Draft Tasmanian Biosecurity Strategy 2022-2027

Biosecurity is a shared responsibility meaning government, industry and the community all have a role to play in protecting Tasmania from pests, weeds and diseases.

Now is the chance to have your say with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) and Biosecurity Tasmania inviting public comments on the new Draft Tasmanian Biosecurity Strategy 2022-2027.

The Tasmanian Biosecurity Strategy is the high-level document that sets the overall direction for Tasmania's biosecurity system. The Strategy has been updated by Biosecurity Tasmania and reviewed by the Biosecurity Advisory Committee (BAC).

The Draft Tasmanian Biosecurity Strategy 2022-2027 was produced as a result of that review, and public comments on the Draft are now invited. A Biosecurity Tasmania working group, together with BAC members, will review the feedback from public consultation and prepare the final Strategy for publication.

To view a copy of the Draft Tasmanian Biosecurity Strategy 2022-2027, including instructions on how to make a submission, please visit the Biosecurity Tasmania website at: https://www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-strategy

Submissions close at 5pm at COB Friday 21 October 2022.

Biosecurity Advisory 36/2022 – Public comment invited on risk assessments for new species import submissions

The Environment business unit of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) has received three submissions for importing new species into Tasmania:

Red-handed tamarin, Saguinus midas
Cape porcupine, Hystrix africaeaustralis
Spotted Hyena, Crocuta crocuta

A risk assessment of the above species has been undertaken by NRE Tas and public comments are invited by 29 September 2022.

Details of the species profiles and risk assessments are available for viewing on the NRE Tas website at: https://nre.tas.gov.au/wildlife-management/management-of-wildlife/wildlife-imports/species-risk-assessments-for-comment

(20/9/2022)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 35/2022 - The Tasmanian Primary Produce Traceability Strategy 2022-2027 – Have Your Say

Tasmanian Primary producers and other Tasmanian stakeholders are invited to have their say and inform the final draft of the Tasmanian Primary Produce Traceability Strategy 2022-2027.

The aim of the Strategy is to ensure that Tasmania's primary produce traceability programs are delivered in a strategic and integrated way, whilst complementing and strengthening national biosecurity arrangements and priorities for industry development and growth.

The Strategy envisions broadening the scope of Tasmanian traceability requirements, from primarily applying to meat production, to in the future encompassing a variety of agricultural industry sectors producing food and agricultural products.

Tasmania has an enviable reputation for producing safe, high-quality agricultural products and food, for both the domestic and export markets.

To continue to build on our reputation, including maintaining and improving our competitive advantage in international markets, we need to continue to enhance our traceability systems to ensure our agricultural products are safe and attractive to all markets.

Enhancing traceability can improve:

Biosecurity management for a broader scope of Tasmanian primary produce;
Market access both domestically and internationally;
Supply chain information; and
Protection from counterfeiting and brand protection more generally.

The submissions received as part of this public comment process will be collated and evaluated to inform the final version of the Strategy.

Public submissions are now open. All written submissions on this Draft Strategy must be received by 11:59 pm on 30 September 2022.

Visit the Biosecurity Tasmania website to download the draft Tasmanian Primary Produce Traceability Strategy 2022-2027: www.nre.tas.gov.au/ppt

If you have any questions please contact the Product Integrity Branch, Biosecurity Tasmania by phone on 0418 361 085 or by email at product.integrity@nre.tas.gov.au

(25/8/2022)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 34/2022 - Varroa mite surveillance reporting online form now available

Tasmania is thankfully free of destructive varroa mites in its bee populations.

Following the recent incursion of varroa mites (Varroa destructor) in NSW, Biosecurity Tasmania is urging Tasmanian beekeepers to be on high alert for any signs of the pest within their hives and report their findings. Varroa destructor is considered the greatest threat to Australia's honey and honeybee pollination plant industries. Varroa destructor is not established in Australia and NSW is currently undertaking an eradication response.

To assist beekeepers in their hive surveillance and reporting, Biosecurity Tasmania has developed an online reporting form for both recreational and commercial beekeepers to record the hive surveillance actions they have undertaken.

The varroa mite surveillance online reporting form is available on the Biosecurity Tasmania website: https://www.nre.tas.gov.au/VM-reporting

It is also very important that all beekeepers report nil-findings of mites from hive checks, as this aids in the mapping of surveillance areas and confirming that Tasmania remains free from varroa mite. Biosecurity Tasmania has also commenced a hive surveillance program targeting higher risk apiaries and hives for inspection by trained Biosecurity Tasmania staff. Having beekeepers report their own surveillance results will complement the hive surveillance work being undertaken by Biosecurity Tasmania.

A new online form will need to be completed for each hive location however for beekeepers with numerous hives, across multiple sites, a spreadsheet is also available for ease of reporting. To request a copy, please email: biosecurity.tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au

The mites are tiny reddish-brown parasites and individual mites are easily identifiable to the naked eye. Varroa is similar in size to Braula fly (Braula coeca) and can be detected in the hive using three main methods: an alcohol wash, a sugar shake test, or through uncapping drones.

For more information about each of these detection methods follow the links below:

Ahead of the formal introduction of a compulsory beekeeper registration in Tasmania, all beekeepers are encouraged to voluntarily register as soon as possible, in light of the current heightened awareness around varroa mite. Visit the Biosecurity Tasmania website to download, complete and submit a registration: https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/animal-biosecurity/animal-health/bees/beekeeper-registration-form

Find out more about varroa mite on the Biosecurity Tasmania website: https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/animal-biosecurity/animal-health/bees/varroa-mite

If you see anything unusual in your beehives, or see any suspicious bee swarms near a port, immediately call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881 or contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 03 6165 3777 or email biosecurity.tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au

(18/8/2022)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 33/2022 - Dairy Tas foot-and-mouth disease workshops

Dairy Tas has organised a series of workshops for livestock and dairy producers to talk about foot-and-mouth disease and the measures being undertaken to prevent its entry to Australia, as well as other steps you can take on-farm to improve farm biosecurity. These sessions have been organised in conjunction with the Tasmanian Farmers & Graziers Association and Biosecurity Tasmania.

Registration is essential and closes 5 days before each session. Please see available sessions below:

• Monday 15 August - South: https://bit.ly/3BhRohI

• Tuesday 16 August - North East: https://bit.ly/3OzYqB2

• Wednesday 17 August - Central North: https://bit.ly/3BdIp0H

• Thursday 18 August - Circular Head: https://bit.ly/3z9IOi2

• Friday 19 August - Central North West/Online: https://bit.ly/3PGZULy

All sessions run from 6pm to 9pm with dinner provided, except the Central North West/Online session which will be held around midday (TBA). Register your interest now as space may be limited.

(9/8/2022)
Categories: Cropping; Gene technology; Invasive Species; Livestock; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Wildlife; Horticulture;

Biosecurity Advisory 32/2022 - De-Regulation of Blueberry Rust in Tasmania

The Blueberry Rust Technical Review Reference Group met late June 2022 to discuss the future management of blueberry rust. The Reference Group, chaired by the General Manager, Biosecurity Tasmania, consisted of blueberry growers, industry bodies, and staff from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture and Biosecurity Tasmania. The Group considered the current situation, the containment plan, the biology of the rust, the situation on mainland Australia, the impacts on the businesses of infected premises, and market access developments. The Group reviewed the current BBR containment plan and its appropriateness given the changes in blueberry rust spread in Tasmania.

With the increase in positive detections across the last season, de-regulation of BBR in Western Australia and Victoria, and the loss of recognition of the Pest Free Place of Production Program in the South Australian market, the plan is deemed no longer fit for purpose.

As of today (3 August 2022) Blueberry rust is de-regulated in Tasmania. This means that its declaration under the Plant Quarantine Act 1997 as a List A plant disease not present in Tasmania is revoked, and Import Requirement 28 – Blueberry Rust – Hosts and Carriers (IR28) is also revoked. This also removes restrictions from current infected properties and removes market restrictions on blueberry fruit and plants within Tasmania.

Biosecurity Tasmania will be working with industry representatives to develop a program of supportive actions covering a period of 12 months, which will continue to enhance management of the disease. Supportive actions will include free diagnostics for suspect BBR, promotion of benefits / profile of Tasmanian blueberries, continued blueberry rust research and development by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, and provision of advice for accessing markets. In addition, some assistance will be provided for property inspections if needed to meet interstate market requirements.

(3/8/2022)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Plant diseases; Plant pests;

Biosecurity Advisory 31/2022 – Public Submissions invited on the Discussion Paper: Towards a 10-Year Salmon Plan

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania invites you to have your say on the Discussion Paper: Towards a 10-Year Salmon Plan.

The Discussion Paper seeks to canvas the views of stakeholders to inform the development of the new 10-Year Salmon Plan. It outlines the strategic policy drivers for the aquaculture sector, including Tasmanian salmon, proposes policy outcomes Government could seek to enable a sustainable, resilient and innovative salmon industry, and presents a range of focus areas for consideration.

The Discussion Paper forms part of the development of the new 10-Year Salmon Plan.

To view the Discussion Paper, make a submission and join an online feedback session (on 2, 3 and 9 August), visit the NRE Tas website at: www.nre.tas.gov.au/salmonplan

Submissions close 24 August 2022.

(26/7/2022)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 30/2022 – Important information about FMD and swill feeding to pigs

Australia is FMD-free – help us keep it that way!

Swill feeding has been the cause of several exotic disease outbreaks, including the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) epidemic in the UK in 2001, and is currently playing a major role in spreading African Swine Fever (ASF) within and between countries overseas.

Feeding swill to pigs is illegal in Tasmania and all Australian states and territories.

If you own pigs, you must ensure that you are not feeding them swill. DO NOT accept food donations intended as pig feed from sources including (but not limited to) restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, other food outlets or from your or others’ left-over food that may contain swill.

In Tasmania 'swill' is defined by the Animal Health Act 1995 as any material containing material of placental mammal origin (other than milk and milk by-products, properly rendered meat meal, or tallow).

Swill includes table scraps, meat pies, bacon and cheese rolls, salad with bacon pieces, or untreated used cooking oils or fats. If you cannot be absolutely sure that what you are feeding your pigs isn’t swill – then don’t give it to them!

The ban on swill-feeding pigs is one of Australia’s strongest defences against the introduction of animal diseases such as FMD and ASF, as these viruses can be carried on food products. Many exotic animal disease viruses are highly resistant to chilling, freezing and curing. Even boiling may not destroy all disease organisms.

If you know of anyone you believe is feeding swill to pigs – please report this to Biosecurity Tasmania: Phone 03 6165 377 or email biosecurity.tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au

More information and useful resources on swill can be found on the Biosecurity Tasmania website: https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/animal-biosecurity/animal-health/cattle/foot-and-mouth-disease/swill-and-ram-feeding

More information on Foot and Mouth Disease can be found on the Biosecurity Tasmania website: https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/animal-biosecurity/animal-health/pigs/foot-and-mouth-disease

(21/7/2022)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 29/2022 – Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) Support for Enhanced Biosecurity Project

The Tasmanian Government today announced a grant to the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA), who, working in partnership with Biosecurity Tasmania and a range of industry stakeholders, will continue their targeted engagement and support programs to help further strengthen Tasmania’s biosecurity system.

The emergence of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Indonesia-Bali, and Lumpy Skin Disease in regions of Indonesia, and varroa mite in NSW, is a timely reminder of the utmost importance of the wider industry putting in place effective on-farm biosecurity plans and practices, as well as the need for the travelling public to make sure we do not bring back unwanted pests and diseases when we return from that region.

The grant of $350 000 over three years will support the TFGA’s ongoing enhanced on-farm biosecurity engagement within the industry (TFGA members and non-members including the supply chain), together with additional measures to further raise community awareness on the importance of good on-farm biosecurity practices.

The grant will fund a Biosecurity Project Officer to educate farmers, the supply chain and the wider community about current and emerging biosecurity issues, emergency response planning and preparedness, practical on-farm risk mitigation strategies, and everyone’s obligations under the Biosecurity Act 2019 and the Act’s General Biosecurity Duty (GBD).

The Project will include the development of a communication plan to focus on communications awareness around Foot and Mouth Disease, Lumpy Skin Disease, Varroa destructor (varroa mite) - as a minimum - and will include delivery in collaboration with other industry stakeholders of project resources and information to the wider agricultural sector and community.

The plan will also inform how the TFGA will encourage farmers to establish or update biosecurity risk management plans through specific workshops developed as part of this program of broader Tasmanian based programs encompassing risk management planning.

(20/7/2022)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

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