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Tasmanian Biosecurity Advisories

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.


443 advisories found.
 

Biosecurity Advisory 13/2025 - Upcoming Forest and Tree Biosecurity Workshops

​The Tasmanian Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania and Plant Health Australia will hold a free forest and tree biosecurity workshop,

3 April 2025 10.00am - 3.00pm at;

C3 Convention Centre, 64 Anglesea Rd, South Hobart

The workshops aim is to raise awareness and enable the early detection of exotic pests posing biosecurity risks to trees in our urban, natural, and commercial environments.

The workshop will be of particular interest to those working in the field with trees, those undertaking tree health assessments and/or plant pest trapping and treatments, and those interested in collecting records and data on tree health in relation to their area of work. The focus will be on biosecurity pests of concern.

The workshop will cover:

  • The importance of biosecurity
  • Signs and symptoms– what do we mean by dieback, cankers or frass and what do they look like?
  • Information about key pest threats - What do they look like? What should you look for?
  • Introduction to MyPestGuide™ Trees and MyPestGuide™ Reporter App
  • How to report suspect exotic pests

Please RSVP by completing the following form: https://forms.office.com/r/UN0x9DdLba

RSVPs are due by 27 March 2025.

If this workshop might be of value to others in your workplace/area of work, please forward this invitation. 

If you have further enquiries, please contact us.

Veronica Hayes - Surveillance Coordinator (Plant Biosecurity)
0448 366 101 or veronica.hayes@nre.tas.gov.au

Rohan Burgess – (Surveillance Manager)
(02) 6215 7700  or RBurgess@phau.com.au

(17/3/2025)
Categories: Horticulture; Cropping; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Plant diseases; Plant pests;


Biosecurity Advisory 12/2025 - Update on the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Response

Biosecurity Tasmania is continuing the response to the detection of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB; Halyomorpha halys​) in Bell Bay.

BMSB was initially detected in a border surveillance trap and identified as BM​​SB on 13 February 2025. At that time, Biosecurity Tasmania immediately stood up and Incident Management Team (IMT) to manage and coordinate the response to this BMSB detection​ and commenced response activities in line with national arrangements. 

An additional 14 surveillance traps were deployed, and Biosecurity Officers increased their surveillance regime. This increased surveillance will remain in place for at least 12 weeks from the initial detection. 

During this period of increased trapping and surveillance, a second detection of BMSB was confirmed on 11 March 2025. This detection was in very close proximity to the initial detection site and is not unexpected given the increased surveillance activities underway. A further 4 traps will be implemented in response to the second detection, and treatment options are being considered by the Department where appropriate. 

Trapping and surveillance operations will continue at an increased rate for the remainder of the 12-week period.  

More information is available online at www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/current-biosecurity-alerts

If you think you have seen BMSB in your crop or backyard, phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. 

(17/3/2025)
Categories: Animals (general); Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports;


Biosecurity Advisory 11/2025 – Commencement of the 2025 Tasmanian calicivirus (RHDV1) release for rabbit control

Rabbits are considered Australia’s most significant invasive pest and impact many of Australia’s threatened species and environments.

Biosecurity Tasmania has recently received a resupply of calicivirus (RHDV1) to use as a biological control for rabbit populations in Tasmania when conditions are suitable.

Calicivirus is specific to rabbits and there is no risk of calicivirus transferring to other animals or humans.

RHDV1 releases only occur when environmental conditions are favourable for a successful release as recommended by scientific studies.

Trained Biosecurity Tasmania staff continue to monitor conditions, with Autumn looking favourable so far. In most locations we are seeing grass drying out and as a result rabbits have stopped breeding. Young rabbits (less than 12 weeks old) are immune or resistant to RHDV1, and if exposed, survive and develop lifelong immunity. This immunity can be passed onto subsequent generations, meaning that the timing of RHDV1 releases are critical to its ongoing effectiveness as a control method.​

Release of RHDV1 has now commenced and it is anticipated that it will be able to occur through Autumn until conditions start to deteriorate and become cold and wet again.

Planned calicivirus release locations

Planned release locations for the week ahead will be published on the Biosecurity Tasmania website https://nre.tas.gov.au/invasive-species/invasive-animals/invasive-mammals/european-rabbits/tasmanian-calicivirus-release-sites 

Please note:

  • There are many environmental variables which may impact on the success of a RHDV1 release. 

  • Releases are particularly subject to weather conditions and are at the discretion of Biosecurity Tasmania Authorised Officers trained to perform RHDV1 releases.

  • ​Additional sites may be added or alternatively some sites may be removed.

​​​​​​Releases completed for the week commencing 24 February 2025​

North

​South

​North West

​​Westbury


​Osmaston

​Exton


​​

​Releases planned for the week commencing 3 March 2025

North

​South

​​North West

​Kayena

Brighton​

​Mole Creek

​Sidmouth

​Pontville​


​Deviot​

​Mangalore


​Exeter

​Bagdad

​Gravelly Beach

​Granton

​​Riverside

​Derwent Valley


​​More information

For more information about controlling rabbits in Tasmania, including:

  • Where will calicivirus be released?

  • Is RHDV1 calicivirus safe and humane?

  • What conditions are required before a RHDV1 calicivirus release can occur?

  • What assists in a successful RHDV1 calicivirus release?

  • What is the difference between calicivirus vs myxomatosis?​

  • How can I protect my pet rabbit?

  • Why am I seeing rabbit deaths when there has been no release of RHDV1 in my area?

  • What should I do with dead rabbits?

  • What are my responsibilities as a landowner?

Visit the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania website at: https://nre.tas.gov.au/rabbits.

To discuss rabbit management options for your property, contact Biosecurity Tasmania at biosecurity.tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au or online via the invasive species reporting form: https://nre.tas.gov.au/invasive-species/report-invasive-species​.

(3/3/2025)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Invasive Species; Natural environment;


Biosecurity Advisory 10/2025 – Update on Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Detection in Tasmania

​Biosecurity Tasmania continues its response to the detection of a single brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB; Halyomorpha halys) in a border surveillance trap at Bell Bay.

Following identification of the specimen as BMSB on 13 February 2025, Biosecurity Tasmania immediately stood up an Incident Management Team (IMT) to manage and coordinate the response to the detection. The IMT immediately commenced response activities in line with national arrangements.

An additional 14 traps were deployed around the initial detection site, and over the last fortnight Biosecurity Officers have been conducting increased surveillance of both the additional traps and the surrounding bush and scrub.

No further BMSB specimens have been found.

Surveillance and response activities will continue for a further 10 weeks. Further updates will be provided as necessary.

BMSB is an exotic pest found overseas in parts of Asia, North America and Europe, and is a significant threat to agriculture due to its wide host range and the damage it can do to vegetable crops and fruit and ornamental trees. It is known to feed on more than 300 hosts, including agricultural crops such as nuts, grains, berries, cotton, citrus, soybean, nursery stock and some ornamental and weed plant species, and when feeding causes significant damage to plant tissues.

If you think you have seen BMSB in your crop or backyard, phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

More information is available online at www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/current-biosecurity-alerts

(28/2/2025)
Categories: Animals (general); Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;


Biosecurity Advisory 9/2025 – Bobby Calf Tag Reimbursement Scheme now open

​As of 1 January 2025, all bobby calves that leave their property of birth to go direct to slaughter at Tasmanian Quality Meats (TQM) must be tagged with a National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) approved cattle electronic identification device (eID) tag.

The Tasmanian Bobby Calf Tag Reimbursement Scheme (The Scheme) has been established to assist industry transition to mandatory eIDs for bobby calves going direct to slaughter.

The Scheme provides a reimbursement of $4.50 per bobby calf processed at TQM.

The Scheme Guidelines​ provide further detail, including information on eligibility criteria, assessment criteria, and terms and conditions.

Key Dates

The Scheme runs from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

Reimbursements will be payable on all bobby calves processed at TQM during this period.

Eligibility​

To be eligible for a reimbursement, the following applies:

  • You must have an active Property Identification Code (PIC).

  • You must be authorised by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) to order and use NLIS accredited cattle devices on a PIC.

  • You produce bobby calves that are processed at TQM during the period 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

  • You agree to comply with your legislative obligations regarding the eID tagging of stock and the supply of a movement document for bobby calves leaving your property going direct to slaughter at TQM.

How to apply

Note: If the individual reimbursement amount is $10,000 or more, you will need to submit a valid tax invoice with your application. The invoice should seek from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) the amount to be claimed in your re-imbursement application.

More information

If you would like more information or need assistance with the reimbursement process, please contact an Industry Support Officer by telephone on 0477 391 282 or by email at nlis.tas@nre.tas.gov.au

For more information about eID requirements for bobby calves, visit the Biosecurity Tasmania website: Bobby calf electronic identification | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania​​


(21/2/2025)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Policy and Legislation; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Livestock;


Biosecurity Advisory 8/2025 - Declaration of non-sterile Digitalis species (foxglove)

All sexually reproductive species, sub-species, varieties, hybrids and cultivars of Digitalis species (commonly known as foxglove) are now listed as declared pests under Tasmania’s Biosecurity Act 2019 and Biosecurity Regulations 2022. 

The importation, supply and sale, propagation, and release or spread of all non-sterile varieties of foxglove is now prohibited in Tasmania.   

Requirements for the control and management of foxglove are prescribed by designated areas or designated purposes. These are categorised into weed control classes: 

  • Class A designated areas: require actions to eradicate foxglove. 
  • Class B designated areas: require actions to contain foxglove infestations.   

An interactive map showing the designated areas for foxglove management is available here .  

Existing foxglove plants present in garden settings outside of designated areas are not affected by this declaration.  However, you must not trade any reproductive foxglove material (e.g. seeds or cuttings) with other persons.  

This declaration aims to strike a balance between protecting important environmental values and agricultural assets, whilst at the same time not diverting resources away from high priority weed species for which eradication is still the target.  

Note: All parts of foxglove are extremely toxic to humans and animals. If any part of the plant is ingested immediately call the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126. ​

For more information visit https://nre.tas.gov.au/digitalis​ or call (03) 6165 3777. 

(20/2/2025)
Categories: Horticulture; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Pasture;


Biosecurity Advisory 7/2025 - Brown marmorated stinkbug detected in trap

​Biosecurity Tasmania is responding to the detection of a single female brown marmorated stinkbug (BMSB) in a border surveillance trap at Bell Bay. The sample was sent to Biosecurity Tasmania Plant Diagnostic staff for diagnostic testing and was later confirmed as BMSB via molecular identification.

The collected sample was a single female specimen and does not represent an outbreak of BMSB in Tasmania. Biosecurity Tasmania (BT) maintains BSMB traps at ports of entry across the state under the National Plant Health Surveillance Program, and this detection occurred as part of that routine surveillance.

Following this single detection, additional BMSB traps have been deployed at Bell Bay and BT has commenced an increased surveillance regime. This will remain in place for at least 12 weeks in line with national response arrangements for circumstances where BMSB is detected post-border. An Incident Management Team (IMT) has been stood up within BT to manage this detection in Tasmania.

Further updates will be provided in the event of subsequent detections of concern.

BMSB is an exotic pest and is found overseas in parts of Asia, North America and Europe. BMSB is a significant threat to agriculture due to its wide host range and the damage it can do to vegetable crops and fruit and ornamental trees. It is known to feed on more than 300 hosts, including agricultural crops such as nuts, grains, berries, cotton, citrus, soybean, nursery stock and some ornamental and weed plant species, and when feeding causes significant damage to plant tissues.

If you think you have seen BMSB in your crop or backyard, phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

More information is available online at www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/current-biosecurity-alerts

(17/2/2025)
Categories: Animals (general); Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;


Biosecurity Advisory 6/2025 - Updates to the Tasmanian Animal Biosecurity Manual - v2.0 13 February 2025

Tasmania has controls over the importation of animals, disease agents, biosecurity matter and carriers from other States or Territories. These controls are enacted under the Biosecurity Act 2019 (the Act).

These import requirements and conditions can be found within one easy-to-access document, the Tasmanian Animal Biosecurity Manual​ (TABM).

The TABM is a dynamic document and is updated from time-to-time as imports requirements are reviewed to ensure they are fit-for-purpose and continue to build on the strength of our biosecurity and traceability systems.​​

What has changed?

1.1.2 Equidae – horses, donkeys, mules, ponies, zebras

Food during transport

Wording updated to align with the Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania​.

​General notes about the importation of animals and animal products

Fees and Charges

An explanatory section on Fees and Charges has been added to notify importers that fees and charges may apply to recover the costs of operational functions carried out by authorised officers under the Act, including import inspections and clearance operations.

Provision of documentation

A note has been added that any certification and/or other documentation required for importation of animals and animal products may be provided to Biosecurity Tasmania in either hard copy or electronic formats. Documents provided must be clear, accessible and all information able to be read.

Updates to importation requirements for Cattle (3.1.7), Goats (3.1.12), Pigs (3.1.18) and Sheep (3.1.22)

Post-sale summary documentation may now be provided as an alternative to National Vendor Declarations (NVDs) [Cattle, Goats and Sheep only]

The TABM previously required importers of cattle, sheep and goats to supply a valid NVD or electronic NVD (eNVD) to Biosecurity Tasmania for each consignment as part of import documentation.

Under Section 24 of the Biosecurity (Livestock Traceability) Regulations 2024​ the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania has approved the saleyard post-sale summary as a movement document. A post-sale summary may be provided as an alternative to NVDs or eNVDs for cattle, sheep and goats.

Post-sale summaries are a type of document provided by saleyards. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Purchaser/buyer post-sale summary/report,
  • Saleyard outward movement record,
  • Purchaser information (complete),
  • Buyer’s reconciliation/summary report.

Regardless of which version is used, a post-sale summary document must include the following information to be accepted by Biosecurity Tasmania:

  • Address and name of sale venue.
  • Date of the sale.
  • Selling agent’s name.
  • Saleyard Number or PIC
  • Vendor (origin) PIC. 
  • All NVD numbers associated with the consignor’s movement document. 
  • Destination (transfer) PIC. 
  • Number of head in each purchase lot. 
  • Description of the livestock categories.

A post-sale summary may include the time of last access to feed and water.

Provision of Health Certificates and National Health Declarations now voluntary [cattle, goats and sheep only]

The TABM previously required importers of cattle, sheep and goats to supply a valid health certificate endorsed by an Authorised Officer from the Department of Primary Industries or equivalent in the state of origin to Biosecurity Tasmania as part of import documentation for breeding or store animals. Sheep and goats were also required to supply a National Health Declaration.

Provision of health certificates and national health declarations is now voluntary for cattle, goats and sheep. Health certificate requirements for pigs remain the same.

Importers can use the existing health certificates and national health declarations if they are seeking assurances on the disease status of the nominated diseases. 

Importers are recommended to continue to source a health certificate and a national health declaration for store or breeding animals as best-practice for herd management and to meet your General Biosecurity Duty.

Notification of animal welfare status [all]

The TABM previously stipulated importers were to provide a completed copy of the ‘Animal Welfare Guidelines - Transport of Livestock Across Bass Strait Declaration’ form to Biosecurity Tasmania for livestock being shipped across Bass Strait.

This has been expanded now to include ‘Animal Welfare Food and Water Access Statement’, or ‘Transport of Livestock Across Bass Strait Declaration’. 

An ‘Animal Welfare Food and Water Access Statement’ must clearly state the time and date of last access to food and water for all consignments of livestock crossing Bass Strait, cross referenced to consignment details.

It may be in the form of:

  • The ‘Animal Welfare Guidelines - Transport of Livestock Across Bass Strait Declaration’ form.
  • A signed company transport declaration.
  • A post-sale summary.

The statement may be supplied in either hard copy or electronic format.

Pregnancy restrictions for shipping [Cattle, pigs and sheep]

Pregnancy cut-offs for cattle, goats, pigs and sheep crossing Bass Strait have been added:

  • Cattle known to be, or visually assessed to be, more than 37 weeks pregnant must not be transported across Bass Strait.
  • Pigs known to be, or visually assessed to be, more than 14 weeks pregnant must not be transported across Bass Strait.
  • Sheep known to be, or visually assessed to be, more than 19 weeks pregnant must not be transported across Bass Strait.

Other

  • Explanatory notes about Biosecurity and Animal Health, Animal Welfare, Identification, and Food Safety added for all sections.
  • 3.1.7 Cattle now includes ‘slaughter’ cattle, removing the requirement for cattle other than ‘breeding’ and ‘store’ to have an Individual Permit to enter Tasmania. 
  • 3.1.22 Sheep – updated to include sheep travelling to King Island.
  • 3.1.22c Sheep returning to Tasmania
    • Sheep of Tasmanian origin returning to Tasmania no longer require an Individual Permit for entry.
    • The ‘Declaration by owner – reimportation of sheep of Tasmanian origin’ form has been removed.

​3.3.14 Non-viable fin fish (fish meat)

In this section, material (carcass, or part of a carcass) of any fish species listed in ‘Schedule 1​​​ – Non-viable Fin Fish’ may not be imported unless it is heat-treated and accompanied by certification.

The listing for ‘Sardinops sagax (Pilchard or pacific sardine)’ in Schedule 1 has been updated to ‘Sardinops sagax (Pilchard or pacific sardine) of non-Australian origin’ to allow for Australian-origin sardines to be imported for all uses.

Further information

For further information visit the Biosecurity Tasmania​ website, call (03) 6165 3777, or email biosecurity.tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au​

(13/2/2025)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Information for Bass Strait Islands; Livestock; Policy and Legislation;


Biosecurity Advisory 5/2025 - Australian Wooden Boat Festival 2025 - Important Biosecurity Information

Hobart’s historic and beautiful waterfront will play host to the Australian Wooden Boat Festival from 7-10 February 2025.

If you are participating in this exciting event and are bringing your boat to the Festival from outside of Tasmania, or are travelling down from interstate by air or on the Spirit of Tasmania to check out all the action, there are some very important biosecurity requirements you will need to meet.

Tasmania has in place some of Australia’s stric​test biosecurity requirements. In fact, we all have a General Biosecurity Duty to help protect Tasmania from the impacts of pests, weeds and diseases.

Simply follow the Biosecurity Basics​ when preparing for your travel, and when arriving in Tasmania. Remember, if you don’t, penalties may apply.

Check your Bags:

If you intend to come ashore, check your vessel, storage, bags and possessions to make sure you’re not carrying any restricted or prohibited items, including fruit and vegetables, plant material, soil, seeds, honey and some seafood and animal products. 

You can find out more detailed information on what you can and can’t bring to Tasmania on the Biosecurity Tasmania website: https://nre.tas.gov.au/travellersguide  

If you are carrying any restricted or prohibited items with you, please be sure to appropriately dispose of those items when you arrive in Tasmania. 

Come in Clean: 

Ensure your vessel is clean and free from organic matter before arriving in Tasmania. 

Check and clean hulls, decks, deck equipment, bilge, holding tanks and wet wells.

Check, Clean and Dry your Equipment: 

  • Diving equipment including wetsuits, fins, masks, weight vests, hookah gear and other abalone harvesting equipment (catch bags, ab irons and knives etc). 
  • Fishing gear including rods, reels, waders, fish bins and catch bags and bait. 
  • Aquatic recreation gear including surf boards, kayaks, canoes, jet skis, biscuits and skis. 
  • Gum boots and wet weather pants etc.

Bringing your Dog or other Animals? Check the Rules: 

Tasmania has strict rules to ensure we remain free of hydatids disease and brown dog ticks, which can make our dogs – and even humans –​ sick.

If you’re bringing your dog to Tasmania, you must fill out a declaration to say that you have treated it for hydatids tape worm (tip: ensure the medication contains the active ingredient Praziquantel) and have checked its body recently for brown dog ticks. 

More information and the declaration form is available on the Biosecurity Tasmania website: https://nre.tas.gov.au/hydatid  

Bringing a different animal? Most other animals also have import requirements to enter Tasmania, so make sure that you check the Biosecurity Tasmania website before you travel.

​​​​More Information:

​More information can be found on the Biosecurity Tasmania website​ or by visiting the Australian Wooden Boat Festival website: https://awbf2025.org.au/tasmanian-biosecurity/​

(3/2/2025)
Categories: Animals (general); Marine pests; Natural environment; Timber imports;


Biosecurity Advisory 4/2025 - Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) Detected in Victoria

​Agriculture Victoria is responding to a detection of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) at a tomato glasshouse facility in Victoria in seedlings recently moved from South Australia (SA), where there is a current outbreak. 

Agriculture Victoria has implemented quarantine controls at the property and is working closely with the business to ensure the virus does not spread and can be eradicated.

ToBRFV is a highly contagious plant virus that affects tomatoes, capsicums and chillies. The virus is a serious threat to Australia’s tomato, capsicum and chilli industries. 

The virus spreads easily through contaminated tools, hands, clothing and direct plant to plant contact including grafting and cuttings. It can also be transmitted in seeds and irrigation water.

The virus can remain viable in seed, plant waste and contaminated soil for months and once a crop is infected, the only way to eradicate the virus is by destroying all infected plants and decontaminating all contact materials including glasshouse surfaces.

There is no risk to food safety or human health from eating tomatoes with this virus.

ToBRFV was detected in SA in August 2024 and is known to be present on three properties in that state.

An emergency biosecurity direction from Tasmania’s Chief Plant Protection Officer to prevent the movement of ToBRFV host plants or plant materials from areas known to be infected with the virus into Tasmania remains in place: www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/the-tasmanian-biosecurity-compendium/general-biosecurity-directions 

What can I do?

Biosecurity Tasmania encourages growers, importers and home gardeners to monitor their tomato, capsicum and chilli plants and fruit for signs of the disease.

Infected plants show symptoms such as mosaic patterns, yellowing and deformities on leaves, while fruits develop brown wrinkled spots, deformations and uneven ripening. These symptoms result in reduced yield and marketability. 

Report any suspect findings to Biosecurity Tasmania​

  • Secure the affected plants if possible,
  • Take some photos of the suspected symptoms if you can, and
  • Contact 03 6165 3777 or email Biosecurity.Tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au

For further information about the detections in South Australia and Victoria visit www.outbreak.gov.au/current-outbreaks/tomato-brown-rugose-fruit-virus

(20/1/2025)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds;

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