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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.


436 advisories found.
 

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;


Biosecurity Advisory 3/2025 - New Livestock Traceabilty Regulations and Requirements

New Biosecurity Livestock Traceability Regulations
New Biosecurity (Livestock Traceability) Regulations 2024 (the Regulations) developed by Biosecurity Tasmania (BT) were gazetted on 11 December 2024.

The Regulations are supported by a set of new Tasmanian Standards for the Identification of Cattle, Sheep, Goats and Pigs that are published on the Department of Natural Resources and Environment website. The Standards detail the legal requirements for the correct identification of livestock, including the use of National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) devices, brands, and earmarks.

Fact sheets have also been developed to support the Regulations and outline how people can meet their compliance requirements under the new Regulations.

The enactment of the new Regulations will allow for the repeal of the Animal Brands and Movement Act 1984 and General Biosecurity Direction (Livestock Traceability) (03/22).

Biosecurity Tasmania sought feedback from stakeholders on the new Regulations in 2024.

Information about the new Regulations can be found on the Biosecurity (Livestock Traceability) Regulations 2024 webpage.

Updated electronic identification (eID) requirements for sheep, goats and bobby calves

The new Regulations include the need for individual animal identification through modernised eID tagging requirements for:

  • Sheep and goats born on or after 1 January 2025 that move off property, and
  • Bobby calves that leave their property of birth to go directly to slaughter at Tasmanian Quality Meats (TQM).

From 1 January 2025, these animals must be fitted with an Electronic Identification Device (eID).

The eIDs are National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) approved tags that contain a microchip which provides a unique electronic identification of an animal.
The elD system:

  • allows enhanced biosecurity management as individual animals can be traced more accurately and efficiently,
  • allows us to quickly respond and recover from emergency animal disease outbreaks,
  • improves consumer confidence in animal products,
  • strengthens market access, and
  • enhances herd monitoring and management.

Industry support schemes have been developed to help producers to transition to eID tags for sheep, goats and bobby calves.

Information about eID requirements and support for sheep and goats can be found on the BT Sheep and Goat eID webpage.  

Information about eID requirements and support for bobby calves can be found on the BT Bobby Calf eID webpage.

(9/1/2025)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Livestock; Policy and Legislation;


Biosecurity Advisory 2/2025 - Emergency General Biosecurity Direction for European Honey Bees and Associated Products - Renewal January 2025

​Due to the presence of varroa mite (Varroa destructor) in New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, the Tasmanian Chief Plant Protection Officer has put in place an extension to the General Biosecurity Direction (Emergency), to prevent the introduction of this honey bee parasite into Tasmania.

This Direction takes effect as of 12.01am on Tuesday 7 January 2025 and remains in effect for six (6) months, unless it is revoked earlier. It prohibits the import into Tasmania of any:

  • European honey bee (Apis mellifera); or
  • Any animal product produced by, or from, a European honey bee other than commercially produced bee products such as honey filtered to a maximum 2 mm pore size and melted refined beeswax, or another process approved by the Chief Plant Protection Officer; or
  • Any used beekeeping equipment; or
  • Any other thing that may reasonably be suspected of being a carrier of bees, or any pest or disease that may affect bees.

While this General Biosecurity Direction (Emergency) remains in place, producers will need to continue sourcing queen bees from within Tasmania. A copy of the General Biosecurity Direction (Emergency) is available at https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/animal-biosecurity/bees/rules-for-moving-bees-apiary-products-and-used-apiary-equipment 

Biosecurity Tasmania is currently completing a varroa mite Import Risk Analysis (IRA). The outcomes of this work will inform the development of future phytosanitary measures related to varroa mite, which will be captured in the Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania in late 2025. More information about the IRA methodology can be found at https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/plant-biosecurity/biosecurity-tasmania-import-risk-analysis-assessment-processes

More information about varroa mite can be found on the NRE Tas website at https://nre.tas.gov.au/varroa

(7/1/2025)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation;


Biosecurity Advisory 1/2025 - Cat Management Facility Support for the North-West and West Coasts of Tasmania

​Grant opportunities are now open for a new cat management facility or facilities on the North-West and West Coast of Tasmania.

The grant program will be delivered to the successful applicant for a facility or facilities.

The total funding available is $500,000 and may be provided to one or more applicants, depending on the solution/s offered.

Applications will be accepted from a person or organisation seeking to support cat management in communities in the North-West and West Coasts by establishing and operating a cat management facility.

The grant opens on Monday 6 January 2025 and closes Friday 21 February 2025.

Details of the grant, including eligibility and how to apply, can be found on the Biosecurity Tasmania Invasive Species webpage

(6/1/2025)
Categories: Invasive Species; Natural environment; Policy and Legislation;


Biosecurity Advisory 42/2024 - Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP) detection in Victoria

Tomato potato psyllid (TPP), a tiny pest insect that feeds on plants, has been detected in southwest Victoria.

Report any suspected TPP found in Tasmania to Biosecurity Tasmania

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

What has happened?

TPP has been detected in Victoria within a small area on the Bellarine Peninsula, with the initial detection in a tomato production facility.

Surveillance undertaken by Agriculture Victoria in a 3 km radius from the glasshouse facility has detected TPP at an additional five locations within 1.5 km of the initial detection point.

Agriculture Victoria is investigating the situation and is implementing relevant controls to limit the spread to other areas.

Testing of the insects and plant material has shown no evidence of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso), which causes Zebra chip in potatoes. Therefore, Australia remains free of CLso.

TPP was first detected in Western Australia in February 2017 and it was subsequently agreed that it was not eradicable.

What does this mean for Tasmania?

Biosecurity Tasmania is currently reviewing the Victorian incursion and whether any additional controls may need to be implemented to reduce the risk of TPP being transmitted to Tasmania.

Import Requirement 46 (Tomato Potato Psyllid – Hosts and Carriers) in the Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania remains in effect.

Agriculture Victoria is implementing movement controls to limit the spread of TPP from known detection sites, so hosts from these sites are unlikely to be sent to Tasmania. 

However, TPP can easily spread by wind, machinery and vehicles so it is important to remain vigilant and follow import requirements if importing hosts and carriers, especially those from Western Australia and Victoria.

What is TPP?

The tomato potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli) is a tiny sap-sucking insect that attacks a range of plants in the Solanaceae family which includes potato, tomato, eggplant, capsicum, chilli and tamarillo. It also attacks sweet potato.

Adults resemble small, winged cicadas and are about 3mm long. The body is brownish and has white or yellowish markings on the thorax and a broad white band on the abdomen. Their wings are transparent and held vertically over their body.

The nymphs have flattened oval pale yellow to green or orange scale-like bodies and red eyes. More mature nymphs have wing buds and are fringed with hairs.

Eggs are often found on the lower leaf surface or along the leaf stalk. They are less than 1 mm long, orange to yellow or green with a short stalk.

What are the signs of TPP?

When it is present in a crop, the noticeable signs of the tomato potato psyllid include:

  • Insects jumping from the foliage when disturbed. Adult psyllids are sometimes called ‘jumping plant lice’ as they readily jump and fly when disturbed.
  • Severe wilting of plants occurs when there are large numbers of psyllids feeding.
  • Yellowing of leaf margins and upward curling of the leaves.
  • White sugar-like granules that are excreted by adults and nymphs. These granules coat the plant leaves and stems and can lead to the development of sooty mould.
  • Honeydew and psyllid sugar make the plants sticky and plants often appear dirty.
  • Shortening of stem internodes occurs.
  • The death of the stem is similar to other potato and tomato disorders.

What is Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso)?

Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso) is a bacterium associated with ‘zebra chip’ disease in potatoes. It is not currently found in Australia.

Zebra chip disease results in reduced crop yield and crop health, stem death, yellowing of leaf tissue, and misshapen tubers.

Neither the psyllid nor the bacterium pose a risk to human health.

What can I do?

Biosecurity Tasmania encourages growers, importers and home gardeners to monitor their plants, particularly host species such as tomato, potato, capsicum, chilli, eggplant and sweet potato.
Inspecting plants regularly is encouraged:

  • When inspecting host fruit and vegetables, pay particular attention to any green material on the produce, such as the calyx, and look for eggs, nymphs or adults.
  • When inspecting host nursery stock and cut flowers, look for signs of chlorosis, stunting, leaf narrowing, curling or cupping, leaf purpling, fruit distortion and shortened internodes in tomatoes should be investigated closely.
  • TPP are more likely to be on the underside of leaves toward the lower half of plants. Psyllid sugar (white residue) indicates the presence of the psyllid. Adults will fly a short distance away when disturbed and then settle.

Report any suspect findings to Biosecurity Tasmania

For more information about TPP please see Tomato potato psyllid webpage


(20/12/2024)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Plant diseases; Plant pests;


Biosecurity Advisory 41/2024 - Watch for European paper wasps

Do you know the difference between regular European wasps (Vespula germanica) & European paper wasps (Polistes dominula)?

They look similar but there are a few key differences, especially their antennae colour, size and nest structure. European paper wasps are about 1.5-2.5 cm long, yellow and black in colour with orange antennae (European wasps have black antennae). They are longer and thinner than European wasps, with slightly different yellow and black markings.

The nests of European paper wasp have exposed cells and are found above ground, often on walls and fences, as well as in vegetation. In contrast, European wasp nests are closed, do not have exposed cells, and are often underground.

In areas where they become established, European paper wasps can become a public nuisance because of the intensity of their painful sting. They also have potential environmental impacts by feeding on native insects and competing with native species for nectar.

In contrast to European wasps, which have been established in Tasmania for over 60 years, European paper wasps are a Declared Pest under the Biosecurity Act 2019. Biosecurity Tasmania has identified and removed paper wasp nests in the North West in recent seasons. Further paper wasp detections in the area suggest there may be one or more nests that have not yet been located. 

Biosecurity Tasmania would like to hear from residents who think they may have seen a nest or other signs of European paper wasp activity.

WARNING: European paper wasps sting. Do not disturb nests or provoke wasps in any way.

Contact Biosecurity Tasmania to report signs of European paper wasps at biosecurity.tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au or call (03) 6165 3777.

Learn more about European paper wasps at www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/plant-biosecurity/pests-and-diseases/european-paper-wasp

(20/12/2024)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Plant pests;


Biosecurity Advisory 40/2024 - Public consultation extended for Tasmanian dog welfare reforms

​The Tasmanian Government has extended the public consultation period for proposed reforms to the laws that regulate and control dogs in Tasmania until 17 January 2025.

The review ensures contemporary and enforceable welfare outcomes for dogs in Tasmania.

The review is in response to:

  • public concern about puppy farms, and
  • feedback from animal welfare officers about the current legislation.

Proposed changes will affect the Dog Control Act 2000, Animal Welfare (Dogs) Regulations 2016, and Guidelines.

If you wish to make comments on the draft Discussion Paper you can do so by visting https://nre.tas.gov.au/dogsreview and using the online form before 5pm on Friday 17 January 2025. Late submissions cannot be considered.

(20/12/2024)
Categories: Policy and Legislation;


Biosecurity Advisory 39/2024 - Current Calicivirus Situation in Tasmania

​Until recently there had been an Australia-wide shortage of calicivirus, however the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania has now been able to secure a supply of calicivirus.

Calicivirus is a biological control agent strategically used by Biosecurity Tasmania to assist landholders manage wild rabbit populations. Calicivirus releases usually occur during autumn when environmental conditions are favourable, to ensure effective use of the virus.

Calicivirus should only be released in drier months, when grass has dried off and rabbits have stopped breeding, to avoid levels of immunity developing in young rabbits.

Biosecurity Tasmania will continue to monitor conditions for a suitable time to release calicivirus. However, it is unlikely that calicivirus releases can occur until autumn 2025.  

Landholders are responsible for the control of rabbits on their land and there are a variety of management options available. There are resources available online to assist in planning a rabbit control program.

To support landholders to control the increased rabbit populations, Biosecurity Tasmania staff are available to work directly with landholders to develop rabbit management programs for their property.

Information regarding rabbit control and how to develop a rabbit control program is available on our website at www.nre.tas.gov.au/rabbits

(26/11/2024)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Pasture; Policy and Legislation; Wildlife;

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