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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.


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Biosecurity Advisory 16/2025 - Public Release of Plant Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis (IRA) Reports for Potato and Myrtle Rust

​Following public consultation in October 2024, Biosecurity Tasmania is releasing two new plant biosecurity Import Risk Analysis (IRA) reports. The finalised IRAs will result in the inclusion of Import Requirements in the 2025 edition of the Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania (the Manual).

When assessing the pest risks associated with the trade of imported biosecurity matter (plants and plant products) into Tasmania, Biosecurity Tasmania follows nationally and internationally recognised pest risk analysis methodology. This helps to identify pests that may exceed Tasmania's Appropriate Level of Protection (ALOP) of 'very low' risk if their trade occurs unregulated. For those pests identified as presenting an unacceptable level of risk in trade, risk mitigation measures are then introduced to reduce the risk in trade to an acceptable level.

IRA for Potato

The IRA for potato is a 3-part report that reviews the risk presented by potato imports for all types of potato matter and is the first ever 'commodity level' review undertaken by Biosecurity Tasmania for the state. The potato industry sector in Tasmania was consulted closely throughout the review. 

The IRA comprises a review of 687 pests and diseases of potato in total. Approximately 40% of these pests are known to be present in Tasmania while 66% of the reviewed pests are present in mainland Australia.

Twenty-six pests and diseases of potato were subject to full risk assessment against nine identified potential pathways for entry of potato matter into the state.

The IRA found that regulations in trade need to be introduced for seven different pests of significant biosecurity concern, along with a declared weed genus – Orobanche spp. (broomrapes).

IRA for Myrtle Rust

The IRA for Myrtle Rust addresses the serious threat posed by the invasive disease myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) to the Australian natural environment. This disease continues to cause serious damage to Australian native ecosystems and plant species along the eastern seaboard of mainland Australia. The disease attacks a very wide range of species in the Myrtaceae plant family wherever the disease has been introduced around the world.

First detected in Australia in 2010 it has spread rapidly and driven several highly susceptible Myrtaceae species to near extinction.

Though a strain of myrtle rust is present in Tasmania, pest records of this disease's presence in the field in Tasmania (both north and south) confirm that the disease is entirely limited to introduced (exotic) hybridised Myrtaceae nursery plants like Lophomyrtus cultivars in home gardens. To date, there have been no pest records of myrtle rust occurring on native Tasmanian myrtaceae species.

The IRA confirmed that the unrestricted risk estimate of this disease being potentially re-introduced via trade of 'at risk' Myrtaceae plant matter from interstate still exceeds Tasmania's ALOP of 'very low' risk. As a result, a new import requirement (IR47) will be introduced into the Tasmanian plant biosecurity manual to regulate the trade of 'at risk' plant nursery stock.

A profile of the disease can be found on the NRE Tas website here: Myrtle Rust | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania

Where can you find a copy of these reports?

Downloadable copies of both these IRAs can be found on online at: Finalised Import Risk Analyses | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania

(8/4/2025)
Categories: Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds;

Biosecurity Advisory 15/2025 - Public Consultation Open on the FSANZ Egg Food Safety Standard Review

​Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has completed a review of egg food safety and primary production requirements under the Food Standards Code (the Code). The review proposes amendments to Standard 4.2.5 Primary production and processing standard for eggs and egg products.

Proposed amendments to the Code will strengthen egg and egg product safety in Australia through measures including environmental monitoring, improved traceability and temperature control during storage and transport.

Eggs are an important part of a healthy diet and a staple food for many Australians, so ensuring their continued safety is essential.

The proposed changes build on existing biosecurity and food safety measures to further reduce the risk of Salmonella Enteritidis and strengthen traceability throughout the supply chain.

The evidence-based amendments will help to minimise risks to public health, improve the response to potential outbreaks and support nationally consistent regulation of eggs and egg products.

This review follows a 2018-19 Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak linked to eggs which resulted in 245 illnesses.

To have your say about this proposal visit the FSANZ Consultation Hub. Submissions close at 11:59pm (AEST) on 12 May 2025.​

(4/4/2025)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Gene technology; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Livestock; Policy and Legislation; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 14/2025 - Renewal of ToBRFV General Biosecurity Direction

​South Australia's Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) and Agriculture Victoria are responding to detections of tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV).

In November 2024, a National Response Plan to eradicate the virus under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed was endorsed by the National Management Group. The plan was developed by PIRSA in conjunction with Commonwealth, state and territory government representatives, and industry representatives. 

ToBRFV has not been detected in Tasmania however the virus has been confirmed on 4 properties in South Australia and on a property in Victoria.

To protect Tasmanian industries and home gardens, Biosecurity Tasmania's Chief Plant Protection Officer put in place an emergency biosecurity direction in October 2024. This biosecurity direction prevents the movement of ToBRFV host plants or plant materials into Tasmania from areas known to be infected with the virus or linked to known infections. 

This emergency biosecurity direction has been renewed for a further six months (unless revoked earlier) and can be viewed at www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/the-tasmanian-biosecurity-compendium/general-biosecurity-directions 

ToBRFV is a highly contagious plant virus that affects tomatoes, capsicums and chillies. 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. The virus has no known effects on human health.

Report anything unusual immediately to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 or contact us at biosecurity.tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au 

For further information about the detections in South Australia and Victoria visit www.outbreak.gov.au

(4/4/2025)
Categories: Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Policy and Legislation; Seeds;

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;

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