Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Tasmania Online

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.


28 advisories found for Animals+(general).
 
All 

Biosecurity Advisory 16/2026 – Ensure livestock is ‘Fit to Load’ for transport

Tasmanian livestock producers and transporters are being reminded to ensure animals are ‘fit to load’ and curfewed for 12 hrs prior to transport.

The reminder is in response to an increase in reports of animal welfare issues, relating to livestock that have been transported with existing injuries. 

Ensuring livestock are curfewed off green feed for the recommended time prior to being loaded is also important to prevent possible biosecurity and road safety issues from truck effluent spillage. 

What is ‘fit to load’?

‘Fit to load’ means making sure animals are suitable for transport. This is crucial to maintain good animal welfare and minimise the risk of injury, pain or stress to livestock while they are being transported.

The Animal Welfare (Transport of Livestock) Regulations 2025 set the standards required for transporting all types of livestock and other animals.

Animals should also be removed from green feed for the recommended 12hrs before travelling. Livestock full of green grass and water will empty out quicker during transport. They do not travel as well as drained stock who have access to good quality dry feed such as hay or pellets.

Ensuring stock are curfewed correctly will also help to prevent possible injuries from slipping and reduce effluent spillage from transport trucks.​​​

When are animals not fit to load?

Some common issues which mean livestock may not be fit to load include: 

  • ​lameness, 

  • poor body condition,

  • eye problems, ingrown horns, 

  • late-stage pregnancy or too young, and

  • ​any animals suffering from severe injuries, stress or dehydration.

​Animals that are not fit to load should not be transported, even if they are only travelling a short distance.

The only exception is when a registered veterinarian has provided documentation allowing the identified animal to be transported from specified origin to destination.

Who is responsible for ensuring animals are fit to load?

Ensuring animals are curfewed and fit to load is the responsibility of the people right through the supply chain. This includes the producer or consignor, livestock transport operators and the person receiving stock after transport.

Producers are responsible for assembling and preparing the livestock, including inspection and selection as ‘fit for the intended journey’. Producers and consignors must also manage feed and water provisions and holding periods before loading.

The transporter is responsible for final inspection of stock as fit to load, the loading density, inspection and spelling periods during throughout journey and unloading.

What can I do to ensure that animals are fit to load?

Producers, consignors and transporters must inspect & monitor livestock prior, during and on arrival for any issues or injuries that mean they are not fit to travel.

Producers should make sure stock are curfewed off green feed for the recommended 12 hours before being loaded, to prevent possible injuries and effluent spillage from trucks.

All vehicles must be appropriate for the type of animals being transported and have suitable surface flooring to prevent animals from slipping and falling during transport.

Producers who are unsure if an animal is fit for transport should seek veterinary advice.

What if I transport an animal that is not fit to load?

All reports alleging animals experienced or may have experienced unreasonable or unjustifiable pain or suffering during transport will be investigated by Biosecurity Tasmania.  

Anyone found to be in breach of the Animal Welfare (Transport of Livestock) Regulations 2025 may be issued with infringement notices and fined.

Biosecurity Tasmania staff regularly inspect livestock at the state’s saleyards and abattoirs.

All Tasmanian abattoirs are equipped with Video Monitoring Systems, which include surveillance of livestock unloading areas.

More information & how to report animal cruelty or neglect

To find out more about fit-to-load requirements go to our Animal Welfare webpage​.

To report animal cruelty or neglect contact RSPCA Tasmania.

Web: Report Animal Cruelty​

Phone: 1300 139 947 

Email: reportit@rspcatas.org.au

Or submit a report to Biosecurity Tasmania at Report It | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania​

(25/6/2026)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Information for Bass Strait Islands; Livestock;

Biosecurity Advisory 13/2026 - Nominations for the 2026 Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards are now open

The Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards recognise individuals, organisations or businesses for significant contributions to biosecurity in Tasmania.

This is an opportunity to recognise those in our communities and industries who have gone above and beyond to help protect our future.

Biosecurity is foundational to Tasmania’s economic, cultural and natural values. We all share the benefits of our strong biosecurity system, as it:  

  • underpins our multi-billion-dollar agri-food production and export industries; and 

  • helps to protect our unique flora, fauna and ecosystems that are of immeasurable value to Tasmanians. This includes to our First Nations peoples, the original and ongoing custodians of Land and Sea Country, as well as visitors to our state. 

The awards recognise two categories, the Tasmanian Community Biosecurity Award and the Tasmanian Industry Biosecurity Award.

In 2025 the Community Award was won by Lalani Hyatt and the Industry Award by Nathan Saunders from Elders Rural Services Tasmania.  

Lalani was recognised for her role in Landcare Tasmania’s Rainbow Lorikeet Management Group. Lalani was recognised for her commitment to the volunteer group and their dedication to the ongoing management of invasive rainbow lorikeets in Tasmania.

Nathan was recognised for his work supporting the Tasmanian livestock industry with new mandatory sheep and goat electronic identification (eID) requirements that came into effect on 1 January 2025. 

If you, your team, business, organisation, group, or someone that you know, has contributed to supporting and improving biosecurity in Tasmania, you can submit a nomination today.

Nominations for the 2026 awards will close midnight 31 July 2026.

More information about the awards and the online nomination form can be found at – www.nre.tas.gov.au/tasbiosecurityawards ​

(12/5/2026)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Bird flu; Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 12/2026 – Introduction of Property Identification Code (PIC) fees from 1 July 2026

Biosecurity Tasmania (BT) is introducing Property Identification Code (PIC) application, renewal and amendment fees from 1 July 2026. 

When will the new fees take effect?

The new PIC fees will apply from 1 July 2026, including a new fee for renewals. 

Until this date, applications and amendments to PICs will remain free of charge. 

What is a PIC?

A PIC is an eight-character code used to identify the location of a property. It is attached to a property, rather than a person.

PIC registrations include what species of identifiable livestock are on the property and the contact details for the person responsible for the livestock.

The Biosecurity (Livestock Traceability) Regulations 2024 (the Regulations) define ‘identifiable livestock’ as sheep, goats, cattle and pigs. The Regulations require that any premises holding any number of these animals must have a PIC. 

These premises include livestock farms (commercial and smallholders/hobby farms), saleyards, processors and event locations. 

What are the fees?

The fees values are set by the Tasmanian Fee Units Act 1997. All fees are a fixed fee and subject to legislated annual increases for inflation.

  • Application for assignment of PIC to premises: $78.40

  • Renewal or amendment of PIC assigned to premises: $39.20

PIC fees apply for identifiable livestock – cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.  

PICs for other purposes will remain free of charge.

How often will I have to renew my PIC?

PIC renewals will occur every three years. 

This means the cost of maintaining a PIC will be equivalent to around $13 a year (subject to cpi).

We will stagger renewals for existing PICs over the first three years, starting with older PICs. We will notify PIC holders when a PIC is due for renewal.

If I have more than one PIC, will I have to pay fees for each PIC?

Yes, fees are charged for each PIC.

PICs are attached to a property, not a person. If cattle, sheep, goats or pigs are kept at a property, that property must have a PIC. 

This means that a person, company or organisation may be required to have more than one PIC if they are responsible for cattle, sheep, goats or pigs kept or managed at more than one location.

How do I apply for, renew, amend or cancel a PIC?

You can apply for, amend or cancel PICs using the online PIC Registration and Amendment System (PRAS): https://pras.biosecurity.tas.gov.au/pras/ui​. A new online PRAS is being developed that will streamline PIC management and allow you to pay your fees. 

You can still contact our team about other service and payment methods.

Why should I renew my PIC? 

Renewals help to maintain a current and accurate Tasmanian PIC Register. This helps BT to respond in a quick and effective way if there is an emergency animal disease (EAD) outbreak. It also means we can contact you if there is an EAD outbreak so you can take steps to protect yourself and your animals.

Failure to renew a PIC will result in the cancellation of your ownership of the PIC. This may affect Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) accreditation and your ability to order National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) identification tags.

It’s also a legal requirement for keeping sheep, goats, cattle and pigs. Biosecurity Tasmania has authorised officers who check that the rules are being followed. They can provide education or enforcement, including fines, when people aren’t doing the right thing. This helps to protect our agricultural industries and communities. 

Why are fees being introduced now?

The Regulations include fees for PICs, consistent with other states and territories. These fees will help us to protect the things we value through continuing to adapt our world-class biosecurity and traceability systems.

A grace period was in place to support industry since the Regulations commenced in 2024. PICs issued or amended during this time have been free of charge. 

The grace period will end on 30 June 2026.

Why are these fee changes important?

The PIC system is the foundation of effective livestock traceability across Australia. 

Good traceability is critical for protecting Tasmanian livestock, the agricultural industry and communities if there is a disease outbreak, chemical residue or food safety issue. 

Animal disease outbreaks can have massive financial and social impacts for commercial farmers and communities. For example, an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in Australia could have an $80 billion impact to the Australian economy over 10 years. 

We all value having vibrant, productive and healthy industries and communities. Protecting the things we value sometimes means changes are needed to keep pace with the challenges.

That's why we'll be investing the revenue from the new fees back into biosecurity programs to benefit our state.

We know that protecting Tasmanian livestock, industries and communities is worth it.

Who can I contact if I have questions?​

If you have any questions about the new fees, please contact the Primary Produce Traceability Program:

Phone: 1300 368 550

Email: product.integrity@nre.tas.gov.au

More information on livestock traceability and PICs is available on the Biosecurity Tasmania Property Identification Code (PIC)​ webpage.

(7/5/2026)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Livestock; Pasture; Policy and Legislation; Information for Bass Strait Islands;

Biosecurity Advisory 11/2026 - Release of the Tasmanian Animal Biosecurity Manual 2026 Edition

Biosecurity Tasmania has published a new edition of the Tasmanian Animal Biosecurity Manual.

The updated manual reflects minor regulatory changes across the past year. 
The Manual includes but is not limited to the following revisions: 

  • 3.1.5 Cane toads title revised for accuracy
  • 3.1.14 Invertebrates (live) Aphidius colemani has been replaced by Aphelinus colemani
  • 3.1.18 Pigs – This section has had additional information focused on pig identification requirements

You can find the current Tasmanian Animal Biosecurity Manual and supporting information on our website. 
​

(28/4/2026)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Livestock; Policy and Legislation; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 09/2026 – Have your say on micro or mobile livestock processing in Tasmania – consultation extended

Tasmanian livestock producers and the community are invited to have their say on the Guidance Document - Establishing and Operating a Micro or Mobile Livestock Processing Facility and Roadmap.

The draft Guidance Document and Roadmap provide an overview for business planning, regulatory requirements and practical advice to producers who may want to establish micro or mobile processing facilities for red meat or pigs. 

Micro processing generally refers to mobile or fixed location facilities that produce less than 100 tonnes of meat products per year.​

The Roadmap contains extracts of information from the Guidance Document and provides a general visual overview of the regulatory processes required to establish a micro or mobile livestock processing facility.

Producers or businesses looking to establish a processing facility should refer to the Guidance Document ​for information about the full regulatory requirements.​

A summary of Biosecurity Tasmania’s Product Integrity Branch’s assessment process for livestock processing facilities accompanies the Guidance Document and Roadmap to outline the food safety accreditation requirements.

​​​How to have your say

Public consultation is now underway. Individual producers, businesses, industry organisations and community members are encouraged to provide feedback on the Guidance Document and Roadmap.

The consultation period has been extended for an additional week. Submissions now close at 5:00pm on Monday 6 April 2026.

Feedback from the consultation process will be used to ensure the Guidance Document and Roadmap are fit for purpose and suitable for industry.

To read the Guidance Document and Roadmap and have your say, go to nre.tas.gov.au/microprocessing

For further information, please contact: Lou Brooke, Biosecurity Tasmania 0499 619 302 or email louise.brooke@nre.tas.gov.au

(26/3/2026)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Information for Bass Strait Islands; Livestock; Pasture; Policy and Legislation;

Biosecurity Advisory 07/2025 – Have your say on micro or mobile livestock processing in Tasmania

​Tasmanian livestock producers and the community are invited to have their say on the Guidance Document - Establishing and Operating a Micro or Mobile Livestock Processing Facility and Roadmap, aimed at supporting the development of mobile or micro livestock processing businesses.

The Guidance Document and Roadmap have been developed in response to a petition received by the Premier in March 2025.

As part of its 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania Future, the Government set a 100-day commitment to develop a ‘roadmap for small-scale meat processors outlining the approval and permits they need to get started and maintain business.’

A working group was convened in March 2025 to inform the development of the Guidance Document and Roadmap. 

The working group consisted of representatives from the principal petitioner, the Southern Tasmanian Association of Meat Processors (STAMP), SPROUT Tasmania, TasFarmers, Government departments, local councils and other industry representatives.

The Guidance Document and Roadmap provide an overview for business planning, regulatory requirements and practical advice to producers who may want to establish micro or mobile processing facilities for red meat or pigs. 

Micro processing generally refers to mobile or fixed location facilities that produce less than 100 tonnes of meat products per year.

The Roadmap contains extracts of information from the Guidance Document and provides a general visual overview of the regulatory processes required to establish a micro or mobile livestock processing facility.

Producers or businesses looking to establish a processing facility should refer to the Guidance Document - Establishing and Operating a Micro or Mobile Livestock Processing Facility for information about the full regulatory requirements.

A summary of Biosecurity Tasmania’s Product Integrity Branch’s assessment process for livestock processing facilities accompanies the Guidance Document and Roadmap to outline the food safety accreditation requirements.

A two-week public consultation period is now underway. Individual producers, businesses, industry organisations and community members are encouraged to provide feedback on the Guidance Document and Roadmap.

Submissions close at 5:00pm on Monday 30 March 2026.

Feedback from the consultation process will be used to ensure the Guidance Document and Roadmap are fit for purpose and suitable for industry.

To read the Guidance Document and Roadmap and have your say, go to nre.tas.gov.au/microprocessing​

For further information, please contact: Lou Brooke, Biosecurity Tasmania 0499 619 302 or email louise.brooke@nre.tas.gov.au

(16/3/2026)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Information for Bass Strait Islands; Livestock; Pasture; Policy and Legislation;

Biosecurity Advisory 06/2026 – Commencement of the 2026 Tasmanian calicivirus (RHDV1) release for rabbit control

Rabbits are considered to be Australia’s most significant invasive pest. They impact many landowners, as well as Australia’s threatened species and environments.

Biosecurity Tasmania will be releasing calicivirus (RHDV1) in Autumn 2026 to help Tasmanian landowners manage rabbit populations. Releases will occur in locations where conditions are suitable.

Calicivirus will not be released at locations where there was a previous release in the past 12 months in order to reduce the risk of rabbit populations becoming immune to calicivirus.

A calicivirus release will not eliminate every rabbit at a site. As a result, it is important that land managers employ other rabbit control methods​ following a knockdown of the rabbit population from a calicivirus release. This will help to both lower numbers as far as possible and prevent reinfestation, reducing the need for repeated control operations.

Calicivirus is not a poison and is specific to rabbits (and hares). There is no risk of calicivirus transferring to other animals or humans. 

For more information about calicivirus, how to protect pet rabbits, and calicivirus  release sites, visit the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania website at: https://nre.tas.gov.au/rabbits​

Advice about rabbit management and control techniques is available on the NRE Tas European Rabbits webpage, or contact Biosecurity Tasmania at: invasivespecies@nre.tas.gov.au

(13/3/2026)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Invasive Species; Natural environment; Pasture; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 05/2026 – Release of the 'Cat Management in Tasmania – Discussion Paper' for public consultation

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) has released the Cat Management in Tasmania - Discussion Paper for consultation.

This discussion paper is the first stage in developing a new Tasmanian Cat Management Plan, which will guide cat management across the state for the next five years.

The Discussion Paper includes questions so you can tell us what you would like to see in a new plan.

Submissions must be received by 5pm Friday 15 May 2026.

To read the discussion paper and find out how to have your say, visit: https://nre.tas.gov.au/cat-management​

(10/3/2026)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Invasive Species; Policy and Legislation; Wildlife; Natural environment;

Biosecurity Advisory 04/2026 - Changes to some Biosecurity Tasmania fees from 1 July 2026

​Biosecurity Tasmania (BT) is making changes to some fees from 1 July 2026. 

When will the new fees take effect?

Any updated fees will apply from 1 July 2026.

What do the fee increases look like?

This is the first significant update we have made to our fees for many years.

We are staging the updates over a three-year period. This will ensure that everyone has time to adjust and will help support industry with the changes. All fees are still subject to legislated annual increases for inflation.

​Audit and assessment services

​Fee1​
​Current
​2026-27
​2027-28
​2028-29
​Ovine brucellois administration fee2
​$100
​​$138
​​$178
​​$222
​Audit of Registration Quarantine Place (RQP)3
​$130
​$157
​​$188
​$222

​Authorised Officer (AO) functions

​​Fee1
​Current
​2026-27
​2027-28
2028-29​
​Biosecurity examination3
​$130
​$136
$145
$155
​Animal import (air)3
​$130
​$136
$145
​$155
​Animal import (sea)3
​$130
​$136
​$145
​$155
​Export examination3
​$92
​$110
​$131
​$155
​Honey certification3
​$103
​$117
​$135
​$155
​Document inspection3
​$130
​$136
​$145
​$155
​AO functions Saturday / Overtime3
​$195
​$204
$218
​$232
​AO functions Sunday3
​$260
​$271
​$289
​$309

​​​Professional services

​Fee1
​Current
​2026-27
​2027-28
​2028-29
​Professional services3
​$157
​$215
​$277
​$344

​Property of origin

​Fee1
​Current
​2026-27
​2027-28
​2028-29
​Property of origin2
​$160
​$165
​$174
​$184

​​Registration of Registered Quarantine Place (RQP)

​Fee1
​Current
​2026-27
​2027-28
​2028-29
​Registration of RQP2
​$230
​$242
​$256
​$271

​Notes:

1. All fees are subject to legislated annual increases for inflation​.

2. Fixed fee, per application.

3. Hourly rate - charged in 15 min increments.​

​​Why are the fees changing now?

In 2023, we began a project to review the costs of delivering our services. It showed that our existing fee structure has not allowed us to keep pace with increasing costs and biosecurity risks. As a result, we are updating our fees to enable us to continue to help protect Tasmania’s values, assets and trade.

How were the new fees calculated?

The Biosecurity Act 2019 (BA2019) and Tasmanian Treasury guidelines allow us to use a 'full' cost recovery model. However, we recognise that all Tasmanians contribute to maintaining our world-class biosecurity system.

The new fee structure uses a 'partial' cost recovery model, calculated on 59% of actual costs. We are choosing to waive the remaining 41% as a 'public good' subsidy. The subsidy will apply to all updated fees and acknowledges the benefits that biosecurity delivers to our state ('public good').

What was the approval process for the new fees?

The Secretary (Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania) approved the fee updates, and the Minster for Primary Industries and Water supported them. The process met the requirements of the BA2019.

How will the fees be used?

We all value having vibrant, productive and healthy industries and communities. That's why we'll be investing the revenue from the new fees back into biosecurity programs to benefit our state.

Why are these fee changes important?

Invasive pests, weeds and diseases can harm our industries, communities and environment. The risks to Tasmania are increasing, in part due to changes in the climate and how people and freight are moving. Protecting the things we value means continuing to adapt our world-class biosecurity system.

That’s why having a strong biosecurity system is important. We know that protecting Tasmania from pests, weeds and diseases is worth it.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

If you have any questions about the updated fees and charges, you can contact Biosecurity.Tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au

(5/3/2026)
Categories: Animals (general); Cropping; Horticulture; Livestock; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports;

Biosecurity Advisory 03/2026 - eID Tag Rebate Scheme Expanded

​Electronic identification (eID) for sheep and goats is mandatory in Tasmania.

eID tags are National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) approved tags that contain a microchip. They contain a unique electronic identification for an individual animal .

The eID tags are not just for commercial producers of sheep and goats, they must be used even if you own only a few backyard animals.

Under a Grant Scheme (Grant Round 2 – eID Tag Rebate Scheme) support has been available to purchase tags and equipment. On 1 February 2026, the eID Tag Rebate Scheme was expanded.

The rebate will now apply to all eight year-of-birth colours, as well as post-breeder tags. The rebate will continue to be applied at the point of sale. This means you do not need to apply for this discount, simply check with your rural supplier. 

The rebate will continue to be $1 per ear tag and $4 per hock strap (goats). However please note that the Tag Rebate Scheme will close on 30 June 2026.

More information on the eID Tag Rebate Scheme can be found on the Grant Round 2 webpage.

For further information, visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/eID for contact us at:

(12/2/2026)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Information for Bass Strait Islands; Livestock; Natural environment; Policy and Legislation; Pasture;

1 to 10 of 28 news items  Next >>