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.

40 advisories found for Information+for+Bass+Strait+Islands.

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 14/2026 – Have Your Say: Phase 2 consultation open on draft Primary Produce Safety (Horticulture Produce) Regulations 2026.

Have Your Say on revised draft Primary Produce Safety (Horticulture Produce) Regulations 2026.

Phase 2 of consultation builds on feedback from Phase 1 in 2025 to support safe production, handling and supply of berries, leafy vegetables and melons in Tasmania.

A Consultation Summary Report is included in the consultation package, summarising the key themes and concerns raised during Phase 1.

What is the same from Phase 1?

The following intent for the Regulations remains unchanged:

the adoption of Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Primary Production and Processing (PPP) Standards in Tasmania,
the establishment of new food safety schemes for berries, leafy greens, and melons – as already in place in Tasmania for meat, poultry, seed sprouts, eggs and seafood.

What is new in Phase 2?

Key changes to the draft Regulations following feedback from Phase 1 include:

a proposed tiered accreditation and fee model,
the introduction of a 'notification' category,
exclusion of nursery stock from regulation.

Tiered accreditation model

A tiered system has been developed from feedback. It aims to manage potential primary produce safety while accommodating different scales of horticulture production in Tasmania.

More information about the proposed tiered system can be found here: At a Glance - Draft Primary Produce Safety (Horticulture Produce) Regulations | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania

How can you help?

Stakeholders are invited to review the revised draft Regulations and provide feedback. Input is particularly encouraged on the type of guidance material that would assist businesses in implementation.

Biosecurity Tasmania encourages all producers, processors, industry bodies and interested stakeholders to contribute to shaping a practical, robust and fit-for-purpose regulatory framework.

Why are these proposed Regulations important?

While new Regulations will mean some changes for growers, they will also help to ensure that the Tasmanian produce we enjoy is safe for consumers in our communities, and that our producers can continue to maintain market access and remain competitive through meeting nationally consistent requirements.

That's why having a strong primary produce food safety system is important. We know that protecting Tasmanian produce, industries and communities is worth it.

How to provide your feedback

The consultation package is available at www.nre.tas.gov.au/HortRegs. Submissions are open from 18 June 2026 to 5pm on 30 July 2026.

For more information, please contact:

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

Mail: Product Integrity Branch, NRE Tas, PO Box 46, King Meadows TAS 7249

(18/6/2026)
Categories: Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Policy and Legislation;

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 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.

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 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 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:

Phone: 0429 968 078
Email: sheepandgoateID@nre.tas.gov.au

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

Biosecurity Advisory 02/2026 - Applying Agricultural Chemicals in Tasmania

Agricultural and veterinary chemicals play an important role in primary production by protecting crops and livestock from unwanted pests, weeds and diseases.

Misuse of chemicals can result in risks to human health, animal health and the environment.

The Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1995 and its supporting legislation sets out the legal requirements for users of agricultural and veterinary chemicals in Tasmania.

There are a number of specific Codes of Practice setting out requirements, guidelines and recommendations for the use and application of agricultural chemical products. Many of these requirements and guidelines are specific to particular types of use, such as ground spraying activities, aerial spraying or spraying in public places.

Codes of Practice

A number of requirements are common to all users. Some of the most important include:

Only using registered agricultural chemical products.
Using products that are the least toxic to people and the environment that can do the job effectively.
Ensuring agricultural chemical products are applied properly by following their label instructions (unless variations have been granted via permit).
Ensuring products are stored in a dry, well-ventilated area not easily accessed by children or animals.
Ensuring spray equipment is in good condition and appropriate protective/safety equipment is used.
Ensuring that all spray equipment and associated machinery is rinsed and washed down after spraying activities.

These are legal requirements and there are penalties for non-compliance.

Commercial operators

In addition, businesses providing a pest, weed or disease control service must hold a Commercial Operator Licence. Employees applying agricultural chemical products must have a Certificate of Competency relevant to the type of work they perform. For details see Licences and Certificates.

Records of spraying operations must be kept, including the date, location and name and rates of any chemical products applied.

If spraying in cropping situations or where produce is intended for consumption, records need to include:

location
date
type and area of crop sprayed
amount and name of chemical applied
application rates
equipment used

Where possible, windspeed, direction and air temperature should also be included.

If you are a commercial grower or producer intending to spray, we encourage you to notify occupiers of properties and buildings within 100 metres of any area to be sprayed however, this is not a mandatory requirement. Notification should be given at least one, but preferably two days in advance. The information you provide should include details of the sprays to be used and the steps that will be taken to minimise drift.

'A person must not carry out or cause to be carried out agricultural spraying which adversely affects any person, plants, stock, agricultural produce, water bodies, groundwater or soil, on premises, or any premises, not owned or occupied by the person carrying out or causing to be carried out the agricultural spraying unless that person has obtained the permission of the owner or occupier of the premises.' (s.30. Damage by spray drift, Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1995)

NOTE – causing damage by spray drift is an offence carrying potential fines of up to $41,000.00. For full details of the requirements specific to your circumstances refer to the relevant Codes of Practice.

(11/2/2026)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Cropping; Freshwater pests; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Livestock; Invasive Species; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds;

Biosecurity Advisory 38/2025 - APVMA Public Consultation Now Open on Proposed Changes to Anticoagulant Rodenticide Use

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has finalised its risk assessments on anticoagulant rodenticides and is proposing substantial changes to products in this category. These proposed changes will help to protect the safety of people and the environment, especially native birds and mammals.

If you would like to have your say, further information is available at www.apvma.gov.au/news-and-publications/news/apvma-proposes-sweeping-changes-anticoagulant-rodenticide-use

Questions about the proposed changes or this public consultation process can be directed to the APVMA at chemicalreview@apvma.gov.au

(19/12/2025)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Livestock; Natural environment; Pasture; Policy and Legislation;

Biosecurity Advisory 35/2025 - Tomato potato psyllid detections in Victoria

Tomato potato psyllid (TPP) is an insect pest that affects crops including potatoes, tomatoes and capsicums. It feeds on other plants too including eggplants chillies, tamarillos, and sweet potatoes. Its feeding can cause plants to become stunted, with curled and yellow leaves. TPP is established in Western Australia and was detected on the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria in 2024. In October 2025 it was found in a Melbourne backyard outside of the Bellarine Peninsula Restricted Area.

TPP does not impact food safety and there is no risk to consumers.

This latest detection in Victoria will affect the movement of host and carrier materials between states, including to Tasmania. Due to this, Biosecurity Tasmania will be amending the current import requirements for TPP (Import Requirement (IR) 46 under the Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania 2024 edition).

These changes to import requirements will help to minimise the risk of TPP entering Tasmania while still maintaining necessary trade pathways between Tasmanian and Victoria for produce.

Agriculture Victoria is also rapidly implementing required accreditation arrangements to provide confidence in product movements to Tasmania being free of TPP.

The changes we are making to IR46 expand the treatment options available for TPP entering Tasmania and will include:

Methyl bromide fumigation or irradiation for host and carrier produce (fruit and vegetables), cut flowers and nursery stock.
Insecticide and export inspection for host and carrier nursery stock.

These changes will come into effect on 8 December 2025.

These changes to IR46 are new and relate to a plant pest that Victorian businesses have not had to previously consider managing, particularly when exporting goods to Tasmania.

Some commodities may not be as readily available as usual while businesses adapt their processes to meet the new requirements in IR46. This may include imported cut flowers, imported nursery stock, and some imported produce.

We do not anticipate this will impact food availability overall or cause food shortages. However, you may need to seek out alternative shops, businesses or suppliers to source some imported items while Victorian businesses adjust to these changes.

Shops and businesses that stock local or Tasmanian-grown flowers, nursery stock and produce will be unaffected.

The revised IR46 will be established through the issuance of a Group Permit and will be available on our website from 8 December 2025 at www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/the-tasmanian-biosecurity-compendium/group-permits

It is important to note this Group Permit will override the IR46 currently listed in the Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania 2024 edition. A new version of the manual with the revised IR46 will be issued in due course.

TPP can also spread a serious disease called Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso), which causes “zebra chip" in potatoes. This disease creates dark stripes inside potatoes, making them unmarketable and reducing crop yields. CLso is not currently present in Australia.

Further updates on the TPP detections in Victoria are available on the Agriculture Victoria website.

To stay informed on any changes to regulation for produce entering Tasmania from Victoria, visit the Department of Natural Resources and Environment webpage.

(5/12/2025)
Categories: Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports;

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