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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Information for Bass Strait Islands

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;

Biosecurity Advisory 38/2024 - Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards 2024 - Winners Announced

Champions of Tasmania's biosecurity have been recognised at the second annual Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards, held last week on National Agriculture day.

The awards comprise two categories, the Tasmanian Community Biosecurity Award and the Tasmanian Industry Biosecurity Award, and recognise those who have made a significant contribution to maintaining and improving biosecurity systems in Tasmania.

The recipient of the 2024 Community Biosecurity Award is Bettina Elischer, an employee at the Office of the Governor at Government House Tasmania, for her outstanding contribution to the Tasmanian beekeeping community and the Biosecurity Tasmania statewide bee pest surveillance program.

Bees were reintroduced at the Government House Tasmania Estate in 2015 and have been managed since then to improve horticultural pollination onsite. One hive is also used as a 'sentinel' hive for Biosecurity Tasmania surveillance activities. Bettina has also promoted the importance of biosecurity in beekeeping through educational workshops and bee pest training days.

Just Cats Inc. were also recognised for their community education about stray and feral cats, and the success of multiple initiatives aimed at reducing the impact of stray cats and promoting responsible cat ownership.

TasPorts were the winners of the Industry Biosecurity Award for the work by their Environment and Sustainability Team to increase awareness and knowledge of biosecurity threats at their ports. TasPorts has developed educational and reference material tailored to each port, workshopped biosecurity threats and reporting pathways with operational staff, and conducted follow-up inspections and verifications to ensure compliance.

More information about the annual Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards is available at www.nre.tas.gov.au/tasbiosecurityawards

(22/11/2024)
Categories: 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 36/2024 - Tasmania is Fruit Fly Free, Help Us Keep it That Way!

Spring is here, which means plant pests and diseases start to become more active. The next several months are the peak times for fruit fly activity on the mainland and this time of year brings with it an increased risk of fruit flies from interstate entering Tasmania. This can happen when fresh fruit or fruiting vegetables are brought to Tasmania without undergoing the appropriate treatments or inspections.

Biosecurity Tasmania has strict controls and ongoing statewide surveillance in place, all aimed at reducing the risk of fruit flies getting into Tasmania. While we are busy working hard to keep fruit fly out of Tasmania, we ask all Tasmanians to keep an eye out for anything unusual in fruits or vegetables this Spring and Summer and to report any signs of fruit fly to us immediately.

Tell-tale signs of fruit fly include live larvae or eggs in the flesh of fruits or vegetables, or small puncture marks on the skin of fresh produce. Fruit fly larvae look similar to blowfly maggots and could potentially be found in fruit that you have purchased, or from fruit grown in your backyard.

Fruit flies lay eggs in a wide range of fruits and fruiting vegetables.

Remember, biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and we all have a general biosecurity duty to keep Tasmania safe. Biosecurity Tasmania works closely with mainland states and territories to help manage the fruit fly risk and we undertake an increased number of inspections at the Tasmanian border on imported fruit fly host produce. However, the risk to Tasmania can never be reduced to zero. Therefore industry, government and the community are encouraged to remain vigilant and work together to help protect Tasmania.

If you notice any larvae in fruit, put the fruit in a sealed bag or container, place it in the refrigerator and contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 03 6165 3777. Please DO NOT dispose of any fruit that has larvae inside it.

More information on fruit fly is available at www.nre.tas.gov.au/fruitfly

(2/10/2024)
Categories: Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Plant pests;

Biosecurity Advisory 33/2024 - Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards Nominations Extended

Biosecurity Tasmania has extended the nomination window for the 2024 Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards. Nominations will now close on Monday 30 September 2024. This extended nomination period ensures that everyone has the chance to nominate an individual or business that has significantly contributed to the biosecurity system in Tasmania.

The awards spotlight outstanding biosecurity projects and initiatives, and represent a platform to reinforce, recognise and promote positive biosecurity behavioural change in our industries and the Tasmanian community. They are an opportunity to recognise those in our communities and industries who have gone above and beyond to help protect our environment, primary industries and economy.

To make a nomination, visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/tasbiosecurityawards before Monday 30 September.

(3/9/2024)
Categories: 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 32/2024 - Celebrating the Inaugural National Biosecurity Week

Australia’s first National Biosecurity Week is on from 26–30 August 2024.

National Biosecurity Week aims to highlight the collaborative efforts of government, industry and the community to safeguard Australia. It’s an opportunity to raise biosecurity awareness and encourage the adoption of good biosecurity practices.

National Biosecurity Week, which will be held in the last week of August each year, will also provide a valuable educational platform with the aim of fostering a culture of shared responsibility and proactive biosecurity management.

For more information and to find out what events are happening during National Biosecurity Week, or to register your own event no matter how big or small, visit https://www.farmbiosecurity.com.au/national-biosecurity-week/

Biosecurity Tasmania works to protect Tasmania’s public health and wellbeing, primary industries and environment, from the negative impacts of pests, weeds and diseases. Biosecurity is a shared responsibility though, and we all have a role to play in protecting the state from biosecurity threats. It’s our general biosecurity duty.

If you know a biosecurity champion that deserves recognition, don’t forget to nominate them for a Tasmanian Biosecurity Award! The Awards acknowledge individuals, groups and organisations for their significant contribution to biosecurity in Tasmania. Nominations close 31 August 2024. To find out more, or to submit a nomination visit https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/tasmanian-biosecurity-awards

Our way of life is worth protecting. Biosecurity starts with you.

(28/8/2024)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife; Information for Bass Strait Islands;

Biosecurity Advisory 30/2024 - Nominations for the 2024 Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards close on 31 August

There are only two weeks left to submit your nominations for the 2024 Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards. The awards recognise outstanding biosecurity projects and represent a platform to reinforce, recognise and promote positive biosecurity behavioural change in the industry and community.

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 the economic, social, and environmental assets of Tasmania and we all share the benefits of our strong biosecurity system. It underpins our multi-billion-dollar agri-food production and export industries, and protects our unique natural wilderness areas that have immeasurable value to all Tasmanians and also visitors to our state.

The awards comprise of two categories, one being the Tasmanian Community Biosecurity Award and the other the Tasmanian Industry Biosecurity Award.

Last year the Tasmanian Community Biosecurity Award was won by Robyn Lewis and the Tasmanian Industry Biosecurity Award by Nic Hansen.

Robyn won for her outstanding management of biosecurity threats to the Milford Forest property, an important ecological site for a number of endemic and endangered species.

Nic was recognised for his contribution and assistance during the 2018 fruit fly incursion in Tasmania and the successful emergency response and eradication that followed.

If you or someone you know has personally contributed towards improving biosecurity in Tasmania, or if they are part of an organisation or group, you can place a nomination today.

More information about the awards and nominations can be found at www.nre.tas.gov.au/tasbiosecurityaward

(20/8/2024)
Categories: 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 29/2024 - National Varroa Mite Management Program Training Workshops

The National Varroa Mite Management Program are hosting a series of workshops to provide beekeepers with the latest information on Varroa mite and managing Varroa mite in hives.

Varroa Mite has not been detected in Tasmania, however beekeepers are encouraged to remain vigilant and inspect their hives regularly for any signs of varroa.

The FREE one-day workshop will provide information on:

Understanding Varroa mite and its impacts
The importance of monitoring and thresholds
Integrated pest management and Varroa
Chemical treatment options including organic options
Brood location, frame rotation and management
Best practice record keeping

WORKSHOP DETAILS

Launceston – Saturday 31 August

Launceston Conference Centre, 50 Glen Dhu Street, Launceston

9am – 3pm

Hobart – Saturday 7 September

Claremont RSL, 9 Bilton Street, Claremont

9am – 3pm

Devonport – Saturday 14 September

Devonport Country Club, 66 Woodrising Avenue, Spreyton

9am - 3pm

Workshops are FREE to attend but registrations are essential as numbers are strictly limited. To register to attend a workshop CLICK HERE.

Morning tea and lunch will be provided. Please advise dietary requirements when you register.

(19/8/2024)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Livestock; Natural environment; Plant pests;

Biosecurity Advisory 27/2024 - Determining our national established weed priorities: Step 1 now open!

Biosecurity Tasmania is involved with the National Established Weed Priorities (NEWP) which is a collaborative initiative to determine and address weed priorities through nationally coordinated actions. NEWP is an initiative of the Environment and Invasives Committee (EIC), guided by a steering group of national representatives.

NEWP’s objective is to reduce the further spread and impacts of established weeds across Australia.

Weeds have a major impact on Australia’s agricultural productivity, imposing a cost of nearly $4.3 billion across Australia each year. They also adversely impact our natural environment, cultural values, human health and community spaces.

Now is your opportunity to help determine national established weed priorities.

Through this nomination process for nationally significant weeds, the EIC are seeking to identify non-native weeds that:

cause the most significant impacts (current and potential) on Australia’s natural environment, agricultural productivity, cultural values or community spaces
have feasible management options to reduce these impacts
have stakeholder support and clear benefits for taking a nationally coordinated approach to containing the species’ spread and improving its management.

The process

Before applying, make sure you’ve read the Guide to nominating a nationally significant weed that explains the process. The EOI is the first step in the process.

To be eligible, the weed must:

be a single species or a small group of closely related species that are similar in life-form and management requirements
not be native to Australia
not be under national eradication
established in at least one state or territory

Prior weed nominations, such as through the Weed Biocontrol or Weed Scan projects will not be considered for this process. An EOI is needed for NEWP consideration.

The EOI period is open until 9 pm (AEST), 20 September 2024.

For more information please visit National Established Weed Priorities (NEWP) or contact the NEWP Project Team on weedpriorities@aff.gov.au to learn more.

(14/8/2024)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Livestock; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation;

Biosecurity Advisory 26/2024 - Public Consultation extended for the Draft Biosecurity (Livestock Traceability) Regulations

Biosecurity Tasmania has extended the consultation period for the draft Biosecurity (Livestock Traceability) Regulations (the Regulations) for an additional week. The public consultation period will now remain open until 5pm on Wednesday 14 August.

The draft Regulations have been developed under the Biosecurity Act 2019 and detail requirements on how to identify cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs via a set of animal identification standards which will be published on the NRE Tas website. Other areas included in the Regulations include:

Property Identification Codes (PICs)
Identification of livestock
Requirements for livestock owners and supply chain participants
Tasmanian and national livestock registers

If you wish to make comments on the Regulations you can do so by visiting www.nre.tas.gov.au/LTR and using the online form before 5pm on Wednesday 14 August 2024. Late submissions cannot be considered.

(7/8/2024)
Categories: Information for Bass Strait Islands; Livestock; Pasture; Natural environment; Policy and Legislation;

Biosecurity Advisory 24/2024 - Nominations for the 2024 Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards are now open

The awards recognise outstanding biosecurity projects and represent a platform to reinforce, recognise and promote positive biosecurity behavioural change in the industry and community.

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 the economic, social, and environmental assets of Tasmania and we all share the benefits of our strong biosecurity system.

It underpins our multi-billion-dollar agri-food production and export industries, and protects our unique natural wilderness areas that have immeasurable value to all Tasmanians and also visitors to our state.