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.


280 advisories found for Livestock.
 
All 

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 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;

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 31/2025 - Start of Fruit Fly High Risk Season for Tasmania

​Spring is here, which means more pressure and risk of fruit flies occurring in fruit from mainland states. Biosecurity Tasmania asks all Tasmanians to keep an eye out for anything unusual in the fruit they buy or grow. The spring and summer months are the peak times for fruit fly activity interstate and a time of increased risk for Tasmania.

Tasmania is fruit fly free, help us keep it that way!

Biosecurity Tasmania has strict controls and ongoing statewide surveillance in place; all aimed at reducing the risk of fruit flies getting into Tasmania. We also rely on the eyes of everyone and ask everybody to report any signs of fruit fly.

Tell-tale signs of fruit fly include live larvae or eggs in the flesh of fruit, or small puncture marks on the skin of fruit. Fruit fly larvae look similar to blowfly maggots and could potentially be found in fruit that you 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. Biosecurity Tasmania works closely with mainland states to help manage the fruit fly risk and there are increased resources and inspections taking place at the border for imported fruit fly host produce. However, the risk to Tasmania can never be zero. Therefore industry, government and the community are encouraged to remain vigilant and work together to help protect Tasmania.

Anyone who notices any larvae in fruit is asked to 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 present.

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

(7/10/2025)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife; Bird flu; Freshwater pests; Livestock; Marine pests; Pasture;

Biosecurity Advisory 24/2025 - Update on Potato mop-top virus detection in Tasmania

​Biosecurity Tasmania is responding to the detection of Potato mop-top virus on a property in Northwest Tasmania.

A biosecurity incident has been declared, and an Incident Management Team has been implemented to manage the biosecurity response. The Incident Management Team was formed upon initial suspicion that the plant virus was present in Tasmania.

Biosecurity Directions are in place to stop the movement of potato material, machinery and equipment from the site and an associated storage facility.

Through the additional surveillance and sampling activities being conducted as part of the biosecurity response, an additional site has returned a positive result for Potato mop-top virus in potato tubers.

This was confirmed via diagnostic testing on the evening of 20 August 2025.

This detection was made in volunteer potato tubers originating from a research plot in the states South.

Biosecurity Tasmania is working with owner of the research plot to undertake tracing activities.

Volunteer potatoes are residual potatoes that can remain in the ground following a harvest. The tubers can survive in the soil and then sprout in future seasons.

The biosecurity response to Potato mop-top virus remains in the investigation phase and next steps, including an assessment of the feasibility of eradication, will depend on further information gathered.

All potato growers need to remain vigilant for any signs of disease in potato plants and potato stock.

If you think you have seen Potato mop-top virus in your crop or backyard, phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

To stay updated on the biosecurity response to Potato mop-top virus in Tasmania, visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/PMTV ​

(22/8/2025)
Categories: Animals (general); Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Livestock; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports;

Biosecurity Advisory 23/2025 - Potato mop-top virus detected in Tasmania

​Biosecurity Tasmania is responding to the detection of Potato mop-top virus (PMTV; Pomovirus solani) in potatoes harvested from Northwest Tasmania.

There are no food safety or human health risks associated with PMTV or powdery scab (Spongospora subterranea) and potatoes remain safe to consume.

Potato mop-top virus is a plant virus that affects the development and quality of potatoes and is most commonly spread by the soil-borne pathogen that causes powdery scab in potatoes (Spongospora subterranea).

The virus has been detected on a property in Northwest Tasmania following an industry member reporting potatoes showing signs of disease to Biosecurity Tasmania. Control measures are in place to manage the movement of possible risk material including potatoes and soil.

Biosecurity Tasmania has formed an Incident Management Team to respond to this detection and have commenced additional surveillance and diagnostics.

Biosecurity Tasmania is working with impacted businesses and the potato industry to conduct tracing operations. This will help to determine the distribution of PMTV in Tasmania and identify the likely source of infection.

This detection represents the first occurrence of PMTV in Australia. Tasmania will work with both state and national industry groups and other government jurisdictions to determine the feasibility of eradication.

These discussions will inform ongoing response activities in Tasmania

All growers and members of the public to remain vigilant for any signs of disease in potato plants and potato stock. You should report anything unusual such as signs of disease or other pests to Biosecurity Tasmania immediately, or the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline at 1800 084 881.

More information will be published online at www.nre.tas.gov.au/currentalerts as surveillance and diagnostic activities continue.

Further updates will be announced online and via the Tasmanian Biosecurity Advisory Service, which you can subscribe to at www.biosecuri​tyadvisory.nre.tas.gov.au/subscribe

If you need assistance of support during this time, please remember that help is always available. You can contact:

  • Lifeline 24/7 - 13 11 14
  • Access Mental Health Phoneline - 1800 332 388
    • This is a 24/7 mental health support, triage, and referral phone line delivered by the Tasmanian Department of Health in partnership with Lifeline Tasmania.
  • Rural Alive and Well (RAW) - 1800 729 827 or online www.ruralaliveandwell.com.au

(13/8/2025)
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 21/2025 - Nominations for the 2025 Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards are now open.

​The Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards recognise individuals, organisations or businesses that have significantly contributed to the support, maintenance or improvement of biosecurity systems within 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 and we all share the benefits of our strong biosecurity system. 

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, including 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 2024 the Community Award was won by Bettina Elischer and the Industry Award by the TasPorts Environment and Sustainability Team.  

Bettina was recognised for her outstanding contribution to the Tasmanian beekeeping community and Biosecurity Tasmania’s statewide bee pest surveillance program through the apiary program that she runs at Government House in Hobart.

TasPorts were recognised for their work to increase awareness and knowledge of biosecurity threats at their ports through development of educational material and reporting pathways for each port, as well as reinforcement through a compliance program. 

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.

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

(1/8/2025)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Cropping; Freshwater pests; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife; Pasture;

Biosecurity Advisory 17/2025 - Review of Animal Welfare (Animal Transport) Regulations – Public Consultation still open

​Tasmania has Animal Welfare Regulations in place for the transport of livestock, administered under the Animal Welfare Act 1993. These Regulations cover a range of species when being transported.

A recent review by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) has highlighted that the Regulations are largely sufficient for most species being transported but need review in the context of horses and bobby calves (calves under 30 days of age).

NRE Tas had produced a discussion paper outlining several proposed changes to improve Animal Welfare during transit for horses and bobby calves.

This discussion paper should be read in conjunction with the Animal Welfare (Transport of Livestock) Regulations (No.2) 2023, which can be found at www.legislation.tas.gov.au

Public consultation is still open on the discussion paper and will close at 5pm on 9 May 2025. You can access the discussion paper and make a public submission at www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/animal-welfare/legislation-standards-guidelines/animal-welfare-(transport-of-livestock)-regulations​ ​

(29/4/2025)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Gene technology; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Livestock; Policy and Legislation;

1 to 10 of 280 news items  Next >>