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.

308 advisories found for Pasture.

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 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:

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;

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 30/2025 – National Management Group releases decision on potato mop-top virus response in Tasmania

Tasmania is responding to the detection of potato mop-top virus (PMTV; Pomovirus solani). PMTV was first detected in Tasmania in July 2025.

On Wednesday 17 September 2025 Biosecurity Tasmania presented its view on feasibility of eradication to the national Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP). The CCEPP presented its recommendation on this matter to the National Management Group (NMG) under the national processes detailed in the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed.

On Friday 19 September 2025 the NMG accepted the CCEPP advice that PMTV is not technically feasible to eradicate from Australia.

This decision reflects several key challenges:

Difficulty detecting all infected areas
The virus's ability to persist undetected in soil
Widespread presence of powdery scab (a known vector with long-lived soil-borne spores)
Risk of spread via seed, tubers, and soil movement

Importantly, there are no human health or food safety risks associated with PMTV or powdery scab and potatoes remain safe to eat.

Globally, PMTV occurs in many countries around the world. Experience shows that it can be successfully managed.

Industry-wide implementation of good biosecurity practices and management of powdery scab are the keys to minimising further spread and reducing impacts of PMTV in Tasmania.

The simplest first step is to “come clean, go clean" by removing soil and plant material from machinery, equipment, and boots before leaving one property and entering another.

Fresh and processing potatoes may still be exported to the mainland as long as they meet the import requirements specified by the relevant jurisdictions. There are no specified requirements for processed products such as chips.

While the NMG's decision means that an eradication strategy for PMTV will no longer be pursued, Biosecurity Tasmania will continue to:

Undertake a level of tracing and testing to support industry needs and help us understand more about the virus,
Work with impacted properties to understand their business needs and how production may continue while minimising the risk of spread of PMTV both within and from the property, and
Collaborate with the potato industry to work toward re-establishment of seed potato exports.

Report potential signs of the disease in potatoes or potato plants - contact Biosecurity.Tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au immediately, or call 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

(22/9/2025)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds;

Biosecurity Advisory 29/2025 - Notification of additional potato mop-top virus (PMTV) detection

Tasmania is responding to the detection of potato mop-top virus (PMTV; Pomovirus solani).

Biosecurity Tasmania is undertaking testing and tracing activities in collaboration with the potato industry. 

Testing by Biosecurity Tasmania’s Plant Diagnostic Services has confirmed a new detection in a harvested seed potato line currently in cool storage, bringing the total number of known affected sites to nine (9):

Seven (7) grower sites from which harvested potatoes (currently in storage) have been tested and PMTV detected, and 
Two (2) other sites where PMTV has been detected in potatoes, including a small research site in the south and a storage site in the north.

The new seed line has been traced to the south of the state, making it the first grower site to be affected in that region.

PMTV has also been detected in samples from three single potatoes. One potato was found at a processing site, and two were bought as fresh produce from retail stores. Links to known infected sites continue to be investigated. 

Biosecurity Tasmania works with impacted properties to understand their business and production needs while minimising the risk of spread of PMTV both within and from the property.

All sites identified as Infected Premises are issued a Biosecurity Direction under the Biosecurity Act 2019, restricting the movement of potato material, machinery and equipment, and soil to minimise the risk of spread of the virus.

Early traceback activities indicate that the virus may have been present in Tasmania for at least two years. All potato growers need to remain vigilant for any signs of disease in potato plants and potato stock.

If you do see any potential signs of the disease in potatoes or potato plants, please contact Biosecurity.Tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au immediately, or to call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.