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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.


259 advisories found for Plant+diseases.
 
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Biosecurity Advisory 16/2025 - Public Release of Plant Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis (IRA) Reports for Potato and Myrtle Rust

​Following public consultation in October 2024, Biosecurity Tasmania is releasing two new plant biosecurity Import Risk Analysis (IRA) reports. The finalised IRAs will result in the inclusion of Import Requirements in the 2025 edition of the Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania (the Manual).

When assessing the pest risks associated with the trade of imported biosecurity matter (plants and plant products) into Tasmania, Biosecurity Tasmania follows nationally and internationally recognised pest risk analysis methodology. This helps to identify pests that may exceed Tasmania's Appropriate Level of Protection (ALOP) of 'very low' risk if their trade occurs unregulated. For those pests identified as presenting an unacceptable level of risk in trade, risk mitigation measures are then introduced to reduce the risk in trade to an acceptable level.

IRA for Potato

The IRA for potato is a 3-part report that reviews the risk presented by potato imports for all types of potato matter and is the first ever 'commodity level' review undertaken by Biosecurity Tasmania for the state. The potato industry sector in Tasmania was consulted closely throughout the review. 

The IRA comprises a review of 687 pests and diseases of potato in total. Approximately 40% of these pests are known to be present in Tasmania while 66% of the reviewed pests are present in mainland Australia.

Twenty-six pests and diseases of potato were subject to full risk assessment against nine identified potential pathways for entry of potato matter into the state.

The IRA found that regulations in trade need to be introduced for seven different pests of significant biosecurity concern, along with a declared weed genus – Orobanche spp. (broomrapes).

IRA for Myrtle Rust

The IRA for Myrtle Rust addresses the serious threat posed by the invasive disease myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) to the Australian natural environment. This disease continues to cause serious damage to Australian native ecosystems and plant species along the eastern seaboard of mainland Australia. The disease attacks a very wide range of species in the Myrtaceae plant family wherever the disease has been introduced around the world.

First detected in Australia in 2010 it has spread rapidly and driven several highly susceptible Myrtaceae species to near extinction.

Though a strain of myrtle rust is present in Tasmania, pest records of this disease's presence in the field in Tasmania (both north and south) confirm that the disease is entirely limited to introduced (exotic) hybridised Myrtaceae nursery plants like Lophomyrtus cultivars in home gardens. To date, there have been no pest records of myrtle rust occurring on native Tasmanian myrtaceae species.

The IRA confirmed that the unrestricted risk estimate of this disease being potentially re-introduced via trade of 'at risk' Myrtaceae plant matter from interstate still exceeds Tasmania's ALOP of 'very low' risk. As a result, a new import requirement (IR47) will be introduced into the Tasmanian plant biosecurity manual to regulate the trade of 'at risk' plant nursery stock.

A profile of the disease can be found on the NRE Tas website here: Myrtle Rust | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania

Where can you find a copy of these reports?

Downloadable copies of both these IRAs can be found on online at: Finalised Import Risk Analyses | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania

(8/4/2025)
Categories: Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds;

Biosecurity Advisory 14/2025 - Renewal of ToBRFV General Biosecurity Direction

​South Australia's Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) and Agriculture Victoria are responding to detections of tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV).

In November 2024, a National Response Plan to eradicate the virus under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed was endorsed by the National Management Group. The plan was developed by PIRSA in conjunction with Commonwealth, state and territory government representatives, and industry representatives. 

ToBRFV has not been detected in Tasmania however the virus has been confirmed on 4 properties in South Australia and on a property in Victoria.

To protect Tasmanian industries and home gardens, Biosecurity Tasmania's Chief Plant Protection Officer put in place an emergency biosecurity direction in October 2024. This biosecurity direction prevents the movement of ToBRFV host plants or plant materials into Tasmania from areas known to be infected with the virus or linked to known infections. 

This emergency biosecurity direction has been renewed for a further six months (unless revoked earlier) and can be viewed at www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/the-tasmanian-biosecurity-compendium/general-biosecurity-directions 

ToBRFV is a highly contagious plant virus that affects tomatoes, capsicums and chillies. Infected plants show symptoms such as mosaic patterns, yellowing and deformities on leaves, while fruits develop brown wrinkled spots, deformations and uneven ripening. These symptoms result in reduced yield and marketability. The virus has no known effects on human health.

Report anything unusual immediately to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 or contact us at biosecurity.tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au 

For further information about the detections in South Australia and Victoria visit www.outbreak.gov.au

(4/4/2025)
Categories: Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Policy and Legislation; Seeds;

Biosecurity Advisory 13/2025 - Upcoming Forest and Tree Biosecurity Workshops

​The Tasmanian Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania and Plant Health Australia will hold a free forest and tree biosecurity workshop,

3 April 2025 10.00am - 3.00pm at;

C3 Convention Centre, 64 Anglesea Rd, South Hobart

The workshops aim is to raise awareness and enable the early detection of exotic pests posing biosecurity risks to trees in our urban, natural, and commercial environments.

The workshop will be of particular interest to those working in the field with trees, those undertaking tree health assessments and/or plant pest trapping and treatments, and those interested in collecting records and data on tree health in relation to their area of work. The focus will be on biosecurity pests of concern.

The workshop will cover:

  • The importance of biosecurity
  • Signs and symptoms– what do we mean by dieback, cankers or frass and what do they look like?
  • Information about key pest threats - What do they look like? What should you look for?
  • Introduction to MyPestGuide™ Trees and MyPestGuide™ Reporter App
  • How to report suspect exotic pests

Please RSVP by completing the following form: https://forms.office.com/r/UN0x9DdLba

RSVPs are due by 27 March 2025.

If this workshop might be of value to others in your workplace/area of work, please forward this invitation. 

If you have further enquiries, please contact us.

Veronica Hayes - Surveillance Coordinator (Plant Biosecurity)
0448 366 101 or veronica.hayes@nre.tas.gov.au

Rohan Burgess – (Surveillance Manager)
(02) 6215 7700  or RBurgess@phau.com.au

(17/3/2025)
Categories: Horticulture; Cropping; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Plant diseases; Plant pests;

Biosecurity Advisory 12/2025 - Update on the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Response

Biosecurity Tasmania is continuing the response to the detection of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB; Halyomorpha halys​) in Bell Bay.

BMSB was initially detected in a border surveillance trap and identified as BM​​SB on 13 February 2025. At that time, Biosecurity Tasmania immediately stood up and Incident Management Team (IMT) to manage and coordinate the response to this BMSB detection​ and commenced response activities in line with national arrangements. 

An additional 14 surveillance traps were deployed, and Biosecurity Officers increased their surveillance regime. This increased surveillance will remain in place for at least 12 weeks from the initial detection. 

During this period of increased trapping and surveillance, a second detection of BMSB was confirmed on 11 March 2025. This detection was in very close proximity to the initial detection site and is not unexpected given the increased surveillance activities underway. A further 4 traps will be implemented in response to the second detection, and treatment options are being considered by the Department where appropriate. 

Trapping and surveillance operations will continue at an increased rate for the remainder of the 12-week period.  

More information is available online at www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/current-biosecurity-alerts

If you think you have seen BMSB in your crop or backyard, phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. ​

(17/3/2025)
Categories: Animals (general); 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 10/2025 – Update on Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Detection in Tasmania

​Biosecurity Tasmania continues its response to the detection of a single brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB; Halyomorpha halys) in a border surveillance trap at Bell Bay.

Following identification of the specimen as BMSB on 13 February 2025, Biosecurity Tasmania immediately stood up an Incident Management Team (IMT) to manage and coordinate the response to the detection. The IMT immediately commenced response activities in line with national arrangements.

An additional 14 traps were deployed around the initial detection site, and over the last fortnight Biosecurity Officers have been conducting increased surveillance of both the additional traps and the surrounding bush and scrub.

No further BMSB specimens have been found.

Surveillance and response activities will continue for a further 10 weeks. Further updates will be provided as necessary.

BMSB is an exotic pest found overseas in parts of Asia, North America and Europe, and is a significant threat to agriculture due to its wide host range and the damage it can do to vegetable crops and fruit and ornamental trees. It is known to feed on more than 300 hosts, including agricultural crops such as nuts, grains, berries, cotton, citrus, soybean, nursery stock and some ornamental and weed plant species, and when feeding causes significant damage to plant tissues.

If you think you have seen BMSB in your crop or backyard, phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

More information is available online at www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/current-biosecurity-alerts

(28/2/2025)
Categories: Animals (general); Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 7/2025 - Brown marmorated stinkbug detected in trap

​Biosecurity Tasmania is responding to the detection of a single female brown marmorated stinkbug (BMSB) in a border surveillance trap at Bell Bay. The sample was sent to Biosecurity Tasmania Plant Diagnostic staff for diagnostic testing and was later confirmed as BMSB via molecular identification.

The collected sample was a single female specimen and does not represent an outbreak of BMSB in Tasmania. Biosecurity Tasmania (BT) maintains BSMB traps at ports of entry across the state under the National Plant Health Surveillance Program, and this detection occurred as part of that routine surveillance.

Following this single detection, additional BMSB traps have been deployed at Bell Bay and BT has commenced an increased surveillance regime. This will remain in place for at least 12 weeks in line with national response arrangements for circumstances where BMSB is detected post-border. An Incident Management Team (IMT) has been stood up within BT to manage this detection in Tasmania.

Further updates will be provided in the event of subsequent detections of concern.

BMSB is an exotic pest and is found overseas in parts of Asia, North America and Europe. BMSB is a significant threat to agriculture due to its wide host range and the damage it can do to vegetable crops and fruit and ornamental trees. It is known to feed on more than 300 hosts, including agricultural crops such as nuts, grains, berries, cotton, citrus, soybean, nursery stock and some ornamental and weed plant species, and when feeding causes significant damage to plant tissues.

If you think you have seen BMSB in your crop or backyard, phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

More information is available online at www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/current-biosecurity-alerts ​

(17/2/2025)
Categories: Animals (general); Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 4/2025 - Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) Detected in Victoria

​Agriculture Victoria is responding to a detection of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) at a tomato glasshouse facility in Victoria in seedlings recently moved from South Australia (SA), where there is a current outbreak. 

Agriculture Victoria has implemented quarantine controls at the property and is working closely with the business to ensure the virus does not spread and can be eradicated.

ToBRFV is a highly contagious plant virus that affects tomatoes, capsicums and chillies. The virus is a serious threat to Australia’s tomato, capsicum and chilli industries. 

The virus spreads easily through contaminated tools, hands, clothing and direct plant to plant contact including grafting and cuttings. It can also be transmitted in seeds and irrigation water.

The virus can remain viable in seed, plant waste and contaminated soil for months and once a crop is infected, the only way to eradicate the virus is by destroying all infected plants and decontaminating all contact materials including glasshouse surfaces.

There is no risk to food safety or human health from eating tomatoes with this virus.

ToBRFV was detected in SA in August 2024 and is known to be present on three properties in that state.

An emergency biosecurity direction from Tasmania’s Chief Plant Protection Officer to prevent the movement of ToBRFV host plants or plant materials from areas known to be infected with the virus into Tasmania remains in place: www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/the-tasmanian-biosecurity-compendium/general-biosecurity-directions 

​What can I do?

Biosecurity Tasmania encourages growers, importers and home gardeners to monitor their tomato, capsicum and chilli plants and fruit for signs of the disease.

Infected plants show symptoms such as mosaic patterns, yellowing and deformities on leaves, while fruits develop brown wrinkled spots, deformations and uneven ripening. These symptoms result in reduced yield and marketability. 

Report any suspect findings to Biosecurity Tasmania​

  • Secure the affected plants if possible,
  • Take some photos of the suspected symptoms if you can, and
  • Contact 03 6165 3777 or email Biosecurity.Tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au

For further information about the detections in South Australia and Victoria visit www.outbreak.gov.au/current-outbreaks/tomato-brown-rugose-fruit-virus

(20/1/2025)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds;

Biosecurity Advisory 42/2024 - Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP) detection in Victoria

Tomato potato psyllid (TPP), a tiny pest insect that feeds on plants, has been detected in southwest Victoria.

Report any suspected TPP found in Tasmania to Biosecurity Tasmania

  • Secure the affected plants if possible,
  • Take some photos of the suspected insects if you can, and
  • Contact: 03 6165 3777 or email: Biosecurity.Tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au

What has happened?

TPP has been detected in Victoria within a small area on the Bellarine Peninsula, with the initial detection in a tomato production facility.

Surveillance undertaken by Agriculture Victoria in a 3 km radius from the glasshouse facility has detected TPP at an additional five locations within 1.5 km of the initial detection point.

Agriculture Victoria is investigating the situation and is implementing relevant controls to limit the spread to other areas.

Testing of the insects and plant material has shown no evidence of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso), which causes Zebra chip in potatoes. Therefore, Australia remains free of CLso.

TPP was first detected in Western Australia in February 2017 and it was subsequently agreed that it was not eradicable.

What does this mean for Tasmania?

Biosecurity Tasmania is currently reviewing the Victorian incursion and whether any additional controls may need to be implemented to reduce the risk of TPP being transmitted to Tasmania.

Import Requirement 46 (Tomato Potato Psyllid – Hosts and Carriers) in the Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania remains in effect.

Agriculture Victoria is implementing movement controls to limit the spread of TPP from known detection sites, so hosts from these sites are unlikely to be sent to Tasmania. 

However, TPP can easily spread by wind, machinery and vehicles so it is important to remain vigilant and follow import requirements if importing hosts and carriers, especially those from Western Australia and Victoria.

What is TPP?

The tomato potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli) is a tiny sap-sucking insect that attacks a range of plants in the Solanaceae family which includes potato, tomato, eggplant, capsicum, chilli and tamarillo. It also attacks sweet potato.

Adults resemble small, winged cicadas and are about 3mm long. The body is brownish and has white or yellowish markings on the thorax and a broad white band on the abdomen. Their wings are transparent and held vertically over their body.

The nymphs have flattened oval pale yellow to green or orange scale-like bodies and red eyes. More mature nymphs have wing buds and are fringed with hairs.

Eggs are often found on the lower leaf surface or along the leaf stalk. They are less than 1 mm long, orange to yellow or green with a short stalk.

What are the signs of TPP?

When it is present in a crop, the noticeable signs of the tomato potato psyllid include:

  • Insects jumping from the foliage when disturbed. Adult psyllids are sometimes called ‘jumping plant lice’ as they readily jump and fly when disturbed.
  • Severe wilting of plants occurs when there are large numbers of psyllids feeding.
  • Yellowing of leaf margins and upward curling of the leaves.
  • White sugar-like granules that are excreted by adults and nymphs. These granules coat the plant leaves and stems and can lead to the development of sooty mould.
  • Honeydew and psyllid sugar make the plants sticky and plants often appear dirty.
  • Shortening of stem internodes occurs.
  • The death of the stem is similar to other potato and tomato disorders.

What is Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso)?

Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso) is a bacterium associated with ‘zebra chip’ disease in potatoes. It is not currently found in Australia.

Zebra chip disease results in reduced crop yield and crop health, stem death, yellowing of leaf tissue, and misshapen tubers.

Neither the psyllid nor the bacterium pose a risk to human health.

What can I do?

Biosecurity Tasmania encourages growers, importers and home gardeners to monitor their plants, particularly host species such as tomato, potato, capsicum, chilli, eggplant and sweet potato.
Inspecting plants regularly is encouraged:

  • When inspecting host fruit and vegetables, pay particular attention to any green material on the produce, such as the calyx, and look for eggs, nymphs or adults.
  • When inspecting host nursery stock and cut flowers, look for signs of chlorosis, stunting, leaf narrowing, curling or cupping, leaf purpling, fruit distortion and shortened internodes in tomatoes should be investigated closely.
  • TPP are more likely to be on the underside of leaves toward the lower half of plants. Psyllid sugar (white residue) indicates the presence of the psyllid. Adults will fly a short distance away when disturbed and then settle.

Report any suspect findings to Biosecurity Tasmania

For more information about TPP please see Tomato potato psyllid webpage


(20/12/2024)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Plant diseases; Plant pests;

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 37/2024 - Public Consultation open for Potatoes, Myrtle Rust and Grape Phylloxera Import Risk Analyses

​The Plant Biosecurity and Diagnostics Branch within Biosecurity Tasmania has completed three Import Risks Analysis (IRA). These IRAs cover two key plant pests of concern to Tasmania (myrtle rust and grape phylloxera), and Tasmania’s first plant commodity level IRA (covering potatoes). The IRAs examine the biosecurity risk along a number of import pathways into the state and whether Tasmania’s Appropriate Level of Protection of ‘very low’ is met.

Recommendations are made in each IRA which would see changes to how some goods are allowed to enter Tasmania. 

Each of these IRAs are now open for public consultation, with consultation to close at 5pm on 25 November 2024.

To review and comment on the Draft Import Risk Analysis for Potato please visit ​​​​​​​Public Consultation - Import Risk Analysis Potato Imports | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania to review and comment on the Draft Import Risk Analysis for Myrtle Rust please visit Public Consultation - Draft Import Risk Analysis for Myrtle Rust | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
To review and comment on Draft Import Risk Analysis for Import Requirement 10 - Grape Phylloxera (Hosts and Vectors) please visit Public Consultation - Draft Import Risk Analysis for Import Requirement 10 - Grape Phylloxera - (Hosts and Vectors) | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania

All written submissions can be sent to Biosecurity.PlantHealth@nre.tas.gov.au

All submissions will be treated as public information and be published online following the close of consultation unless it is clearly indicated that your submission is to remain confidential. Please note that for published submissions, no personal or contact information will be published other than an individual’s and/or organisation’s name.  

(25/10/2024)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds;

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