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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.


279 advisories found for Plant+pests.
 
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Biosecurity Advisory 2/2025 - Emergency General Biosecurity Direction for European Honey Bees and Associated Products - Renewal January 2025

​Due to the presence of varroa mite (Varroa destructor) in New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, the Tasmanian Chief Plant Protection Officer has put in place an extension to the General Biosecurity Direction (Emergency), to prevent the introduction of this honey bee parasite into Tasmania.

This Direction takes effect as of 12.01am on Tuesday 7 January 2025 and remains in effect for six (6) months, unless it is revoked earlier. It prohibits the import into Tasmania of any:

  • European honey bee (Apis mellifera); or
  • Any animal product produced by, or from, a European honey bee other than commercially produced bee products such as honey filtered to a maximum 2 mm pore size and melted refined beeswax, or another process approved by the Chief Plant Protection Officer; or
  • Any used beekeeping equipment; or
  • Any other thing that may reasonably be suspected of being a carrier of bees, or any pest or disease that may affect bees.

While this General Biosecurity Direction (Emergency) remains in place, producers will need to continue sourcing queen bees from within Tasmania. A copy of the General Biosecurity Direction (Emergency) is available at https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/animal-biosecurity/bees/rules-for-moving-bees-apiary-products-and-used-apiary-equipment 

Biosecurity Tasmania is currently completing a varroa mite Import Risk Analysis (IRA). The outcomes of this work will inform the development of future phytosanitary measures related to varroa mite, which will be captured in the Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania in late 2025. More information about the IRA methodology can be found at https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/plant-biosecurity/biosecurity-tasmania-import-risk-analysis-assessment-processes

More information about varroa mite can be found on the NRE Tas website at https://nre.tas.gov.au/varroa

(7/1/2025)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation;

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 41/2024 - Watch for European paper wasps

Do you know the difference between regular European wasps (Vespula germanica) & European paper wasps (Polistes dominula)?

They look similar but there are a few key differences, especially their antennae colour, size and nest structure. European paper wasps are about 1.5-2.5 cm long, yellow and black in colour with orange antennae (European wasps have black antennae). They are longer and thinner than European wasps, with slightly different yellow and black markings.

The nests of European paper wasp have exposed cells and are found above ground, often on walls and fences, as well as in vegetation. In contrast, European wasp nests are closed, do not have exposed cells, and are often underground.

In areas where they become established, European paper wasps can become a public nuisance because of the intensity of their painful sting. They also have potential environmental impacts by feeding on native insects and competing with native species for nectar.

In contrast to European wasps, which have been established in Tasmania for over 60 years, European paper wasps are a Declared Pest under the Biosecurity Act 2019. Biosecurity Tasmania has identified and removed paper wasp nests in the North West in recent seasons. Further paper wasp detections in the area suggest there may be one or more nests that have not yet been located. 

Biosecurity Tasmania would like to hear from residents who think they may have seen a nest or other signs of European paper wasp activity.

WARNING: European paper wasps sting. Do not disturb nests or provoke wasps in any way.

Contact Biosecurity Tasmania to report signs of European paper wasps at biosecurity.tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au or call (03) 6165 3777.

Learn more about European paper wasps at www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/plant-biosecurity/pests-and-diseases/european-paper-wasp

(20/12/2024)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Natural environment; 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;

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 35/2024 - Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus in South Australia

​South Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) continues to respond to a detection of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV). The virus has been detected on three properties in the Northern Adelaide Plains region and response activities are underway, with samples for testing taken from other properties identified through tracing.

PIRSA is working closely with the affected businesses to manage the outbreak and has implemented movement controls and quarantine measures with the infected properties to manage the risk of the virus spreading and minimise cross contamination.

ToBRFV has not been detected in any other jurisdiction outside of South Australia, including Tasmania. Biosecurity Tasmania is working with PIRSA and other interstate biosecurity agencies to trace any seeds or plant material from the properties that may have moved interstate.

ToBRFV is a highly contagious plant virus that affects tomatoes, capsicums and chillies. It was first detected in the Middle East in 2015 and has since been reported in Europe, China, Mexico and the USA. The detections in South Australia are the first time that the virus has been confirmed in Australia. 

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.

To further protect Tasmanian industries and home gardens, Biosecurity Tasmania’s Chief Plant Protection Officer has put in place an emergency biosecurity direction to prevent the movement of ToBRFV host plants or plant materials from areas known to be infected with the virus. 

This emergency biosecurity direction is in addition to the movement controls that PIRSA has already put in place at infected properties in South Australia. The emergency biosecurity direction can be viewed at www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/the-tasmanian-biosecurity-compendium/general-biosecurity-directions 

As Tasmanians start planning to plant or sow tomato plants or seedlings, we encourage all gardeners to be regularly looking for unusual pests or disease in your garden and continue to source quality seed or seedlings from reputable suppliers and nurseries. These actions will support you in protecting your property and garden from exotic diseases, as well as Tasmania’s many primary producers. 

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 visit www.outbreak.gov.au

(1/10/2024)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds;

Biosecurity Advisory 34/2024 - Public Consultation Now Open: APVMA Paraquat Review – Proposed Decisions

​The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has completed a review of paraquat product approvals, product registrations and label approvals that will vary the current conditions for these products. Information on the proposed changes and rationale underpinning them is available from the APVMA.

Paraquat is the active ingredient in a number of widely used and strictly regulated herbicide products (e.g. Gramoxone) used across the agricultural sector to control grasses and other weeds.

Public consultation on these proposed decisions is open now, and closes on 29 October 2024. For further information and to make a submission visit www.apvma.gov.au/news-and-publications/public-consultations/paraquat-and-diquat-proposed-regulatory-decisions

Submissions will be published on the APVMA website, unless requested for the submission to remain confidential. However, all submissions will be considered by the APVMA prior to finalisation of this reconsideration. Submissions or requests for further information can be sent to:

Chemical Review
Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority
GPO Box 3262
Sydney NSW 2001
Phone: +61 2 6770 2400
Email: chemicalreview@apvma.gov.au

Additional resources:
Paraquat and diquat uses – summary of assessment outcomes in proposed regulatory decision
Paraquat Review Technical Report​

(26/9/2024)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Natural environment; Pasture; Seeds; Policy and Legislation; Wildlife; Plant diseases; 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;

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