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.


216 advisories found for Seeds.
 
All 

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 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 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 33/2025 - Development of the Primary Produce Safety (Horticulture Produce) Regulations 2025

​In Tasmania, Primary Produce Safety Regulations are enforced to manage potential risks to human health associated with foodborne illness during production of primary produce. The products that are currently regulated are meat and poultry, some seafood, eggs and petfood.

Until recently, seed sprouts were the only regulated horticultural commodity. However, since February 2025, new national Primary Production and Processing (PPP) Standards were introduced for berries, leafy vegetables and melons. More information on the development of the Standards can be found in the Proposal P1052 - PPP Requirements for Horticulture (Berries, Leafy Vegetables and Melons) | Food Standards Australia New Zealand

To implement these standards in Tasmania, new regulations are required. Draft Primary Produce Safety (Horticulture Produce) Regulations 2025 have been developed under the Primary Produce Safety Act 2011 to:

  • adopt the PPP Standards in Tasmania
  • establish food safety schemes for berries, leafy vegetables, melons and seed sprouts
  • provide compliance requirements (accreditation, food safety programs, audits)
  • stipulate fees and penalties 

Public consultation is now open on these draft regulations and will close at 5 pm on 5 December 2025.
You can access the consultation draft and make a submission at Development of the Primary Produce Safety (Horticulture Produce) Regulations.
For more information, please contact:
Email: product.integrity@nre.tas.gov.au
Mail: Product Integrity Branch, NRE Tas, PO Box 46, King Meadows TAS 7249

(30/10/2025)
Categories: Cropping; Policy and Legislation; Plant diseases; Horticulture; Plant pests; Seeds;

Biosecurity Advisory 32/2025 - Potato Mop-top Virus Response Winding Down

​Biosecurity Tasmania’s response to the detection of potato mop top virus (PMTV) is winding down as management in Tasmania moves to an industry led approach. 

Since July 2025, Biosecurity Tasmania and the state’s potato industry have been actively responding to a detection of PMTV in Tasmania. 

PMTV was first detected in potatoes harvested from Northwest Tasmania in July 2025. Over the following months, further detections were made across sites in the north and south of the state.  

On 19 September 2025 the National Management Group, formed under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed, agreed that PMTV was not technically feasible to eradicate from Australia. 

Some of the acknowledged challenges for successful eradication included:

  • the widespread presence of powdery scab, the vector of the virus. 
  • difficulty detecting all infected areas; and 
  • the virus's ability to persist undetected in soil in the presence of powdery scab.  

To the best of our knowledge, PMTV has not been eradicated anywhere it has been detected globally.  

Once the response winds down, PMTV will become a pest to be managed through the potato production process. 

Based on the experience of other countries such as New Zealand, it is anticipated that impacts to the potato industry will be minimal if the below steps are taken:

  • Establishing reasonable crop rotations.
  • Following good biosecurity hygiene practices. 
  • Taking steps to manage the virus vector, powdery scab; and
  • Considering potato varieties which are more resilient to the virus. 

Biosecurity Tasmania will continue to work with the industry to understand how PMTV is best managed in Tasmania, particularly when it comes to market access requirements. 

All directions previously placed on premises during the response will be lifted and tracing and surveillance actions will cease.

To support the ongoing management of PMTV, Biosecurity Tasmania will be issuing a General Biosecurity Direction (GBD) detailing measures to slow the spread of the virus in Tasmania. The GBD will provide guidance to growers, contractors and processors on measures such as clean down of vehicles and machinery to reduce the movement of soil and managing powdery scab as appropriate.

The GBD will be available on the NRE website once issued https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/the-tasmanian-biosecurity-compendium/general-biosecurity-directions

The Tasmanian Government has provided $200 000 to the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) for a research program to help understand long term management of PMTV in Tasmania.

For market access support for businesses, please contact the market access team biosecurity.marketaccess@nre.tas.gov.au

Information about PMTV and preventing further disease spread is available here https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/plant-biosecurity/pests-and-diseases/potato-mop-top-virus

NRE Tas would like to thank the Tasmanian potato industry for their ongoing collaboration during the PMTV response and the Tasmanian community for their understanding during this time.

(22/10/2025)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds;

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.

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

(19/9/2025)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds;

Biosecurity Advisory 28/2025 - Potato mop-top virus response update

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

Biosecurity Tasmania has been collaborating with industry to support testing of Tasmanian certified seed potato lines prior to planting. This testing program was completed as a high priority to: 

  • Provide data on the presence of PMTV across seed lines, 
  • Enable industry to make decisions about the 2025/26 growing season, and 
  • Inform the future direction of the response. 

All generation 2-5 certified seed potato lines have now been tested for PMTV. The bulk of this testing was achieved through a third-party provider of potato diagnostic services, with a smaller number of seed lines tested by the Biosecurity Tasmania laboratory. 

PMTV was detected in only a relatively minor proportion of the significant volume of certified seed tested. For the remaining lines, it is important to understand that a result of ‘not detected’ may mean either that virus is not present, or that it is present but below detectable levels with the sampling and diagnostic tools applied.  

Even so, the results provide information for the industry to act on for this planting season.  

It is expected that the industry will be able to plant only seed lines in which PMTV has not been detected. Biosecurity Tasmania will continue to work with industry members to identify the best option for disposal of seed lines identified as infected. It will also continue to conduct tracing of any detections of PMTV and establish controls on material that may contribute to the spread of PMTV.  

Tasmanian potatoes are safe to eat and continue to be recognised as a great, healthy, delicious product produced by our strong and vibrant local industry. 

Feasibility of eradication of PMTV from Tasmania 

The position of the Biosecurity Tasmania is that PMTV cannot be eradicated. This position is acknowledged and supported by Tasmania's Chief Plant Protection Officer, industry peak bodies and key Tasmanian industry stakeholders. This view has been informed by the following: 

  1. The widespread presence of powdery scab, the vector of the virus.  
  2. The ability of the virus to survive undetected within powdery scab spores for many years in the soil.  
  3. There is no control method known to effectively eliminate powdery scab. 
  4. The virus may present asymptomatically in tubers and plants. 
  5. It is not known how PMTV entered Australia, and it is unlikely that this can be confidently determined. This means reinfection is possible even if an attempt at eradication were made.  

Biosecurity Tasmania presented its view on feasibility of eradication to the national Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP) on 17 September 2025. The CCEPP will present its recommendation on this matter to the National Management Group (NMG) through the national processes under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed. The decision of the NMG is anticipated shortly.

What industry can do

Globally, PMTV occurs in many countries around the world and 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 impact of PMTV in Tasmania. 

Contractors, including planting, harvesting and carting services, utilities providers, agronomists and field officers, must support Tasmanian primary producers by making biosecurity a routine part of their day-to-day business practices. 

The simplest first step is to follow a “come clean, go clean” approach 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.  

Biosecurity Tasmania will continue to collaborate with the potato industry to work toward re-establishment of seed potato exports. 

What Biosecurity Tasmania is doing 

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 to 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  ​


(19/9/2025)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds;

Biosecurity Advisory 27/2025 - Potato mop-top virus investigation continues

​Biosecurity Tasmania is continuing to respond to the detection of potato mop-top virus in Tasmania (PMTV). An Incident Management Team has been established to manage the response.

There are no food safety or human health risks associated with the virus, and all Tasmanian potatoes are safe to consume. 

Biosecurity Tasmania has been undertaking tracing activities in collaboration with the potato industry. Early surveillance efforts have focused on sampling and testing seed potatoes currently in storage. 

This week, three new potato samples have tested positive for PMTV. All samples were from single potatoes. One potato was found at a processing site, and two were bought as fresh produce from a retail stores. Links to any known infected sites have not yet been confirmed.

The Incident Management Team is tracing these samples to find their source, however this process is complex because of where and how they were found. 

We would like to thank industry and community members for continuing to look out for signs of PMTV. 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.

For the most up to date information on the response, head to www.nre.tas.gov.au/pmtv​  

(12/9/2025)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds;

1 to 10 of 216 news items  Next >>