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.

252 advisories found for Wildlife.

Biosecurity Advisory 20/2026 - Tasmania records its first positive H5 bird flu case

Tasmania has recorded its first positive case of H5 avian influenza (H5 bird flu) on Wednesday 12 August. The detection was in a wild brown skua found within the Rocky Cape National Park in the north-west of the state.

The bird was identified through the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) surveillance strategy and was immediately collected by Biosecurity Tasmania and sent for testing.

Response arrangements have been activated, and samples are being sent to the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong to confirm the positive detection.

This is a detection in a single wild bird. There is currently no evidence of any outbreak or mass mortality in Tasmania, and there have been no detections in commercial poultry in Tasmania or Australia.

Following this detection, NRE Tas will be expanding its planned surveillance in and around the detection area, including King Island and the Furneaux Group. This will include further wildlife monitoring, sample collection and risk assessment activities.

It is important to remain vigilant for signs of bird flu in wild birds, other wildlife and poultry. If you see sick or dead birds or wildlife, remember to Avoid. Record. Report.

Report sightings to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

More information and developments on the detection of H5 bird flu in Tasmania will be available online at www.nre.tas.gov.au/BirdFlu

(13/8/2026)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Bird flu; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Natural environment; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 18/2026 - Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards 2026: Nominations Extended

Biosecurity Tasmania has extended the nomination period for the 2026 Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards. If you, your team, business, organisation, community group, or someone that you know, has contributed to supporting and improving biosecurity in Tasmania, you now have until Friday 14 August 2026 to submit a nomination.

There are two award categories:

Tasmanian Community Biosecurity Award
Tasmanian Industry Biosecurity Award

Tasmania's biosecurity success depends on the support of people across our industries and communities. Often working behind the scenes, these individuals and organisations play a vital role in helping to keep our state free from pests, weeds and diseases. The Awards are an opportunity to recognise their contributions and inspire others to play their part in protecting the things that make Tasmania a special place to work, live and play.

To make a nomination, visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/awards by midnight Friday 14 August 2026.

(28/7/2026)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Bee Biosecurity; 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 13/2026 - Nominations for the 2026 Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards are now open

The Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards recognise individuals, organisations or businesses for significant contributions to biosecurity in Tasmania.

This is an opportunity to recognise those in our communities and industries who have gone above and beyond to help protect our future.

Biosecurity is foundational to Tasmania’s economic, cultural and natural values. We all share the benefits of our strong biosecurity system, as it:

underpins our multi-billion-dollar agri-food production and export industries; and
helps to protect our unique flora, fauna and ecosystems that are of immeasurable value to Tasmanians. This includes to our First Nations peoples, the original and ongoing custodians of Land and Sea Country, as well as visitors to our state.

The awards recognise two categories, the Tasmanian Community Biosecurity Award and the Tasmanian Industry Biosecurity Award.

In 2025 the Community Award was won by Lalani Hyatt and the Industry Award by Nathan Saunders from Elders Rural Services Tasmania.

Lalani was recognised for her role in Landcare Tasmania’s Rainbow Lorikeet Management Group. Lalani was recognised for her commitment to the volunteer group and their dedication to the ongoing management of invasive rainbow lorikeets in Tasmania.

Nathan was recognised for his work supporting the Tasmanian livestock industry with new mandatory sheep and goat electronic identification (eID) requirements that came into effect on 1 January 2025.

If you, your team, business, organisation, group, or someone that you know, has contributed to supporting and improving biosecurity in Tasmania, you can submit a nomination today.

Nominations for the 2026 awards will close midnight 31 July 2026.

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

(12/5/2026)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Bird flu; Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 11/2026 - Release of the Tasmanian Animal Biosecurity Manual 2026 Edition

Biosecurity Tasmania has published a new edition of the Tasmanian Animal Biosecurity Manual.

The updated manual reflects minor regulatory changes across the past year.
The Manual includes but is not limited to the following revisions:

3.1.5 Cane toads title revised for accuracy
3.1.14 Invertebrates (live) Aphidius colemani has been replaced by Aphelinus colemani
3.1.18 Pigs – This section has had additional information focused on pig identification requirements

You can find the current Tasmanian Animal Biosecurity Manual and supporting information on our website.

(28/4/2026)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Livestock; Policy and Legislation; Wildlife;

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 05/2026 – Release of the 'Cat Management in Tasmania – Discussion Paper' for public consultation

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) has released the Cat Management in Tasmania - Discussion Paper for consultation.

This discussion paper is the first stage in developing a new Tasmanian Cat Management Plan, which will guide cat management across the state for the next five years.

The Discussion Paper includes questions so you can tell us what you would like to see in a new plan.

Submissions must be received by 5pm Friday 15 May 2026.

To read the discussion paper and find out how to have your say, visit: https://nre.tas.gov.au/cat-management

(10/3/2026)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Invasive Species; Policy and Legislation; Wildlife; Natural environment;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These discussions will inform ongoing response activities in Tasmania

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

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

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

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

Lifeline 24/7 - 13 11 14
Access Mental Health Phoneline - 1800 332 388

This is a 24/7 mental health support, triage, and referral phone line delivered by the Tasmanian Department of Health in partnership with Lifeline Tasmania.

Rural Alive and Well (RAW) - 1800 729 827 or online www.ruralaliveandwell.com.au

(13/8/2025)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Bird flu; Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 21/2025 - Nominations for the 2025 Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards are now open.

The Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards recognise individuals, organisations or businesses that have significantly contributed to the support, maintenance or improvement of biosecurity systems within Tasmania.

This is an opportunity to recognise those in our communities and industries who have gone above and beyond to help protect our future.

Biosecurity is foundational to Tasmania’s economic, cultural and natural values and we all share the benefits of our strong biosecurity system.

It underpins our multi-billion-dollar agri-food production and export industries, and helps to protect our unique flora, fauna and ecosystems that are of immeasurable value to Tasmanians, including our First Nations peoples, the original and ongoing custodians of Land and Sea Country, as well as visitors to our state.

The awards recognise two categories, the Tasmanian Community Biosecurity Award and the Tasmanian Industry Biosecurity Award.

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

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

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

If you, your team, business, organisation, group, or someone that you know, has contributed to supporting and improving biosecurity in Tasmania, you can submit a nomination today.

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

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

Biosecurity Advisory 15/2025 - Public Consultation Open on the FSANZ Egg Food Safety Standard Review

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has completed a review of egg food safety and primary production requirements under the Food Standards Code (the Code). The review proposes amendments to Standard 4.2.5 Primary production and processing standard for eggs and egg products.

Proposed amendments to the Code will strengthen egg and egg product safety in Australia through measures including environmental monitoring, improved traceability and temperature control during storage and transport.

Eggs are an important part of a healthy diet and a staple food for many Australians, so ensuring their continued safety is essential.

The proposed changes build on existing biosecurity and food safety measures to further reduce the risk of Salmonella Enteritidis and strengthen traceability throughout the supply chain.

The evidence-based amendments will help to minimise risks to public health, improve the response to potential outbreaks and support nationally consistent regulation of eggs and egg products.

This review follows a 2018-19 Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak linked to eggs which resulted in 245 illnesses.

To have your say about this proposal visit the FSANZ Consultation Hub. Submissions close at 11:59pm (AEST) on 12 May 2025.

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

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