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Tasmanian Biosecurity Advisories

Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment

Latest Advisories

Subscribing to get DPIPWE’s Biosecurity 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.


188 advisories found.
 
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Biosecurity Advisory 28/2018 – Revocation of IR 25: Green Snail – Vector Import Controls

​An Import Risk Analysis (IRA) was conducted in 2018 on the potential threats posed to Tasmania by the green snail (Cantareus apertus). This is part of Biosecurity Tasmania’s plant biosecurity risk analysis program, which identifies and reviews pest risks that may present a threat to the State in association with the daily trade of goods, services and movement of people. The Green Snail Import Risk Analysis is now available on the Biosecurity Tasmania website. 

The risk analysis has resulted in the risk rating of green snail being amended from the status of a List A ‘Regulated Quarantine Pest (RQP)’ (as declared under Section 12 of the Plant Quarantine Act 1997), to that of an ‘Unwanted Quarantine Pest (UQP)’ which better aligns with the biosecurity risk the snail poses to Tasmania. Regulatory action will be taken if green snail is detected in imported goods at the Tasmanian biosecurity border.

Further information on Biosecurity Tasmania’s three tier pest categorisation system can be found on the Biosecurity Tasmania website. 

For more information contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 03 6165 3777 or email: Biosecurity.Tasmania@dpipwe.tas.gov.au​

(21/11/2018)
Categories: Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 27/2018 – Amendments to Import Requirement 33 – Hosts of Silverleaf Whitefly and (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) and Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus

​Amendments to Import Requirement (IR) 33 will come into effect from Wednesday 19 December 2018. The regulatory changes to IR33 were declared in a public notice published on 14 November 2018, following a 30 day public consultation on the draft Import Risk Analysis (IRA) in August 2018.

As a result of a number of incursions of the pest Silverleaf Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) in recent years, in association with imported poinsettia’s for retail commercial sale over the festive season, it was determined special attention needed to be given to reviewing whether or not IR33 remained fit-for-purpose (as per Biosecurity Advisory 22/2018 which is published on the Tasmanian Biosecurity Advisory website). The final version of the IRA for Silverleaf Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) is available on the Biosecurity Tasmania website. 

The IRA found that the risk in trade presented by the pest Silverleaf Whitefly (SLW) remains significant and to retain it as a List A Regulated Quarantine Pest of concern to the State. The report also found that another viral pathogen, Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) which is one of the most significant viral pathogens of tomato in the world today, also remain a List A Regulated Quarantine Pest of concern to the State. Both these pests are not present in Tasmania, as officially supported by Area Freedom Certificate.

This IRA also identified a further viral pathogen that Silverleaf Whitefly can vector called Cowpea Mild Mottle Virus (CPMMV), which is not currently present in Tasmania, and may present some background risk to the State. Though CPMMV is not as serious a threat as that presented by either SLW or TYLCV, it was recommended that the pathogen be declared an ‘Unwanted Quarantine Pest’, under Biosecurity Tasmania’s three tier pest categorisation system. Further information on Biosecurity Tasmania’s three tier pest categorisation system can be found on the Biosecurity Tasmania website​. 

For more information contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 03 6165 3777 or email: Biosecurity.Tasmania@dpipwe,tas.gov.au​

(21/11/2018)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Natural environment; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Pasture; Seeds; Invasive Species;

Biosecurity Advisory 26/2018 - Biosecurity Tasmania has declared Giant Pine Scale to be an Unwanted Quarantine Pest for Tasmania

​Biosecurity Tasmania has declared the sap-sucking coniferous pest, giant pine scale (Marchalina hellenica), to be an ‘Unwanted Quarantine Pest (UQP)’ for Tasmania on 22 October 2018. The regulatory action taken is an interim risk mitigation measure whilst formal risk analysis work is undertaken to establish whether or not this important pest of conifer species such as pine, is a ‘Regulated Quarantine Pest’ of concern to the State under its List A Pests (copy of Tasmania’s existing List A plant pests can be found on the Biosecurity Tasmania website​). The move to list the pest as a UQP, means that if it were detected in imported plant material at the biosecurity border, regulatory action can be immediately undertaken to either treat, re-consign or destroy any plant material identified as being contaminated with the pest.

Survey work undertaken in Tasmania indicates that this significant pest of pines is not present in the State, and the size of the pine forest estate in Tasmania is very large, hence the need to keep it from entering Tasmania and causing economic loss to the industry.


Links which provide further information about, and images of, the pest can be found here:
  
Please stay alert and report to Biosecurity Tasmania any pest on pines in Tasmania that you think might be giant pine scale.

Contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 1300 368 550  or email: Biosecurity.planthealth@dpipwe.tas.gov.au

(23/10/2018)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Natural environment; Policy and Legislation; Plant pests; Plant diseases; Pasture; Seeds; Timber imports;

Biosecurity Advisory 25/2018 – Queensland fruit fly: Changes to Restrictions in Control Areas

​Fruit fly was detected in northern Tasmania in January 2018. Part of the control and eradication actions in response to the fruit fly detection included the declaration of temporary Control Areas and Infected Areas, enforcing restrictions on host produce moving in and out of these areas. 

Biosecurity Tasmania advises that as of 1 October 2018 Control Area restrictions have changed to enable growers to sell their produce within the Control Areas.

What being in a Control Area means for residents:
  • Do NOT move host produce from inside a Control Area to outside a Control Area
From 1 October you CAN: 
    • Move home grown host produce from your property (give away or sell), as long as it does not leave a Control Area
    • Dispose of fruit as normal – double bagging is not required. 
    • Compost fruit in the Control Area
  • ​If you live in an Infected Area further restrictions apply. To find out if you are in an Infected Area and what you can do to continue to HELP eradicate fruit fly go to www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/fruitfly
What being in an Infected Area means for residents:
  • You can consume home grown host produce at home.
  • Do not move, give away or sell host produce from your property unless cooked or processed. 
  • Cut up fruit can be moved from your property if it is to be consumed, e.g. - in lunch boxes - with remains double-bagged.
  • You can buy host produce from retailers within a Control/Infected Area and transport it home – but you cannot then transport it outside an Infected Area.
  • Please ensure all rotten, fallen or remains of host produce are double bagged prior to placing in general waste.
  • Do not compost host produce inside an Infected Area.
  • Report all suspect produce to Biosecurity Tasmania on 6165 3774
What this mean for industry:
  • From 1 October, growers outside the 1.5 km Infected Area and inside the 15 km Control Area can move and sell untreated fruit within the 15km Control Areas​.
  • Existing control measures will stay in place for properties within the 1.5km Infected Areas.
  • Movement of fruit from inside to outside the Control Areas is still not allowed, unless fruit is appropriately dealt with under required protocols.
For further information on fruit fly, and to view maps to determine if you live in an Infected Area or a Control Area, visit the DPIPWE website at:  www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/fruitfly​ or phone 03 6165 3774.​

(2/10/2018)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Natural environment; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Pasture; Seeds;

Biosecurity Advisory 24/2018 - Public comment invited on proposal to import White-cheeked gibbon into Tasmania

​The Wildlife Management Branch of the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment  have received a submission for the White Cheeked Gibbon Nomascus leucogenys species profiles for consideration to import into Tasmania. 

Public comments are invited by 01 October 2018
  
Details of the species profile and risk assessment is available for viewing on the DPIPWE website at:  


(19/9/2018)
Categories: Invasive Species; Natural environment; Policy and Legislation; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 23/2018 - Public comment invited on proposal to import Burmese python, Green anaconda and Indian star tortoise into Tasmania

​The Wildlife Management Branch of DPIPWE has received submissions for the Indian star tortoise Geochelone elegans, Green anaconda Eunectes murinus  and Burmese python  Python bivittatus species profiles for consideration to import into Tasmania.  

Public comments are invited by 11 September 2018

Details of the risk assessment are available for viewing on the DPIPWE website at:  

https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/wildlife-management/management-of-wildlife/wildlife-imports/species-risk-assessments-for-comment

(29/8/2018)
Categories: Invasive Species; Natural environment; Wildlife; Livestock; Policy and Legislation; Freshwater pests;

Biosecurity Advisory 22/2018 - Routine Import Risk Analysis (IRA) for Import Requirement 33 - Silverleaf Whitefly

​Routine Import Risk Analysis (IRA) for Import Requirement 33 - Silverleaf Whitefly
 
This Import Risk Analysis (IRA) has been conducted as part of Biosecurity Tasmania’s plant biosecurity risk analysis  program, where it identifies and reviews pest risks that may present a threat to the State in association with the daily trade of goods, services and movement of people. These IRA reporting processes are consistent with national and international guidelines. This IRA for Import Requirement 33 - Silverleaf Whitefly, also determines whether or not the Import Requirement is technically current.

The draft report can be downloaded here - Import Risk Analyses for Public Consultation

Comments can be provided to  Biosecurity.planthealth@dpipwe.tas.gov.au by  27 September 2018
 
For further detail please contact  - Biosecurity.planthealth@dpipwe.tas.gov.au

(27/8/2018)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Pasture; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation;

Biosecurity Advisory 21/2018 - Routine Import Risk Analysis for Green snail Cantareus apertus (Born 1778)

​Routine Import Risk Analysis for Green snail Cantareus apertus (Born 1778)


This Import Risk Analysis (IRA) has been conducted as part of Biosecurity Tasmania’s plant biosecurity risk analysis program, where it identifies and reviews pest risks that may present a threat to the State in association with the daily trade of goods, services and movement of people. These IRA reporting processes are consistent with national and international guidelines. This IRA for Import Requirement 25 – Green snail, also determines whether or not the Import Requirement is technically current.
 
The draft report can be downloaded from here Import Risk Analyses for Public Consultation

Comments can be provided to  Biosecurity.planthealth@dpipwe.tas.gov.au by  27 September 2018
 
For further detail please contact  - Biosecurity.planthealth@dpipwe.tas.gov.au

(27/8/2018)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Pasture; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation;

Biosecurity Advisory 20/2018 – Soft-shell clam – Fisheries (Biosecurity) Order 2018 No.2

​Following the recent detection of soft-shell clams in Orford, Tasmania and in accordance with Section 270 of the Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995, Fisheries (Biosecurity) Order 2018 No.2 was gazetted today, Wednesday 11 July 2018.

The Order formally prohibits the taking and possession of soft-shell clams in Tasmania by unauthorised persons. The Order has been issued to control and prevent the spread and introduction, or re-introduction of soft-shell clams (Maya Japonica) into areas of State waters. More information on the soft-shell clam is available on the DPIPWE website at: www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/softshellclam

The Order is as follows:

LIVING MARINE RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT 1995

Fisheries (Biosecurity) Order 2018 No. 2

Pursuant to the powers under section 270 of the Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995 ("the Act") that were delegated to the Director (Marine Resources) on 2 July 2018 by the Minister acting pursuant to section 20(1) of the Act I make the following order:

1. Short title
This order may be cited as the Fisheries (Biosecurity) Order 2018 No. 2.

2. Specification
This order is made – 
(a) in respect of the harmful pest the soft-shell clam Mya japonica; and 
(b) to place restrictions on the take and possession of that harmful pest to control and prevent the spread and introduction or re-introduction of Maya japonica into areas of State waters.

3. Directions issued
(1) That, unless otherwise authorised, a person must not take Mya japonica in State waters.
(2) That, unless otherwise authorised, an unauthorised person must not possess Mya japonica.

4. Interpretation
In this order –
"unauthorised person" means any person who is not an employee of the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment or the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery undertaking research or biosecurity activities on the soft shell clam Mya japonica.

Dated this 9th day of July 2018

Grant Pullen
A/Director, Marine Resources

INFORMATION
This order issues directions aimed at controlling and preventing the introduction, reintroduction or spread of the introduced harmful pest Mya japonica in State waters.  The order takes effect on the day on which it is published in the Gazette and remains in effect for 12 months.

(11/7/2018)
Categories: Freshwater pests; Invasive Species; Marine pests; Natural environment; Policy and Legislation;

Biosecurity Advisory 19/2018 - Citrus canker - amendment to Import Requirement 31

​Biosecurity Tasmania wish to advise that Import Requirement 31 relating to hosts and vectors of citrus canker has been amended, effective as at 27 June 2018. 

Import Requirement 31 was reinstated on 2 May 2018 following detection of the disease in the Northern Territory.  It has since been confirmed that citrus canker is present in some areas of Western Australia.

Citrus canker (Xanthomonas citri susbp. citri) is a serious disease of citrus and can have severe impacts on fruit quality and yield. Citrus canker is not harmful to people or animals. Citrus canker has been detected in Australia previously and been successfully eradicated.

Import Requirement 31 has been amended to: 
  • Extend the host list in accordance with technical advice; and
  • Recognise an approved arrangement for supply of citrus fruit out of the Northern Territory and Western Australia under property freedom with additional biosecurity conditions. This arrangement does not apply to properties where citrus canker is present.
​Find the amended Import Requirement 31 on the Biosecurity Tasmania website at: www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/plant-biosecurity/plant-import-restrictions​​​​

For more information on citrus canker, signs and symptoms, visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries website at: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/plant/insect-pests-and-plant-diseases/citrus-canker

Further information can also be obtained at the Outbreak website: www.outbreak.gov.au/current-responses-to-outbreaks/citrus-canker

If you think you have seen symptoms that look like citrus canker, call the Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881​

(4/7/2018)
Categories: Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Policy and Legislation; Seeds;

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