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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.


185 advisories found.
 
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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;

Biosecurity Advisory 18/2018 - Import Requirement 46 – Tomato Potato Psyllid Hosts and Vectors

Biosecurity Tasmania wish to advise that Import Requirement 46 relating to hosts and vectors of tomato potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) (syn. Trioza cockerelli Šulc)) has been formally declared on 8 June 2018. This import requirement is in response to the detection and establishment of tomato potato psyllid (TPP) ​​​in the Perth metropolitan area, Western Australia, and as a precautionary measure in the event the psyllid is detected in other parts of Australia.

TPP is recognised internationally as a very serious pest of solanaceous hosts like potato, tomato, capsicum and eggplant. The potato processing industry in Tasmania is considered to be a very important agricultural industry sector in the State generating $100 -150 million per annum.

The Import Requirement 46 – Tomato Potato Psyllid Hosts and Vectors is effective from 22 June 2018.

​
For more information on tomato potato psyllid, visit:

(20/6/2018)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds;

Biosecurity Advisory 17/2018 - Soft-shell clam detected in south east Tasmania

The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) is investigating the detection of the introduced soft-shell clam on a beach on the Prosser River at Orford in south east Tasmania. 

The clam is a large bivalve marine mollusc and genetic sequencing has confirmed it is Mya japonica. Soft-shell clams are native to the Northern Hemisphere, and this is the first detection of soft-shell clam in the Southern Hemisphere.  The response to this detection is being managed in accordance with the National System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions within nationally agreed protocols.

Soft-shell clams can grow up to 150 mm and typically live in sand, mud and gravel in shallow sub-tidal and intertidal zones. The clam exists beneath the sediment surface burying itself up to 50 cm deep. It uses long siphons, which pump water for respiration, feeding and spawning.

Considered an invasive species for their potential to outcompete native species for habitat, Mya japonica represents a potential marine pest risk to other areas of Tasmania and Australia through the spread of larvae on water currents.

Biosecurity Tasmania is currently investigating appropriate surveillance methods to understand the extent of the soft-shell clam incursion and possible response options, including if eradication is feasible or if control methods should be adopted. DPIPWE will pro-actively engage with all biosecurity and scientific groups, the seafood industry, the local councils and communities on this issue to determine the best future strategy.

It is very important that the clams are not collected or moved to other locations.​

Anyone finding what they suspect to be a soft-shell clam are encouraged to contact DPIPWE on telephone at 03 6165 3777 or email: invasivespecies@dpipwe.tas.gov.au

Images of the soft-shell clam can be found on the DPIPWE website at www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/softshellclam

Supplying a photograph of the suspected soft-shell clam would assist in identification.

(19/6/2018)
Categories: Freshwater pests; Invasive Species; Marine pests; Natural environment; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 16/2018 – Caring for sheep and livestock in extreme weather - Animal welfare alert

Biosecurity Tasmania urges owners of sheep to be vigilant for any signs in their flock of cold stress brought about by forecast cold conditions and heavy rains. Sheep recently shorn and new lambs could be suffering due to the weather conditions and all reasonable precautions should be taken to minimise the effects of cold stress.

Sheep have a natural insulation to extreme weather with their fleece. In cold, wet and windy conditions, sheep shiver, huddle together in the mob and seek shelter behind windbreaks to produce and conserve heat. However, these mechanisms have limits. If weather stress is excessive or prolonged, the sheep's capacity to maintain a stable body temperature may be exceeded and cold stress will result. Hypothermia most commonly occurs in freshly shorn, light condition sheep during wet and windy conditions at any time of the year

Hypothermia literally means 'temperature below normal', occurs when too much body heat is lost or too little body heat is produced, and the result is a drop in body temperature. If weather stress is excessive or prolonged, a sheep's capacity to maintain a stable body temperature may be exceeded, and heat or cold stress will result.

High rainfall and high winds combined with temperatures below normal will cause mortalities in young animals, especially newly shorn sheep without shelter. The impact of the cold weather will depend on its duration, rainfall, wind speed and temperature—the 'wind chill' factor can double heat loss.

Sheep suffering from hypothermia often die as a result of their own behaviour and their attempts to cope. Sheep move in the direction of the wind until they are stopped by a barrier such as a fence, gully or creek. At this point they may pile on top of each other leading to suffocation or drowning. Sheep may be reluctant or unable to move when wet and cold.

Initially sheep will try to maintain their body temperature by:

  • shallow breathing in order to reduce the rate of respiration (that is, rapid respiration or panting causes heat loss)
  • shivering
  • seeking shelter
  • huddling together

If dealing with a small flock, consider applying garbage bags as coats for the sheep. Trials have shown that properly fitted plastic bags can decrease the loss of body heat even in severely hypothermic sheep.

Be prepared to relocate animals to a shed or land on higher ground, or move stock to paddocks with adequate windbreaks with tree or bush shelter in the event of very heavy rainfall or likely flooding.

Prioritise your animals, giving shelter to the most vulnerable such as the ewes and lambs and those newly shorn.

The Bureau of Meteorology have issued a flood watch for low lying / flood susceptible areas on Tasmania's east coast, advising graziers that they should prepare to move stock in expectation of heavy rainfall. Visit the BOM website for more information: http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/watl/rainfall/pme.jsp

More information on caring for your sheep during cold weather can be found on the DPIPWE/Biosecurity Tasmania website: http://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/animal-biosecurity/animal-welfare/hobby-farmers-and-smallholders/caring-for-sheep-in-cold-weather​​

(9/5/2018)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Natural environment; Pasture; Policy and Legislation; Wildlife;

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