Tomato potato psyllid
Tomato potato psyllid (TPP) has recently been detected in Victoria. These detections will affect the movement of host and carrier materials of TPP between states, including to Tasmania.
To manage the risk of TPP entering Tasmania and impacting our agricultural industries, Biosecurity Tasmania has amended Import Requirement 46 in the Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania. This import requirement directly relates to the importation of host and carrier material for TPP.
The changes made to this import requirement ensure that the risks associated with TPP being present in Victoria are mitigated, while maintaining important trade pathways between mainland Australia and Tasmania for nursery stock, cut flowers and imported host produce. The new Import Requirement can be viewed below:
Brown marmorated stink bug
Following brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) detections in the Bell Bay region in 2025, Biosecurity Tasmania conducted extensive surveillance in the area. This surveillance has shown no evidence of an established population in the area. Surveillance efforts have returned to a regular trapping program conducted in accordance with the National Plant Health Surveillance Program (NPHSP).
Biosecurity Tasmania urges all Tasmanians to remain vigilant for BMSB during the high-risk season of September to April, particularly in imported products or in backyard gardens.
BMSB are large bugs that emit a foul odour when disturbed. BMSB looks similar to native Australian stink bugs, with the white bands on its antennae a distinguishing feature.
If you think you have seen BMSB in your crop or backyard, phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
BMSB is an exotic pest from the northern hemisphere and is a significant threat to agriculture due to its wide host range. It can damage agricultural crops and ornamental plants.
Further information is available on the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry webpage.
Brown marmorated stink bug Photo: shutterstock
Avian influenza
Avian influenza (AI) is an infectious viral disease affecting commercial, domestic, and wild birds. AI virus is a low risk to the public as it rarely affects humans unless there is direct and close contact with sick birds.
AI strains are described as low pathogenicity avian influenza or high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI). HPAI is highly contagious and is considered a biosecurity threat.
There are currently no known outbreaks of HPAI in Tasmania. However, due to the current outbreaks in some Australian states and internationally, poultry owners are encouraged to remain vigilant and follow the following steps to help protect their birds from disease.
- Keep your equipment and poultry yard or aviary clean.
- Avoid contact between your birds and wild birds.
- Don’t let feed and water become contaminated by faeces or other animal waste.
- Practice good hygiene when handling birds including at bird shows.
- Limit visitors' access to your birds.
- Quarantine new birds.
- Know the signs of high pathogenicity avian influenza.
- Immediately report any sick or dead birds to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Varroa mite
Varroa has now established across much of mainland Australia.
Tasmania remains free of the Varroa mite. This means this pest remains notifiable under the Biosecurity Act 2019.
If you suspect Varroa mite in your hives, you must report it immediately. Call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 to make a report.
More information on Varroa, visit the National Varroa Mite Management Program website.
Queensland fruit fly
Tasmania is free of fruit fly and it is important for our horticultural industries, our economy and way of life that we remain vigilant for signs of fruit fly.
Routine biosecurity measures continue around the state that contribute to protecting Tasmania from introduced pests and diseases, including:
regular checking of the permanent fruit fly trap network across Tasmania.
imposing strict requirements for the import of produce before it enters Tasmania.
conducting targeted inspections of produce as it enters Tasmania.
checking passengers, luggage, freight and mail at the border.
If you see what you think may be signs of Queensland fruit fly
contact Biosecurity Tasmania immediately on (03) 6165 3777.
Visit the webpage Queensland fruit fly for further information.