Avian influenza (bird flu)
Bird Flu has been detected in Australia, including in Tasmania. For current information please visit our H5 Bird Flu webpage.
Bird flu is an infectious viral disease affecting commercial, domestic, and wild birds. Some strains, such as H5 bird flu, can also affect mammals.
Bird flu virus is a low risk people as it rarely affects humans unless there is direct and close contact with sick birds.
Infected birds can spread the virus through body fluids, droppings and feathers. The most common way that bird flu spreads is through direct bird-to-bird contact.
Bird flu can also spread through contaminated food, water, nesting material, farm equipment and items like egg cartons.
Poultry owners are encouraged to remain vigilant and take simple 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 visitor access to your birds.
Quarantine new birds for at least 14 days (but 6 weeks if possible).
Know the signs of bird flu.
You cannot get bird flu by eating products from infected birds or other animals that have been cooked properly or pasteurised. People should always follow good hygiene practices, including hand washing, when handling and preparing food.
Do not touch sick or dead birds or animals.
If you come across sick or dead birds or other wildlife:
- avoid contact
- record what you see and
- report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888, or fill in the online report form at www.nre.tas.gov.au/birdflu
For more national information on current bird flu outbreaks visit www.birdflu.gov.au
Serpentine leafminer
SLM was first detected in Tasmania in June 2026.
Following surveillance and investigations, SLM was found at multiple locations in North West Tasmania and is now considered established in the wider environment.
Biosecurity Tasmania is transitioning its response to long-term management. This decision was made based on current evidence, expert advice, and consultation with industry.
The focus now is on supporting industry-led management, maintaining market access, improving understanding of SLM in Tasmania, and promoting practical measures that minimise pest impacts and slow spread where feasible.
Visit the Serpentine Leafminer webpage for more information.
Serpentine leafminer leaf damage
Photo: NSW DPIRD
Tomato potato psyllid
Tomato potato psyllid (TPP) has 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
Varroa mite
Varroa mite has now established across much of mainland Australia.
Tasmania remains free of 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 mite, 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.