Year of Plant Health - 2020

2019 has come to a close with the recent announcement that 2020 will be the International Year of Plant Health.

Protecting the health of our agriculture and environment is the core of our biosecurity efforts in Australia, for both plant and animal  systems.

Many in the Darwin region will be aware of recent plant biosecurity issues covering bananas and citrus over the past few years, and bananas continue to be at the frontline worldwide over Panama disease development and spread especially in South America and Africa and with some issues even in Queensland in Australia over the past few years too.

While there are some very serious biosecurity issues facing Australia and indeed much of the world, in our region the incurable and highly deadly animal disease African Swine Fever is probably front and centre as we approach the end of 2019.

While Australia does remain free of this monumentally serious problem [as at mid-December 2019], other neighbours are no longer free - with Sumatra in Indonesia as well as Timor Leste designated as having the disease.

Recent detections of pork contaminated items at Australian border locations heightens risk for Australia, with an aggressive program of visa cancellations for offenders now the usual penalty for  these people.

This does not lower any need for plant biosecurity awareness, with wooden items a common issue with holiday makers.  There have been some high profile plant quarantine matters dealt with by Australian courts in 2019.

It is not just about the court cases and offenders - it is what can be done by stupidity or sometimes wanton offending here in Australia, and the long term costs of possible clean up, which sometimes may not be feasible.

Think biosecurity - with heightened awareness for plants in 2020.

Citrus Canker Update for NT - 15 June 2018

At a press conference this morning a new location has been announced where citrus canker has been detected - the Marrakai area SE of Darwin.

The Press release is here - http://mediareleases.nt.gov.au/mediaRelease/26747. 
As noted, once again as for all others, it is present on nursery stock supplied from a single nursery in the Darwin area.

While there seems to be no detection of the disease on commercial citrus producers so far, the question that is absolutely pertinent has not been openly explored.........what is the origin of the infection in the nursery?  Everyone seems to be skirting around this issue, or at least can the identification of possible sources be explained, and also how long it may have been present.

So far the traceback is extending to 12 months before first confirmation, so presumably, it may have been around in the nursery for that period, or up to that period.

While getting on with methodical work locating the movement of material from the nursery continues [ and there seems to be evidence quite a lot have gone interstate], the method of infection is not openly discussed, or argued.

Maybe it was windborne spores .......technically possible, if insects can move into the region from airborne travel in monsoonal weather [ blue tongue insect vectors for example].

Biosecurity Problems for North Australia - New Issues

Two biosecurity issues have emerged recently in the Darwin area, both with potentially catastrophic outcomes for Australian agriculture if not solved.

A few weeks ago citrus canker was detected in a nursery near Darwin, and subsequently found on six properties in the near Darwin area.  Today it has been announced now also found in the Kununurra /Wyndham area of WA with the source apparently from an NT nursery.

This is potentially a  major issue for the Australian citrus industry.  Early days, but eradicating it will be a big task.  Yet, in Florida where outbreaks occur with some monotony, it is also regularly eradicated from large orchards but using a cut and burn approach.  Serious stuff requiring a serious approach.

The other is a detection of Asian honey bees in Karama, a Darwin suburb.  The swarm has been eliminated, but they are seeking any nests and these require checking for varroa mite, the main problem.  This is some distance from the Darwin port, and with ports seen as a likely point of entry, the distance away from the port is perplexing.  Will be more to come on this one too.

If detected there are larger implications for the whole Australian honey and queen bee industry [ yes, Australia exports queen bees!].

Both early days, and there is more on this web site, and the ABC Rural has had stories on both subjects recently.

See - https://dpir.nt.gov.au/citrus-canker 

A word of advice - check your citrus tree or trees for citrus canker!! 



UPDATE - 7 June 2018

More citrus canker has been discovered.........with a number of trees including one with a severe infestation, discovered in the Katherine area.

Not a good find!

Check any citrus trees on your property, and do not move fruit or vegetative materials of citrus.  Check the link above for the current current situation.

This is a very serious issue, for local citrus producers as well as the huge citrus industry interstate. 

Is Biosecurity Adequate in Northern Australia?

There is a lot of  future for north Australia that is dependent on effective biosecurity in the region.

Over the past several years the litany of biosecurity breaches seems to be significant :

• Panama disease in a major production area of bananas in north Queensland - Tropical Race 4 [ TR4] a highly pathogenic variant
• known areas of the same disease around Darwin, and banning bananas being grown in some NT areas, and restrictions on banana plant movements
• a major effort at eradication of Banana Freckle disease near Darwin  after the exotic disease was found in the NT
• Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus in curcurbits, especially melons, in the NT in 2014 and adjacent states also potentially infected, but not all jurisdictions are looking yet
• an Asian Bee colony discovered in Darwin in the last few days, after hitching a ride on a caravan, but with an absent queen - who is suspected of absconding with a new colony and may be setting up locally [ if that establishes then there will be mayhem]

Asian honey bees

• culicoides driven diseases also seem to be increasing - with blue tongue arriving many years ago from wind borne insects, and more recently a few more cases of chikungunya around the north [ at least so far the mosquito involved in spread does not seem to be around]; dengue outbreaks in some locations in north Queensland [ although the Australian derived disease in mosquities - Wolbachia may be a great agent to make a difference] if needed, as well as considerable issues surrounding other mosquito diseases such as Ross River Fever and variants as well as Murray Valley Encephalitis.  

We would like to see more agricultural development in the north of Australia, but biosecurity does need to be remembered......and emphasised.

While there has been money marked to be used for improved biosecurity in the north the track record is not all that encouraging.  And one must not forget human diseases either.

A meeting this week included a presentation on the dollars to be allocated to biosecurity improvements, R and D, upgraded awareness etc.  And presented by someone from outside the north Australia area seemed to leave local north Australia scientists and producers rather underwhelmed.  Some stated that industry  - a very diverse one at that - is not being adequately consulted or even advised.  One thinks of plant based industries - but often just the major ones of temperate Australia, but seems to forget fish farms, prawn farms, crocodiles and other non mainstream animal industries let alone the plant and animal based industries that thrive in the north - nurseries, asian vegetables, sugar, chia, cattle, pastures etc.  Are they being assessed adequately for biosecurity threats?

http://www.agricultureminister.gov.au/pages/media-releases/agwp-biosecurity.aspx

http://www.agricultureminister.gov.au/pages/media-releases/12-4-million-for-indigenous-rangers.aspx


These are recent media release on new measures in biosecurity for north Australia, but there is little detail.  Finding any information on detail is also VERY difficult, as it seems to be hidden away from easy access.

Biosecurity might not be very sexy in terms of rural development - but it is important, and needs greater highlighting of what is being planned.

Biosecurity - Fruit Flies - Taxonomy Improves- Species Combined

Media release: What’s in a name? Everything - if you’re a fruit fly

29 October, 2014

A global research effort has finally resolved a major biosecurity issue: four of the world’s most destructive agricultural pests are actually one and the same.

For twenty years some of the world’s most damaging pest fruit flies have been almost impossible to distinguish from each other. The ability to identify pests is central to quarantine, trade, pest management and basic research.

In 2009 a coordinated research effort got underway to definitively answer this question by resolving the differences, if any, between five of the most destructive fruit flies: the Oriental fruit fly, the Philippine fruit fly, the Invasive fruit fly, the Carambola fruit fly, and the Asian Papaya fruit fly. These species cause incalculable damage to horticultural industries and food security across Asia, Africa, the Pacific and parts of South America.

The Philippine fruit fly was formally recognised as the same species as the Asian Papaya fruit fly in 2013. The latest study goes further, conclusively demonstrating that they are also the same biological species as the Oriental and Invasive fruit flies. 

These four species have now been combined under the single name: Bactrocera dorsalis, the Oriental fruit fly. The closely-related Carambola fruit fly remains distinct.

Professor Tony Clarke, Chair of Fruit Fly Biology and Management from the Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre (PBCRC) and the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), believes the integrated multidisciplinary nature of the project leaves little doubt the species are identical.

“More than 40 researchers from 20 countries examined evidence across a range of disciplines, using morphological, molecular, cytogenetic, behavioural and chemoecological data to present a compelling case for this taxonomic change,” he said. “This outcome has major implications for global plant biosecurity, especially for developing countries in Africa and Asia,” said Professor Clarke. “For example, Invasive (now Oriental) fruit fly has devastated African fruit production with crop losses exceeding 80 per cent, widespread trade restrictions with refusal of shipments into Europe and Japan, and significant economic and social impacts to farming communities.”

Keeping exotic fruit fly out is a major concern for Australian biosecurity agencies. While an outbreak of Papaya fruit fly near Cairns in the mid-1990s inflicted $A100 million in eradication and industry costs, current estimates rate the Oriental fruit fly as the biggest threat to Australian plant biosecurity, with the total cost to the nation of an invasion estimated at $A1 billion. 

Combining the four species will mean a major reassessment of Australia’s exotic fruit fly risk.

“Globally, accepting these four pests as a single species will lead to improved international cooperation in pest management, more effective quarantine measures, reduced barriers to international trade, the wider application of established post-harvest treatments, improved fundamental research and, most importantly, enhanced food security for some of the world’s poorest nations,” said Professor Clarke.

The paper, B. papayae, B. invadens, and B. dorsalis synonymy, is published today in the journal Systematic Entomology: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/syen.12113/abstract and is a collaboration between 33 research organisations in 20 countries, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

More information and interviews: Tony Steeper, PBCRC Communications Manager, 0417 697 470, t.steeper@pbcrc.com.au

Media release: What’s in a name? Everything - if you’re a fruit fly - Plant Biosecurity CRC

Media release: What’s in a name? Everything - if you’re a fruit fly - Plant Biosecurity CRC

Australia’s Biosecurity – Ultra Important – Giant African Snail

We laugh [or is it cry?] about the cane toad, that attempt at biocontrol that has become the pernicious invader across north Australia, and even more recently into some parts of Sydney.

There are also biosecurity concerns about various ant species, wild Asian honey bees [ potential host for varroa disease of domestic bees] and numerous weed species that can be hitchhikers into north Australia.

Spare a thought for Florida, USA.  Apart from some crazies who released Burmese pythons into the everglades that have now become quite a serious pest there, the current threat is African Giant Snail.

It seems someone has seriously dropped the ball – was thought to have been eradicated in Miami-Dade County where it is now appearing widely, some years ago.  We are talking of over 100,000 of the creatures captured and killed recently – and there seem to be a lot more coming as the weather warms.

This pest would be a serious, serious, serious problem in Australia if it ever got out of biosecurity measures.  A major one of the methods is container hygiene, along with soil freedom and with rigorous in country pre export as well as post entry inspections, hopefully it might remain as “not here”.

There are a few current newspaper and media reports about the Florida situation – be alert, but not alarmed!

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/14/us-usa-florida-snails-idUSBRE93D05620130414

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/gas/index.shtml

http://miami.cbslocal.com/2011/09/15/giant-african-land-snails-return-to-south-florida/

http://www.freshfromflorida.com/pi/gals/

Any suspected sightings in Australia – get in touch with AQIS.  Better still, take care to avoid soil on equipment and shoes, and never – repeat never, bring snail or snail shells into Australia.  Take care.

Snail Biosecurity - Even in Singapore

A visitor to Singapore sees a lot of hard surfaces and little of the green sites.

Seemingly the island appears as a large building, apartment and mall site.

However, surprisingly, the island does have a few biosecurity issues of concern.

A recent article expresses considerable concern over a snail found in some Singapore green sites, such as plant nurseries and remnant jungle areas.

http://news.mongabay.com/2011/0328-hance_tcs_snail_singapore.html

African land snails are a particular issue of concern to many biosecurity agencies around the world, including Australia. The species in this article is not the normally noted one, but still a potential species of some concern. There are comparison photos in the article.

It is true that plant quarantine is often not an issue of major concern to Singapore, especially for outsiders, but it is for Australia.

The Singapore story seems to implicate plant imports as the source of the snail.

While plant imports to Australia from Singapore are not that common, orchid flowers can be a fairly common passenger item, and there is a history of insects as a free rider on the flowers.

Darwin - watchout for this snail.

Farm Biosecurity - Have YOU Got a Plan?

Producers are advised to follow good on-farm biosecurity measures to protect their livestock and crops from the constant threat of pests and diseases.

Being aware of biosecurity means keeping animals safe from disease and ensuring continued market access for produce.

Straightforward measures built into everyday practice will go a long way toward protecting your farm and your future, and animal owners should assess the risks to their animals and act to reduce the risks as much as possible.

Five main risks identified for livestock are:
1. Purchased livestock brought onto the property

The movement of new animals onto your property represents the highest risk of introducing disease into your herd or flock. Inspect the animals carefully for disease before buying them.

Always request the history and supporting paperwork, such as the vendor declaration or national health statement, before you buy the animals. Isolate new animals to make sure they are disease and weed free before mixing with your stock.

2. Stray animals
Poor fencing can allow stray livestock, and wild or feral animals to mix with your stock and introduce disease. Keep all gates shut and check fences regularly.

3. People
People can carry animal pests and diseases. Ask all visitors where they have been previously; whether they've had contact with other animals, or been abroad and possibly brought diseases home. Keep a register of all visitors.

Restrict visitor access to your property and make sure they don't go near animals unless they have clean clothes and have disinfected hands and footwear.

4. Vehicles and equipment
Vehicles and equipment can carry pests and diseases. Control the entry of vehicles onto the property and ensure they stay in a designated vehicle area. Use your own vehicles to transport visitors or material around the farm. Clean and thoroughly disinfect any second hand equipment purchased and brought onto the farm.

Maintain clean and disinfected equipment and do not share with other animal owners.

5. Feed and water
Feed and water can contain pests and diseases. Always request some form of commodity vendor declaration with purchased feed. Keep feed in a clean dry storage area and ensure it does not become mouldy. Make sure that water sources are not contaminated by wild or feral animals or birds.

Major outcomes of having farm biosecurity plans in place include:

improved profitability through the reduction of diseases,
less need for expensive chemical treatments or vaccinations and
improved animal production.

Farm biosecurity plans can reduce the risk of introducing pests and diseases onto a property that are already present on your neighbours farm or elsewhere

Good planning now will also reduce the impact of the next disease emergency.

There is absolutely no doubt that the rapid and wide geographical spread of emergency diseases can be controlled more easily if all livestock owners or farmers begin to practice farm biosecurity.........NOW.

Most of the practices are simple and easily implemented on any farm, and are applicable to both livestock and plant based operations.