The Tasmanian Government has moved quickly after the detection of Potato mop-top virus in the state’s North West. The virus, which can cause distortions to the skin and flesh of potato tubers, affects the leaves, shoots and tubers of potato plants but poses no risk to human health. All potatoes remain safe to eat.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce, said an Incident Management Team was already in place. “An Incident Management Team has been established to respond, with tracing work underway and control measures now in place,” he said. “We will work with both state and national industry groups, our biosecurity experts, and other government jurisdictions on next steps. My focus is ensuring our farmers are kept up to date while our Incident Management Team responds to the detection. We’ve invested almost $13 million in Biosecurity measures in recent times to support Tasmania’s international reputation for premium produce.”
Growers and the public are being urged to watch for signs of the virus in plants and stock. Any suspected cases can be reported to Biosecurity Tasmania or through the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
Updates will be posted at www.nre.tas.gov.au/currentalerts, with further information available via the Tasmanian Biosecurity Advisory Service at www.biosecurityadvisory.nre.tas.gov.au/subscribe
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