Product Movement People Movement Equipment
& Vehicles Pests
& Weeds

All of a sudden, the season has turned from mild autumn to winter; though that hasn’t stopped several key farm diseases and pests from making their presence felt, especially the diseases like Hendra virus and FMD.

With news on these and other Farm Biosecurity issues, read on through our May Newsletter…

Focusing on: Viruses that keep coming back – FMD and Hendra

It might be in another hemisphere, but foot and mouth disease (FMD) is continuing to be in the news with ongoing outbreaks in Africa and in south-east Asia, notably: Japan, Korea, China and Hong Kong. It causes much concern in the livestock industry because of the trade and biosecurity implications.

Many thousands of cattle and pigs, and some goats, have been slaughtered as part of the containment program. In the last few weeks in Japan alone, this has seen 36,083 pigs, 2682 cattle and 4 goats disposed of humanely to prevent any further spread of the virus in that country.

To see the most recent distribution of FMD, visit: http://www.oie.int/wahis/public.php?page=disease_outbreak_map

All travellers, especially those returning to Australian farms or farmlands from countries where there has either been a recent outbreak, or where FMD is endemic, are strongly urged to be aware of disease spread risk factors and the biosecurity measures that provide protection.

A farm biosecurity checklist can be used to reduce the FMD risk:

  1. meet all import requirements on imported food products and genetic material
  2. assess  farm visitors on their level of FMD risk and maintain records of visitors
  3. restrict visitor access to livestock areas  to necessary contact only
  4. ensure clothing and equipment are clean (and disinfected) before entering a property
  5. regularly check livestock for changes in health and behavior
  6. report any unusual behavior or signs of disease: 1800 675 888 – Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline

The other key requirement is to not feed swill to pigs. It is the mostly likely way the disease would enter the country and is illegal in Australia.

More FMD biosecurity measure information is at: http://www.farmbiosecurity.com.au/aahc/index.cfm?49494DFC-A0E7-98D9-8C51-8447BE70F8A1

Horse Hendra case confirmed in Queensland

Authorities in south-east Queensland find themselves again on high-alert for the potentially fatal Hendra virus.

This follows a property near Noosa being placed into quarantine when a confirmed case of Hendra virus infection in a horse was identified.

Dr Barry Smyth, Vice-President of the Australian Veterinary Association, says  “Veterinarians are now very aware of the precautions they need to take to protect themselves from Hendra virus which caused the tragic loss of two veterinary colleagues in the past two years.

“The previous outbreaks have appeared in more than one location, so it is important that anyone working with horses is on the lookout and immediately reports any suspected cases of Hendra virus infection. There is a potential for the disease wherever there are flying foxes.”

Recent mass movements of large flying fox colonies mean horse owners should be especially vigilant. Wet weather in some parts of the country has caused flying foxes to take to the air to find food in new areas. An influx of more than 130,000 into Victoria was confirmed by scientists just last week.

“Common Hendra virus signs to look out for in horses include respiratory distress, frothy nasal discharge, elevated body temperature (above 40°C), and elevated heart rate. There may be nervous signs or staggering. However, it is important to realise there are no specific signs of infection.

“The risks to horses and humans can be greatly reduced by adopting good farm biosecurity and hygiene practices as a matter of routine and taking increased precautions. Contact your vet immediately if you notice health problems in your horses or suspect Hendra virus,” Dr Smith said.

Measures to reduce transmission of the virus from flying foxes to horses include placing feed and water under cover where possible, not placing feed and water under trees when flying foxes are in the area, not using feed that might attract flying foxes (such as fruit and vegetables), removing horses from fields where flying foxes are active when possible, and fencing off trees where flying foxes roost.

Veterinarians working with horses should refer to the Guidelines for veterinarians handling potential Hendra virus infection in horses available from www.dpi.qld.gov.au

Since 1994, Hendra virus has been confirmed in 40 horses and seven humans. In these cases all horses either died or were destroyed and four of the people died. Currently there is no specific treatment for Hendra virus infection in horses.

Source:  Australian Veterinary Association - www.ava.com.au

Keeping Zebra chip out of Australia

Potato growers across Australia have been urged to protect the local industry from a major pest which has established itself across the Tasman.

New Zealand potato producers have been coming to terms with the disease ‘Zebra chip’.

The disease is seen as dark streaks, flecks or spots in tubers and is having a substantial impact on the country’s processing and fresh market industry.


Potatoes infected with Zebra chip (source – University of Texas at Tyler).

Potatoes go dark brown when they are cooked, causing major problems for the French fry and fresh potato market.

The disease appears to be caused by a complex of organisms. The bacterium Liberibacter was recently confirmed as the cause of Zebra chip, with a phytoplasma also associated with development of the disease.  The tomato/potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli) is recognised as the vector.

For Dr Kevin Clayton-Greene, the chairman of the AUSVEG technical advisory group which assists the Potato Industry Advisory Council, the identification of Zebra chip so close to Australia is a major concern. “The Australian industry must remain vigilant given the proximity of the disease to our shores. We can’t afford to let this pest into the country as the control and management costs would be extremely high,” he said.


Potato psyllid (source - University of California).

The psyllid was first identified on tomato and potato plants in 2006 around the Auckland and Waikato regions of New Zealand and has since spread quickly around much of the country, with some crops severely affected. Adults look like tiny cicadas, 2 - 3 mm long. The psyllid on its own seems to be a serious pest of potatoes and tomatoes, as well as capsicum and other solanaceous crops, and is very difficult to control.

Liberibacter causes zebra chip in potato tubers as well as plant yellowing and will lead to plant death within two to three weeks of infection.

The Phytoplasma is a bacteria-like organism, which appears to be involved in the complex but its role is uncertain. “We ask Australian producers to maintain the highest level of farm biosecurity to stop the pest entering the potato and tomato industries in this country.

“It’s also important the public don’t bring in plant material from New Zealand which may carry the host psyllids,” Dr Clayton-Greene said. One pysllid feeding for one hour on a solanaceous plant or weed species can transmit the disease.

According to Rod Turner, General Manager Programs for Plant Health Australia, if it became established in Australia, we’d have difficulty eradicating it unless it’s detected very early.

“The pysllids are hard to control and move quickly. It’s important producers keep a close eye on their crops and report anything that looks like tiny cicadas immediately to the emergency plant pest hotline, on 1800 084 881” Mr Turner said.

“We’d rather have some false reports than let this major pest and its associated diseases get a foothold in our country”.

“While the pest is close to our shores, we can keep it out if everyone works closely together to protect Australia from invaders like the pysllids,” Rod Turner says.

Potatoes New Zealand has established a website to help the industry understand the pest and its spread. www.potatoesnz.co.nz/psyllid.html

More information on Farm biosecurity measures that producers can take are at: http://www.farmbiosecurity.com.au/

If you spot anything unusual in your potatoes or tomatoes call the Emergency Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

Developing issues and trends

Zucchini virus hits the Gascoyne

A zucchini virus is forcing around 10 farmers in north-west WA to pull out this year's crops and start again. The zucchini yellow mosaic virus has been quickly spread in the Gascoyne by an unusually high number of thrips for this time of year.

Manager of the Carnarvon Growers Association, Ivor Gaylard, says "I've never seen it before, and speaking to growers who've been growing zucchinis for many, many years, they say they haven't seen it like this before, so it is very unusual.”.

"Everyone knows that later on in the year you might get it, after the winter when it starts warming up and thrips start multiplying. But you normally expect to have a relatively pest-free period for the first few months of picking."

Source: ABC Rural Radio

Hunt continues for Asian honey bee

Biosecurity Queensland is extending its hunt for the Asian honey bee in the north of the state.

Asian honey bees can threaten native species, and were found in Cairns three years ago.

They've been a target of an eradication program ever since, and surveillance programs are now checking further down the coast to make sure the problem isn't getting worse.

Biosecurity Queensland Asian Honey Bee surveillance manager Wim De Jong says, while the bees are a concern, these further inspections are just preventative measures.

"It's part of our surveillance program to move to Townsville and put traps along the transport corridors. It's precautionary at this stage."

Biosecurity developments and member news

Biosecurity and the Budget

The Rudd Government announced in the Budget statement that it has committed $346.8 million to maintain biosecurity measures.

This includes $137.6 million through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and $127.9 million through the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service to maintain core biosecurity work over two years.

The funding will support biosecurity measures at Australia’s airports, seaports and mail centres, including surveillance, detection and compliance.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said the Government is continuing to deliver major reforms to our quarantine and biosecurity systems and work will be on-going in 2010-11. This includes $61.3 million over two years to help maintain essential front-line biosecurity measures and implement reforms, and $20.0 million to further progress reforms.

In addition, the Government is overseeing the largest reforms to export certification services in a generation, with $75.7 million to be allocated in 2010-11 from a total $127.4 million industry reform package.

Progress to date on the biosecurity reforms includes:

  • Trials at the border to test new, risk-based intervention systems
  • Biosecurity Advisory Council established to provide independent, expert advice
  • Interim Inspector General of Biosecurity appointed
  • Negotiations nearing completion on an intergovernmental agreement on biosecurity with the states and territories

Source: http://www.daff.gov.au/about/publications/daffnews/daffnews-issue-91

Farm Biosecurity Weekly Media Snapshot

Local news…

University of Sydney hosts emerging infectious diseases and biosecurity conference
The conference is the first event hosted by the newly-established Sydney Institute of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity (SEIB), ...

Vet waits on Hendra virus results
A VETERINARIAN exposed to the lethal Hendra virus faces a six-week wait for results, after biosecurity officers yesterday quarantined the Sunshine Coast ...

Victoria Takes Steps To Protect Pork Industry
“The Department of Primary Industries will help the industry introduce agreed livestock management and biosecurity procedures. The projects will be managed ...

Around the world….

How FMD spreads
... from Korea indicate farm workers and veterinarians introduced the pathogen and spread it from farm to farm, demonstrating the importance of biosecurity. ...

Learning about salmonid health and biosecurity
"It is really about protecting the fish on the farm and keeping everything contained and not allowing anything to leave the farm. "Biosecurity works from ...

Walkers asked to disinfect boots to stop spread of oak disease
The six-page pamphlet includes 'biosecurity measures' to stop the disease spreading and information on how to identify infected trees. ...

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to receive the Farm Biosecurity Media Snapshot. To subscribe or unsubscribe to Farm Biosecurity Media Snapshots or the Farm Biosecurity News, please email info@farmbiosecurity.com.au.

For more information on Farm Biosecurity visit www.farmbiosecurity.com.au