Plant pest research and diagnostic activities can affect our plant biosecurity.
Be aware of your responsibilities and why reporting detections is so important.
What you must do
Plant biosecurity measures are based on the presence of a ‘pathogen’ rather than disease.
If you find a microorganism that may be a plant pest or pathogen, you must report it immediately. You are required to report it by law. There are penalties for not doing so.
You must not publish your research findings before you report it.
Call Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
You’ll be directed to the Chief Plant Health Manager in your state or territory. They will also decide if it must be reported to the Australian Government. This supports our international reporting obligations.
Why it’s important to report
The detection of new pests or hosts can affect Australia’s trade. This might include restricted access to overseas markets. Also, our reputation as a reliable exporter can be damaged.
Many Australian producers rely on export markets for their livelihoods. Reporting research finds before you publish gives us time. We can consider trade impacts and collect information for our trading partners.
Early reporting also increases our chance to contain and eradicate the pest.
Discovered a new pathogen or plant pathogen A3 poster
If you’d like a copy of the poster, please email the Australian Chief Plant Protection Officer at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Emergency response arrangements
Government and non-government parties have agreed roles and responsibilities. Resources and services are ready to be deployed in a response. This is a safeguard for our agricultural and natural resources.
The Emergency Pest Plant Response Deed (EPRD) sets out national emergency response arrangements. This include cost-sharing arrangements.
The National Environmental Biosecurity Responsibility Agreement (NEBRA) sets out emergency response arrangements for incidents that affect environment and/or social amenity.
The Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP) is the technical body. The CCEPP coordinates national responses to emergency plant pest incursions. They also assess the technical feasibility of eradication.
See more
Find the list of notifiable plant pests on your state or territory’s agriculture agency website.