The virus was detected in northwest Tasmania following an industry member reporting signs of disease to Biosecurity Tasmania
Biosecurity Tasmania is responding to the detection of Potato mop-top virus (PMTV) in potatoes harvested from northwest Tasmania. This is the first time the virus has been detected in Australia.
While there are no food safety or human health risks associated with PMTV or powdery scab, the virus affects the development and quality of potatoes which poses a risk to Australia’s potato growers.
According to Biosecurity Tasmania, PMTV is most commonly spread by the soil-borne pathogen that causes powdery scab in potatoes.
Control measures are in place to manage the movement of possible risk material including potatoes and soil and Biosecurity Tasmania has formed an Incident Management Team as well as added additional surveillance and diagnostics.
The organisation is working with impacted businesses and the potato industry to conduct tracing operations. This will help to determine the distribution of PMTV in Tasmania and identify the likely source of infection.
Tasmania will work with both state and national industry groups and other government jurisdictions to determine the feasibility of eradication.
Australia’s industry body for vegetables, potatoes and onions, Ausveg, is urging growers and visitors on-farm to remain vigilant and report any unusual signs of disease in potato plants or tubers.
The organisation added that growers should implement and maintain good biosecurity practices on their properties, including a dedicated high-pressure wash station for gear, clothing, machinery and equipment as well as limiting the movement of contractor vehicles within production areas and paddocks whenever possible.
