News

H5 Avian Influenza (H5 Bird Flu) Information

Updated 24th August 2026

Tasmania has recorded 18 positive detections of H5 bird flu.

There have currently been no detections in Tasmanian poultry. and chicken meat and eggs remain safe to eat.

Keep pets such as dogs and cats away from sick or dead wildlife. Keep cats contained. When walking dogs, keep dogs on a lead and observe no dog zones.

If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife:

AVOID contact.
RECORD the location and, if safe, take photos.
REPORT it immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

To make a report or for further information, click here.

Further information can be found here:

This situation is continuing to change rapidly. Stay informed and help protect our wildlife and agriculture.

Fuel Supply Alerts 2026

Fuel update for from the Tasmanian Government via TasAlerts is reassuring.

The latest advice: Fuel supply across Tasmania remains stable, with regular deliveries continuing through the national network. While global factors are influencing oil prices and we’re seeing increases at the bowser, fuel is still arriving as expected across the state.

How you can help: please only purchase what you need so everyone has fair access. And as always, be kind and respectful to service station staff.

Looking for the best price nearby? Fuel Check Tasmania provides up-to-date pricing across more than 296 service stations statewide. www.fuelcheck.tas.gov.au (app also available via the website)

Safety reminder: storing fuel at home comes with risks. Limit storage to 25L, use an approved container and keep it in a well-ventilated area away from ignition sources.

Stay up to date with official advice here: https://alert.tas.gov.au/fuel-supply

Potato Mop Top Virus

What is Potato Mop-Top Virus?

Potato mop-top virus (PMTV; Pomovirus solani) is a serious plant virus that affects potato crops. It reduces the quality of tubers, can cause internal defects, and in some varieties, impacts overall yield.

PMTV is spread by the soil-borne organism that causes powdery scab in potatoes (Spongospora subterranea). Powdery scab is unfortunately widespread across Tasmania and mainland Australia, which makes the presence of PMTV a significant concern for industry and home growers alike.

The good news is there are no food safety or human health risks linked to PMTV or powdery scab - infected potatoes are still safe to eat.

Recognising PMTV in Potatoes

Symptoms of PMTV vary depending on the potato variety and the infection source. They can appear both in leaves and tubers:

Distorted skin on tubers
Deep cracking of potato skin
Rust-coloured arcs, streaks, or flecks inside the flesh
Yellow, blotchy discolouration on potato leaves (often V-shaped)

How PMTV Spreads

PMTV moves between properties through:

Soil stuck to boots, machinery, or equipment
Infected seed potatoes
Waste from infected potato crops

What Growers and Gardeners Can Do

Farmers & Landowners

Keep your farm biosecurity plan up to date. Support is available through groups such as VegNET Tasmania and TasFarmers.
Clean and disinfect boots, machinery, and equipment before moving between paddocks.

Contractors

Always discuss biosecurity measures with property owners before entering.
Follow the “Come clean, go clean” principle by removing soil and plant material from machinery, equipment, and footwear before moving to a new site.

Home Gardeners

Clean garden tools and footwear regularly.
If possible, keep a pair of shoes dedicated to gardening only.
Place footbaths at the entry/exit of community gardens.
Only plant certified seed potatoes. Potatoes purchased from supermarkets or roadside stalls should never be planted.
Stay alert for unusual symptoms in potato plants or tubers.

Report Suspected PMTV

If you see unusual disease symptoms in potatoes:

Email Biosecurity Tasmania at Biosecurity.Tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au with photos and your contact details.
You can also call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

For more information

Visit:

NRE Tas - https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/plant-biosecurity/pests-and-diseases/potato-mop-top-virus
FarmPoint - FarmPoint is an initiative of the Tasmanian State Government and is managed by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania. FarmPoint is designed to help people navigate through the large amount of information available online. FarmPoint has identified a number of sites of benefit to Tasmanian producers and created links to connect producers directly with that information https://farmpoint.tas.gov.au/