News
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:
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Distorted skin on tubers
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Deep cracking of potato skin
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Rust-coloured arcs, streaks, or flecks inside the flesh
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Yellow, blotchy discolouration on potato leaves (often V-shaped)
How PMTV Spreads
PMTV moves between properties through:
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Soil stuck to boots, machinery, or equipment
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Infected seed potatoes
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Waste from infected potato crops
What Growers and Gardeners Can Do
Farmers & Landowners
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Keep your farm biosecurity plan up to date. Support is available through groups such as VegNET Tasmania and TasFarmers.
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Clean and disinfect boots, machinery, and equipment before moving between paddocks.
Contractors
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Always discuss biosecurity measures with property owners before entering.
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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
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Clean garden tools and footwear regularly.
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If possible, keep a pair of shoes dedicated to gardening only.
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Place footbaths at the entry/exit of community gardens.
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Only plant certified seed potatoes. Potatoes purchased from supermarkets or roadside stalls should never be planted.
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Stay alert for unusual symptoms in potato plants or tubers.
Report Suspected PMTV
If you see unusual disease symptoms in potatoes:
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Email Biosecurity Tasmania at Biosecurity.Tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au with photos and your contact details.
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You can also call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
For more information
Visit:
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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/
Services Australia Mobile Service Centre
A mobile service centre will return to Tasmania in late September 2025.
Services Australia's mobile service centres offer a wide range of services to meet the needs of rural and regional communities.
They can help you with:
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new claims for most Centrelink payments
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updating your information in our records
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confirming documents and supporting information, such as certifying copies of birth certificates
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access to a self service terminal
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using online accounts and Express Plus mobile apps.
They can also give you information about:
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Medicare transactions
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Medicare registrations
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how financial matters may impact your payments
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payment and service options to suit your needs
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rural payment entitlements for eligible farmers
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social work support and referrals.
For more information: Visit https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/mobile-service-centres
H5 Avian Influenza (H5 Bird Flu) Information
Since 2021, the H5 avian influenza (H5 bird flu) virus has been spreading globally, impacting wild bird populations and some mammals.
Important to note:
• Currently, no cases of H5 bird flu have been detected in Tasmania or anywhere else in Australia.
• This virus is most likely to enter Australia via migrating wild birds from areas where outbreaks continue.
• There is no effective treatment for bird flu in infected animals.
What you can do:
• Report sudden or large numbers (more than 5) of sick or dead birds or animals to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888.
• Do not touch sick or dead birds or animals as a precaution.
• Continue reporting via existing pathways if you have established reporting obligations.
The Tasmanian Avian Influenza Readiness and Response Plan is in place, outlining response if an outbreak occurs. Temporary restrictions on activities and access may be necessary.
For more information: Visit the NRE Tas website at www.nre.tas.gov.au/BirdFlu.
Stay informed and help protect our wildlife and agriculture.
