Biosecurity & quarantine

The Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) works with primary industries to safeguard our agricultural resources from biological threats and to maintain our export opportunities.

The State’s reputation is underpinned by a comprehensive biosecurity and quarantine system, developed and operated by DAFWA.

DAFWA is involved with:

  • creation of surveillance and diagnostic programs
  • animal and plant risk assessments
  • importing and exporting requirements
  • creating mechanisms to respond to incursions
  • livestock movement and identification
  • development and maintenance of biosecurity and quarantine legislation.

To find out more about what we do to protect agricultural production and export opportunities within the State please search our website.

Articles

  • Panama disease Tropical Race 4 (TR4) is considered one of the most destructive diseases of banana plants worldwide. It is caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp.

  • Late blight (Phytophthora infestans) is considered the most devastating disease of potatoes worldwide and caused the Irish potato famine in the 1840s.

  • Bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) is a serious disease of potatoes that can cause crop losses of more than 90%.

  • Potato virus Y tuber necrosis strain (PVYNTN) causes a serious disease of potatoes called potato tuber necrotic ringspot disease which results in dark unsightly rings on tubers.

  • Onion rust (Puccinia allii) is a disease of plants in the onion family, including onions, garlic, chives, spring onions and leeks.

  • Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum is a bacterial plant pathogen that is exotic to Australia. Currently five haplotypes have been described: haplotypes A and B from solanaceous crops suc

  • Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum is an exotic pest to Australia. It can affect both solanaceous and apiaceous crops.

  • The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has taken action to protect Western Australia’s citrus growers from the threat of citrus canker following confirmation that the disease

  • Dickeya dianthicola is a serious bacterium that can cause tuber soft rot and blackleg in potatoes, and can also affect some ornamental varieties, chicory and artichoke.

  • The department is reviewing its policy in regards to the import of washed ware potatoes from other Australian states and territories.