Citrus canker update

Citrus canker update

25 October 2018

A nationally coordinated response to stop citrus canker has been underway since the disease was first detected in Darwin, Northern Territory in early April 2018.

In that time, a total of 15 citrus canker infected premises (IPs) have been identified with 12 in the north of the Northern Territory (NT) and 3 in northern Western Australia (WA), and these areas are the focus of eradication efforts.

The initial response strategy, agreed to by Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) Parties, which includes Citrus Australia, has involved implementing emergency containment activities and movement controls to reduce the risk of further spread of the disease. Tracing activities are also defining the extent of the incursion.

We have provided the latest summary to the citrus canker response. Click here to read more. The report was released by the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP) on September 30. We can report that the restricted area clearance in the Northern Territory has risen from 7% to 42.55% since.

We have added new resources to our biosecurity information page on our website www.citrusaustralia.com.au/ policy-representation/quarantinebiosecurity and additional information can be found at www. outbreak.gov.au

Citrus Australia has been at the forefront of the citrus canker response since the disease was detected. CEO Nathan Hancock is currently involved in nine committees and working groups that are central to the containment and eradication of the disease.

You can be assured our continued involvement means the interests of individual businesses and the wider industry are central to all decision making at every stage.

Whilst the situation is always evolving, we are on the right path with the current response plan and that multiple variables are being considered and factored in.

If you have any further questions, please contact Nathan Hancock on (03) 5023 6333.