Diseases

Diseases have a detrimental effect on plants and animals and impact on market access and agricultural production. Diseases include micro-organisms, disease agents (bacteria, fungi and viruses), infectious agents, parasites and genetic disorders.

Western Australia is free from some of the world's major agricultural and livestock diseases. Biosecurity measures on your property are vital in preventing the spread of diseases.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development provides:

biosecurity/quarantine measures at the WA border to prevent the entry of plant and animal diseases
post border biosecurity measures for harmful animal and plant diseases
advice on widespread diseases present in the state.

For advice on animal and plant diseases search our website, the Western Australian Organism List or contact our Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS).

For diagnostic services, please contact our Diagnostic Laboratory Services.

Articles

Seed dressing and in-furrow fungicides for canola in Western Australia

7 June 2018

Seed dressing and in-furrow fungicides contain active ingredients for the control or suppression of seed-borne diseases and some fungal root rots in canola.
Registered foliar fungicides for lupin in Western Australia

4 April 2018

There are a limited number of foliar fungicide active ingredients registered for lupin diseases in WA, in either narrow-leafed or albus lupins.
Animal health and One Health in Western Australia

27 October 2017

‘One Health’ is an internationally supported approach that recognises that the health and well-being of animals, people and the environment are closely linked and that international, national and
Foliar fungicide application timing for managing leaf rust in wheat, Mingenew 2016 trial report

9 May 2017

This trial assessed potential efficacy and benefits from various timings of fungicide application for managing powdery mildew, leaf rust and leaf spot diseases in wheat.
Fungicides for managing powdery mildew in wheat historical trial report

3 November 2016

Powdery mildew has become more prevalent in WA wheat crops over the past few years, particularly late in seasons.
Maintenance of seed yield and quality in lupins in the presence of sclerotinia 2016 trial report

31 August 2016

Sclerotinia stem rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is becoming more widespread in recent years in canola across the wheatbelt.
Impact of yellow spot on wheat yield 2016 trial report

7 June 2016

The disease ratings for wheat varieties help decide what variety is best suited. Just as paddocks have differing disease and management histories, varieties have differing resistance levels.
Early treatment of powdery mildew

3 May 2016

In 2015 powdery mildew reached damaging levels in several regions. With the green bridge leading into the 2016 season, the disease could have significant impacts.
Is yellow spot affected by location?

3 May 2016

Yellow leaf spot can have a significant impact on wheat yields.
Keeping Western Australia's livestock fit to trade

10 March 2016

Western Australia has a well-deserved reputation for producing healthy livestock that are free of diseases and residues that could harm human health or damage our markets.