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

Polyphagous shot-hole borer

10 September 2021

Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB) Euwallacea fornicatus is a beetle native to Southeast Asia. The beetle attacks a wide range of plants by tunnelling into trunks, stems and branches.
About PestFacts WA

8 November 2013

PestFacts WA (formerly known as PestFax) is an interactive reporting service delivered by DPIRD, providing risk alerts, current information and advice on pests and diseases threatening crops and pa
Control of green bridge for pest and disease management

19 December 2013

In Western Australia's Mediterranean-type climate, the survival of pests and diseases over summer is often critical in determining pest outbreaks and disease epidemics in broadacre crops.
Australian truffle orchard - integrated pest and disease management

12 February 2020

Two documents on Australian truffle orchard pest and diseases are available to download.
Turnip yellows virus early warning system

29 October 2020

Turnip yellows virus (TuYV, formerly known as beet western yellows virus) is an obligate plant parasite transmitted exclusively by aphids.
Pome and Summer Fruit Orchard Spray Guide for Western Australia 2020-21

24 March 2014

The Pome and Summer Fruit Orchard Spray Guide 2020-21 provides information on chemical products, both registered and those as minor use permits, to control insect, mite and mollusc pests, diseases
Citrus pests, diseases and disorders

8 November 2013

Western Australia has a low prevalence of citrus pests and diseases compared to most other countries.
Canola essentials - growing a successful canola crop

11 May 2018

This page summarises the main factors to consider when planning or managing a canola crop.
Boosting Biosecurity Defences: Royalties for Regions

16 October 2014

The Boosting Biosecurity Defences program is a collection of projects and activities that aim to increase Western Australia's capability to prepare for and respond to biosecurity issues affecting W
MyCrop how to video series

31 August 2016

This series of video tutorials has been produced to provide advice about the best ways to monitor and sample crops to diagnose and overcome constraints to crop production.