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

Citrus canker: reintroduction of citrus plants in Restricted Areas

4 July 2018

Following extensive surveillance throughout the north-west at the end of 2018, which showed no additional detections of citrus canker, residents in the Restricted Areas in Kununurra and Wyndham can
Citrus canker Western Australia

30 April 2018

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
Biosecurity alert: Dickeya dianthicola

10 July 2017

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.
Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum: pest data sheet

8 May 2017

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

8 May 2017

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
Tomato potato psyllid interstate trade/market access information

6 April 2017

The Tomato potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli) has had significant market access implications for many Western Australian commodities.
Washed ware potato policy review: draft pest categorisation

14 November 2016

The department is reviewing its policy in regards to the import of washed ware potatoes from other Australian states and territories.
Biosecurity alert: white rot in garlic

25 October 2016

White rot of Allium species (caused by Sclerotium cepivorum) has been confirmed in garlic from a Perth backyard and a property in the Swan Valley.
Panama disease: initiation of policy review

13 January 2016

The Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia has initiated a policy review for Panama disease associated with host material and linked packaging imported from other Australian states a
Ware potatoes: initiation of policy review

5 January 2016

The Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia has initiated a policy review of the importation of washed ware potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) from other Australian states and terr