Changes

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has updated the list of quarantine pests associated with Vitis nursery stock to ensure that import conditions continue to be fit-for-purpose in managing new and emerging biosecurity risks.

The updated pest list now includes an additional, newly identified quarantine pest, Grapevine-associated marafivirus (GaMV). Imported Vitis nursery stock will undergo disease screening to detect the presence of this virus using an existing polymerase chain reaction test that is already utilised during post-entry quarantine (PEQ) testing. Consequently, there is no change in the overall number of tests required for imported Vitis nursery stock.

The minimum quarantine period at the Commonwealth PEQ facility in Mickleham, Victoria will remain at 12 months for tissue cultures and 14 months for dormant cuttings.

In line with the department’s standard operating procedures, additional testing may be required if disease symptoms are detected or if suspect pathogens are found, at the importer’s expense.

Import permits:
Import permits will not require variation to reflect the changes.

Who does this affect:
Importers of Vitis spp. for use as nursery stock, brokers, and department staff.

Background:
Australia has a strong biosecurity system in place to prevent the entry and establishment of pests and diseases that could threaten our agricultural industries, economy, and environment. As part of this system, imported high-risk nursery stock must undergo rigorous testing for pathogens of biosecurity concern at the department’s PEQ facility in Mickleham, Victoria.

Further information:
Please contact Plant Import Operations on 1800 900 090 or email imports@aff.gov.au.