NSW moves to ban Queensland citrus to prevent disease spread

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) today put in place strict measures to prevent citrus fruit from Queensland entering the State following confirmation of an outbreak of citrus canker in central west Queensland.

A proclamation banning Queensland citrus fruit products from entering NSW will be in place from midnight, NSW Chief Plant Health Officer Doug Hocking said.

Mr Hocking said a range of measures had been put in place to ensure the protection of the State's $140 million industry from the highly contagious and destructive fruit disease.

"NSW DPI staff are working as part of a national response to try to eradicate citrus canker," he said.

"These latest quarantine measures further add to the strict monitoring and inspection procedures that were put in place as soon as the disease was notified as suspect in Queensland.

"That means our staff were checking markets in Flemington as early as Monday, complementing the efforts of the Queensland authorities who immediately took quarantine actions on the property and nearby areas.

"NSW DPI's diagnostic team at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI) and Orange Agricultural Institute also played an important role in confirming the identity of the disease.

"Six of our expert staff arrived in Queensland today to assist in their control and eradication efforts, while our inspectors and district horticulturists will continue to monitor NSW produce and provide information to growers."

The disease was detected at an orchard in the Emerald district in central Queensland, and its identity confirmed yesterday.

The National Management Group (NMG) of Australian agriculture department CEOs and peak industry heads have agreed to a national approach to control and eradicate the disease.

Citrus canker is a serious bacterial disease that affects citrus plant species, causing premature leaf and fruit drop. It is characterised by lesions on fruit, foliage and the young stems of cultivars.

Mr Hocking said NSW growers wanting more information should contact their district horticulturist or NSW DPI head office on 02 6391 3224. The Queensland DPI hotline can also be contacted on 132523.

"While we are confident at this stage that we do not have citrus canker in NSW, we ask that citrus growers monitor their fruit and plants, and report any unusual symptoms immediately," he said.

Citrus canker poses no threat to the safety of humans or animals.

Media contact: Trudy Glasgow 02 6391 3312; 0427 217 354