The National Nursery Industry Biosecurity Program Team have released a biosecurity advice update this month with regards to confirmed cases of Citrus Canker found on three properties in Western Australia and Darwin
At this stage the disease has not been found in any other state
Evidence of Citrus Canker on fruit in a commercial orchard.
The confirmed cases of the disease were found at three properties in Western Australia including two retail businesses in Kununurra and one property at
Wyndham. This detection follows tracing and testing of nursery plants imported from Darwin.
In April this year, citrus canker was found at two retail outlets in Darwin. Citrus canker is limited to nurseries and residential properties. Surveillance
of citrus production areas so far, has not detected the disease.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia and the Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Resources
are working together, along with their local industry and communities to contain, and prevent further spread of the disease. Other states and territories
are also conducting surveillance and tracing activities. At this stage the disease has not been found in any other jurisdiction.
Evidence of Citrus Canker. Photo - Jonas Janner Hamann
Citrus canker does not affect human health, animals or other plants, and infected fruit remains safe to eat. But a widespread outbreak of the disease would
be catastrophic for the citrus industry
Early detection, reporting and not moving infected plants is vital, and will give us the best chance of eradicating this disease.
Signs of infection can look like other bacterial diseases that are known in northern Australia. All suspected cases should be reported. If you think you
have a plant with citrus canker, or if you have recently sourced citrus plants from the Northern Territory or Kununurra WA please contact the Exotic
Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. This will put you in touch with the department of primary industries or agriculture in your state or territory.