Potato mop-top virus poses no risk to human health. (ABC News: Laurissa Smith)
In short:
Biosecurity Tasmania is working to trace the source of two potatoes infected with potato mop-top virus that were bought from retail outlets.
They were found as part of tracing efforts to determine the extent of the virus — the first time it has been detected in Australia.
What’s next?
Affected Tasmanian potato growers are facing import restrictions from other states.
Potato mop-top virus has been found in potatoes bought from retail stores in Tasmania.
Biosecurity Tasmania is working to trace the two potatoes — bought as fresh produce — back to their growing sites, and links to confirmed mop-top sites has not yet been confirmed.
The virus was first detected at a farm in Tasmania’s north-west in July — the first time it has appeared in Australia.
The virus can cause rust-coloured arcs or streaks in potato flesh. (Supplied: Biosecurity Tasmania)
This has increased to eight sites as part of testing and tracing efforts, covering six growing sites, a research site and a storage site.
The disease poses no risk to human health but can significantly impact yield for farmers, while distorting the skin and flesh of potatoes.
Two potatoes infected with potato mop-top virus have been bought from retail outlets. (ABC News)
Biosecurity Tasmania said it has been detected in a further three potatoes this week.
Last week, Victoria introduced a 12-month ban on importing potatoes from Tasmanian sites linked with the mop-top virus.
Potatoes from other sites will need to meet quality criteria.
New South Wales and South Australia also introduced restrictions.
The Tasmanian government has requested that the Commonwealth provide an assistance package for affected farmers.
Georgianna Serna
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