We are conducting a pest risk analysis for bacterial pathogens in the genus Xylella.
When we do a pest risk analysis, we:
- review the science on pests and diseases of concern
- assess and analyse biosecurity risks
- develop proposed risk management measures, if required
- consult the public on the draft report and then review comments
- publish the final report
- develop import conditions
- publish import conditions in our Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON).
About the pest risk analysis
Xylella is an invasive bacterial pathogen that causes significant environmental and economic impacts. Many commercial and ornamental plant species can be killed by this bacterial pathogen, including horticulture, agriculture and Australian plant species that are grown overseas (such as Eucalyptus and Acacia species). The number of plants affected by the bacteria around the world is increasing every year. Fortunately, Australia is free of Xylella bacterial pathogens.
Xylella can be carried by insects that feed on the sap of plants. It can also be carried by infected plants that are propagated.
Xylella fastidiosa is the number one pest threat to Australian horticultural and agricultural industries. It is also a pest threat to our environment. To reduce the risk of Xylella fastidiosa entering Australia, we implemented emergency measures in November 2015.
We initiated this pest risk analysis to assess the biosecurity risks of all Xylella species, and to determine whether the emergency measures manage the biosecurity risks to achieve the appropriate level of protection for Australia.
Announcement
We announced the commencement of this pest risk analysis on 2 August 2018 (via Biosecurity Advice 2018-18).
Next steps
We will:
- Complete the assessment of the biosecurity risks associated with all Xylella species, and the evaluation of the emergency measures.
- Develop a draft report, which will propose ongoing risk management measures to manage the identified biosecurity risks.
We will then release the draft report for public consultation.
We plan to release the draft report for public consultation in early 2021. Please note that this is an indicative timeline and may be subject to change.
Keep informed
Register as a stakeholder
Subscribe to receive notices about plant biosecurity policies.
Contact us
For more information, email imports or phone 1800 900 090 (option 1, option 1).