National eradication programs - emergency plant pests
Australia sometimes undertakes national programs to eradicate incursions of specific exotic plant pests and diseases from the country. These programs are necessary when a pest or disease has the potential to seriously impact on Australia's plant industries, trade, the economy, the environment and even lifestyle. These programs are only undertaken when the elimination of a pest or disease is justified and feasible.
An overview of each of the eradication programs currently being undertaken in Australia is provided below. A link to more specific information about the pest or disease has also been provided. The success of these programs is dependent on a number of factors including the detection of pests and diseases subject to eradication.
You can help by watching out for any of the pests and diseases that are under eradication in Australia. Report any detections you have made to Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
National eradication programs in Australia are cooperative efforts between the Australian Government, the state and territory governments, and the affected plant industry. The programs are nationally coordinated by the Office of the Chief Plant Protection Officer. The state or territory government where the pest occurs is responsible for the management and operation of the program. Technical assistance for programs is provided by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Citrus canker - declared as eradicated from Australia
The National Citrus Canker Eradication Program commenced in 2001 to eradicate citrus canker from Queensland. The nationally coordinated program was managed and operated by Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F). Citrus canker is a bacterial disease caused by Xanthomonus axonopodis pv. citri and is considered to be a serious threat to citrus Australia’s citrus industry.
Further information about the program and the disease can be found on the DPI&F website.
Grapevine leaf rust - declared as eradicated from Australia
The National Grapevine Leaf Rust Eradication Program commenced in 2001 to eradicate grapevine leaf rust from the Northern Territory. The nationally coordinated program was managed by the Northern Territory’s Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries and Mines (DPIF&M). Grapevine leaf rust is a windborne fungal disease caused by Phakopsora euvitis and is considered to be a threat to Australia’s winegrape, wine and tablegrape industries.
Red imported fire ant
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program commenced in 2002 to eradicate the red imported fire ant from Queensland. The nationally coordinated program is managed by DPI&F. Fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) is an insect pest that is considered to be a threat to lifestyle, the environment and the economy.
Further information about the NCCEP can be found on the DPI&F website.
Electric ants
The National Electric Ant Eradication Program commenced in 2006 to eradicate electric ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) from Queensland. The nationally coordinated program is managed by Biosecurity Queensland, an agency of the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F). Electric ant is an exotic ant species and is regarded as an environmental pest. This pest can cause harm to people, as well as their businesses and lifestyle.
Further information on electric ants and the response program can be found on the DPI&F website.
European house borer
The European house borer (Hylotrupes bajulus) is a destructive insect borer of seasoned coniferous timbers that has been detected in Western Australia and is currently under national eradication. The Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia and the Forest Products Commission are managing the response to the incursion of this pest in Western Australia.
Further information about the pest and the response program is on the European House Borer website.