An exotic bacteria that has become widespread in Europe has triggered emergency biosecurity measures in Australia.
Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum causes leaf curling, leaf yellowing, stunting and root abnormalities in carrots and celery.
The bacterium is not present in Australia, however the Department of Agriculture is implementing additional biosecurity measures to help protect the industries in Australia which are worth $190 million and $34 million a year respectively.
The measures were implemented on October 20 and include heat treatment or molecular testing for carrot seeds as well as screening in post-entry quarantine facilities and molecular testing for carrot and celery tissue cultures.
International stakeholders have been notified of the emergency measures through the World Trade Organization Sanitary and Phytosanitary notification system, with a 60 day implementation period.
Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum has spread rapidly across geographically distant areas, including France, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Morocco.
