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Mop-Top Potato Virus Detected in Australia for First Time
The previously exotic virus affects potato yields and quality but poses no risk to human health, with Tasmania producing 479,000 tonnes in 2023/24, officials said.
- Following diagnostic testing, Biosecurity Tasmania identified Potato mop-top virus on a North-West Tasmania farm on July 18.
- In response, Biosecurity Tasmania set up an Incident Management Team after a farmer reported a concerning potato earlier this year, with lab testing confirming the virus on July 18.
- Potato mop-top virus distorts and rots tuber skin and flesh, affecting foliage and shoots, but poses no risk to human health, according to Primary Industries Minister Gavin Pearce.
- To support containment, Biosecurity Tasmania is tracing virus movements and urges farmers to report unusual signs to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline at 1800 084 881.
- Given Tasmania’s status, government jurisdictions, industry groups, and experts will collaborate on next steps for managing the virus, which threatens potato production and industry sustainability.
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14 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center0Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left
L 60%
R 40%
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