The recent discovery of an exotic snail on a farm property in regional Victoria has triggered the latest biosecurity alert for Tasmanian farmers.
Green snails are smaller than the common brown species and have an olive-green shell and white flesh. They can significantly damage a wide range of plants, including most leafy vegetables, cereal crops, lupins, pasture grasses and native plants. Green snails can breed very quickly, resulting in up to 1000 young snails per square metre. Prior to the detection in Victoria, green snail has only been found in market gardens, suburban gardens and bush near Perth in Western Australia.
The pest is spread through the movement of host plant material. This has led to import restrictions being announced on a range of plants and plant materials by the Department of Primary industries, Parks, Water and Environment.
Farmers have welcomed this ban, according to TFGA CEO, Jan Davis. “Green snail is a List A pest in Tasmania – that is, we don’t have it here and we definitely don’t want it. These import restrictions on a range of plant products are designed to keep it out of Tasmania.” said Ms Davis.
“We are pleased to see DPIPWE applying appropriate measures on produce entering the state and we ask everyone to be vigilant to maintain our clean and safe biosecurity status.”
The increasing incidence of outbreaks of exotic pests and diseases that can enter Tasmania is adding even more to the compliance burden on farmers.
“I remind the government that TFGA has been seeking appointment of a full time biosecurity liaison officer to assist farmers with advice and compliance regarding biosecurity measures. It is time that the government committed to funding this important role.” Ms Davis said.
Jan Davis http://www.tfga.com.au/
