Surveillance program for Panama disease tropical race 4 (detection of disease)

A surveillance program for Panama disease tropical race 4 (detection of disease) has been authorised under the Biosecurity Act 2014.

Biosecurity matter

The biosecurity matter to which the biosecurity program relates is Panama disease tropical race 4 (also known as fusarium wilt of banana, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4).

Purpose and scope

The purpose of the biosecurity program is to:

  • find the extent of the presence, and confirm the presence, of Panama disease tropical race 4 in Queensland;
  • monitor the levels of Panama disease tropical race 4 on known infested properties or suspected to be infested properties;
  • monitor the effects of control measures put in place to mitigate the biosecurity risk of Panama disease tropical race 4.The biosecurity program will apply to the whole of the State of Queensland. Whilst the focus of the biosecurity program is the commercial banana growing region in northern Queensland, it is imperative that surveillance to find the extent of the presence of the disease be conducted across the State as required.

Commencement and duration

The biosecurity program started on 1 July 2016 and will continue until such time as the disease is considered no longer containable or the chief executive revokes the biosecurity program.

Access to biosecurity program

A copy of the biosecurity program for surveillance of Panama disease tropical race 4 (detection of disease) (PDF, 465.7KB) is available for inspection at all Department of Agriculture and Fisheries offices.

A free copy can be provided on request by contacting our customer service centre.