Potato mop-top virus: A new challenge for Australia

In July 2025, suspicious potato samples from north-west Tasmania were submitted to the state’s plant diagnostic laboratory. Testing confirmed PMTV, and subsequent independent verification confirmed the diagnosis.

Biosecurity Tasmania immediately established an Incident Management Team and invoked national response arrangements under the national Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed.

By late August, six infected premises had been identified. Four of those have been identified through tracing (which means the team were able to establish a linkage between the sites) and two infected premises have been identified through seed testing.