Tasmania’s official response to a potato virus outbreak is ending after authorities determined it cannot be wiped out.
Biosecurity Tasmania announced on Wednesday that management of potato mop-top virus (PMTV) will move to an industry-led approach, with all previous property restrictions now lifted.
The virus was first detected in potatoes harvested from north-west Tasmania in July.
Further cases were found across northern and southern regions in the following months.
On September 19, the National Management Group ruled eradication was not technically feasible.
“To the best of our knowledge, PMTV has not been eradicated anywhere it has been detected globally,” the advisory stated.
“All directions previously placed on premises during the response will be lifted and tracing and surveillance actions will cease.”
The decision was based on several challenges, including the widespread presence of powdery scab, which spreads the virus.
Authorities also cited difficulty detecting all infected areas and the virus’s ability to persist undetected in soil.
Despite the shift, officials say impacts should be minimal if proper management is followed.
“Based on the experience of other countries such as New Zealand, it is anticipated that impacts to the potato industry will be minimal,” the advisory said.
Recommended measures include establishing proper crop rotations, following biosecurity hygiene practices, managing powdery scab and considering virus-resilient potato varieties.
A general biosecurity direction will be issued providing guidance to growers, contractors and processors on managing the virus.
This includes cleaning vehicles and machinery to reduce soil movement.
The state government has committed $200,000 to the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture for research into long-term virus management.
The department thanked the potato industry for its cooperation and the community for their patience during the response.
“NRE Tas would like to thank the Tasmanian potato industry for their ongoing collaboration during the PMTV response and the Tasmanian community for their understanding during this time,” the advisory said.
