Potato mop-top virus Explanation Guide
Biosecurity (potato mop-top virus) Control Order 2025
Note: this is a summary only. All activity should be guided by the Control Order, which is available here.
Why is the Control Order in place?
Biosecurity Tasmania is currently responding to detections of potato mop-top virus (PMTV) in potatoes grown in potatoes grown in northwestern Tasmania. This is the first time the virus has been detected in Australia. NSW remains free of PMTV.
A Control Order has been put in place to prevent the introduction of PMTV into NSW.
Processed potatoes, such as crisps, hash browns and frozen chips are exempt from the Control Order, so they can be moved in NSW.
What does the Control Order mean?
The Control Order puts restrictions on the movement of PMTV carriers into NSW from places in Australia where there has been a detection of PMTV. To date, PMTV has only been detected in Tasmania and not in mainland Australia.
What do I do if I think I have seen PMTV?
If you think you have seen PMTV - report it to NSW DPIRD.
You must notify NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development if you suspect the presence of PMTV in NSW.
You can notify by calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 or by completing the ‘Report a biosecurity concern’ online form.
Movement of carriers
The Control Order places restrictions on movement of PMTV virus carriers into NSW.
Carriers of PMTV include;
- all parts of the potato plant, including tubers (e.g. seed and fresh potatoes)
- soil that has been in contact with PMTV
- the potato pathogen powdery scab (Spongospora subterranea).
Note: The control measures set out in the PMTV Control Order are in addition to any requirements set out in the Biosecurity Regulation 2017 and the Biosecurity Order (Permitted Activities) 2019.
Moving potatoes into NSW from a PMTV free area
If the state from which the host plants originate holds a current Area Freedom Certificate (AFC), then those host plants can come into NSW if the consignment is labelled with the name and post code of the nearest town to where the host plants were grown.
Moving vehicles, equipment and packaging into NSW from a PMTV free area
You may move vehicles, machinery and equipment into NSW from a place that is in a State or Territory that holds a current PMTV Area Freedom Certificate. Labelling is not required.
What you MUST NOT bring into NSW from a PMTV affected area
You can not move the following into NSW from a PMTV affected area (such as Tasmania):
- seed potatoes
- ware (fresh eating) potatoes
- potatoes to be used in processing
- soil that has been used to grow potatoes within the last 5 years
- equipment, vehicles, and packaging that have been in contact with PMTV host plants or soil that has been used to grow host plants within the last 5 years.
