Mop Top confirmed as non-eradicable

The Tasmanian Government has announced that Potato Mop Top disease is not eradicable and is here to stay, formally confirming what Primary Industries Minister Gavin Pearce told the Tasmanian Country in late August.

This comes following a meeting of the National Management Group (NMG) on Friday, where it was agreed by consensus that Mop Top is not eradicable in Tasmania. 

Also this week, testing showed 1700 tonnes of seed potato would need to be destroyed due to the potential presence of the disease, and it was detected at a southern site for the first time (the ninth site in total).

Authorities said that the 1700 tonnes of potentially infected seed potato represented a "small" percentage of the total seed stock, but declined to say how much exactly citing "commercial" reasons.

Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce, said experience shows that Mop Top can be successfully managed, and the Tasmanian Government will continue to work with industry as we move forward. 

“Good biosecurity practices and management of powdery scab are the keys to minimising further spread and impact of Mop Top in Tasmania,” Minister Pearce said.

“Tasmanians must remember to come clean, go clean by removing soil and plant material from machinery, equipment, and boots before leaving one property and entering another. 

“Our Government recognises the importance of Tasmania’s potato industry, worth $379 million at the farm gate, and will continue to work with growers and industry as we move forward."

There are no food safety or human health risks associated with the virus, and all potatoes remain safe to consume.