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Panama TR4 spreads across infested farms
Panama TR4 remains contained to three Tully Valley farms four-and-a half years on from the initial detection. However, the disease has spread uphill and up-river within the infested farms, with nearly 60 plants confirmed positive since March 2015 (nearly 60 per cent of these plants were on the first infested farm).
As the Australian Banana Growers’ Council reports in their August edition of Australian Bananas Magazine (page 10), further detections of infected plants on a Panama TR4 infested farm are to be expected. As they do not change the biosecurity situation on the property and to respect the privacy of growers, these detections are not individually announced.
Detection of these infected plants took place through routine Biosecurity Queensland surveillance and growers self-reporting. Early detection and rapid plant destruction is key to reducing inoculum build-up and limiting disease spread.
For now, biosecurity measures implemented at the infested farms are protecting the industry while it adjusts to farming with Panama TR4. Growers must remain vigilant and adhere to biosecurity measures. There is no room for complacency.
If you see signs of Panama TR4, contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 straight away.
If you would like to discuss your on-farm biosecurity, email the Panama TR4 Program on panamatr4@daf.qld.gov.au to arrange an on-farm visit. |
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Queensland's response to Panama TR4 featured on national stage
Queensland’s success in managing Panama TR4 received national attention at the recent Australian Biosecurity Symposium. Program Leader Rhiannon Evans presented on how Panama TR4 has been contained to three farms since the initial 2015 detection through growers, industry and government working together.
Rhiannon’s presentation was warmly received as she shared how Panama TR4 is a difficult disease to manage with no room for complacency. With ongoing vigilance vital in limiting its spread, she emphasised three key points:
- Queensland Government and the Australian Banana Growers' Council (ABGC) are developing an agreement to give industry opportunities to make key decisions on Panama TR4 management.
- Growers have implemented on-farm biosecurity measures to minimise risk of spreading Panama TR4.
- Research and development is integral to:
- develop banana varieties with improved Panama TR4 tolerance
- contain and manage Panama TR4 through world’s best practice biosecurity.
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Finding waste solutions on a Panama TR4 infested farm
Managing on-farm sewerage waste can be challenging at the best of times. Add Panama TR4 into the mix, when movement of soil and plant material is restricted, and waste removal calls for a smart solution.
Compliance Officer Jessica Portch worked with the grower on an infested farm to come up with a workable solution that ticked all the boxes.
“The grower was concerned about removing sewerage waste from a septic tank on his farm,” Jessica explained.
“We brainstormed ideas and came up with a biosecurity solution together that didn’t disrupt operations and was cost-effective.”
“The waste-truck driver was completely onboard with biosecurity procedures, was proactive and ensured he arrived clean and departed clean.”
Creating a temporary clean zone, following procedures and keeping everyone in the loop meant the grower’s problem was solved with minimal disruption.
“It was essentially ‘business as usual’ and the grower said the whole process wasn’t as difficult as he imagined,” said Jessica.
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ABGC takes a guided tour of Panama TR4 testing lab
The Panama TR4 Program invited the Australian Banana Growers' Council (ABGC) to visit the Brisbane laboratory where Panama TR4 testing is conducted. The lab tour was arranged to give ABGC:
- insight into the rigorous Panama TR4 testing process
- opportunity to meet with the scientists who conduct the tests.
Board members and staff learned about systematic testing stages and the strict biosecurity procedures followed upon receipt of samples taken during surveillance. Senior Scientist Liz Czislowski and Manager of Plant Biosecurity Laboratory Dr Juliane Henderson answered questions and explained the complex diagnostic process which can take up to six weeks to determine a conclusive result.
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Meet Rebecca from the Panama TR4 Program
Meet Rebecca Breaden, Community Engagement Officer.
You can expect to see Rebecca meeting with growers to discuss their biosecurity needs and raising awareness about Panama TR4 prevention.
Rebecca is most at home in the field talking to growers about their biosecurity issues. She provides a vital information link between growers, community and government.
“I enjoy working with growers to develop practical solutions for their farms to protect their livelihoods and the industry. I supported tobacco farmers diversifying into alternative crops through the CHOICES program,” said Rebecca.
Prior to joining the Panama TR4 Program, Rebecca utilised her Horticultural Technology degree and almost 20 years’ industry experience on biological and chemical control trials for environmental weeds.
Contact Rebecca to arrange a Panama TR4 education session or on-farm visit.
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Panama TR4 Program team gets the whole family involved at the show
People of all ages had fun whilst learning about Panama TR4 at Biosecurity Queensland's stall at the Innisfail and Tully shows recently.
A ‘guess the number of banana lollies’ competition and mobile photo booth kept show-goers entertained while chatting about Panama TR4.
A short survey indicated high community awareness of Panama TR4 but there is some confusion about where the disease is and how it is spread.
Rebecca Breaden, Community Engagement Officer, said that Panama TR4 had been contained to the Tully Valley and that its spread can be limited by following ‘come clean, leave clean’ guidelines. She talked to kids about how Panama TR4 is found in the soil and that it’s best not to ride through banana farms.
“A significant reason for being at the show is to ensure that everyone knows how they can help protect our growers and the whole banana industry against Panama TR4 spreading,” Rebecca said.
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Updated biosecurity tools and tips available
The new-look farm biosecurity program website has tools and tips to help farmers implement and manage on-farm biosecurity. Growers can download biosecurity checklists, action planners, visitor registers, a farm biosecurity manual for the banana industry and much more!
The easy-to-use website also has useful information on surveillance, pests and staff training tips through fact sheets and videos.
Check out these useful videos:
Subscribe to the Farm Biosecurity Newsletter - produced by Animal Health Australia and Plant Health Australia.
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Ambulance and Fire services help prevent Panama TR4 spread
Ambulance and fire and emergency services personnel recently attended workshops covering decontamination processes to ensure emergency services limit Panama TR4 spread while attending to critical duties on banana farms.
“We recognise that emergency services personnel need unhindered access during emergency situations,” said Rhiannon Evans, Panama TR4 Program Leader.
The workshop reinforced how first responders can limit disease spread by washing down vehicles and equipment as soon as practicable once an emergency situation is under control.
“Community engagement and education between government and essential services is integral to ongoing, effective Panama TR4 containment and we were pleased to see that these services have excellent Panama TR4 management plans in place," said Rhiannon.
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