Report your suspect exotic plant pest through the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
An exotic plant pest (EPP) is one that is not known to be present in Australia. It includes insects, mites, snails and slugs as well as diseases caused by fungi, viruses and bacteria that affect the health of plants. In NSW, calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline will send you to Biosecurity and food safety, a branch of the NSW Department of Primary Industries. All calls are taken seriously and treated confidentially.
What happens when you call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline?
In NSW, hotline callers will be presented with a number of options and should select the option for reporting an exotic plant pest. Callers will be asked for details including:
- Name, contact details and location
- The plant affected and a description of the damage on the plant
- Whether there is a pest present (e.g. insect) that may be causing the damage
- Description of the pest or for clear photos via email
Your report will be investigated and you may be contacted for further information or to arrange for a sample of the pest or affected plant to be provided for analysis. Photos and information to accompany your hotline report can be emailed to [email protected].
Why is it important to report unusual plant pests?
Early detection and reporting is key to successfully eradicating an EPP. The earlier an EPP is discovered and reported, the less chance it has to reproduce and spread causing negative impacts. Keeping Australia free of many exotic plant pests can protect our agricultural industries and the environment and support market access.
Further Information
- Plant Health Australia https://www.planthealthaustralia.com.au/biosecurity/emergency-plant-pests/reporting-suspect-pests/
- NSW DPI – Emergency Plant Pest Reporting https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/report-a-pest-or-disease
Acknowledgements:
- About the author Louise Rossiter
