18 June 2021
Who does this notice affect?
Importers of blueberries and cranberries from New Zealand
What has changed?
A review of the blueberry rust pathogens that may be associated with imports from New Zealand by the department determined that the previously regulated species, Naohidemyces vaccinii, is not known to be present in New Zealand, however Thekopsora minima is known to be present in New Zealand and is currently regulated by Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria.
Due to this, as of 14 June 2021, the blueberry rust species that is regulated for blueberries and cranberries imported from New Zealand has been amended from Naohidemyces vaccinii to Thekopsora minima.
The additional declaration requirements have been amended to support this change and are as follows:
- “The additional declaration "The crop has been inspected within 14 days prior to harvest and no blueberry rust (Thekopsora minima) detected.", or
- The additional declaration "The crop has been sprayed within 14 days prior to harvest with a pre-harvest application of a fungicide registered for the treatment of blueberry rust as per label recommendations."
Further information
For further information, please contact the horticulture team on 1800 900 090 or by email at imports@aff.gov.au.