Pests, diseases and weeds

Pests, diseases and weeds are a constant risk for primary producers, as they can have a serious impact on agricultural production and market access.

The department provides information on the prevention, management and treatment of these pests, diseases and weeds.

Emergency plant pests and disease

Emergency plant pests and diseases can pose a threat to Victoria's agricultural industries, amenity plants, native flora and market access. Also known as 'exotic plant pests', emergency plant pests are defined as a plant pest that is:

• known to cause extensive damage overseas and is not present in Australia or Victoria
• a variant form of a pest already in Australia
• an entirely new pest
• a pest that is already found in (but not native to) Australia that is being controlled within a defined area to minimise its spread and reduce its negative economic impact on horticultural industries.

Emergency plant pests and diseases can enter Victoria or Australia via freight, imported goods, mail, clothing and foot wear and wind currents.

Early detection and reporting is key to successfully eradicating emergency plant pests.

Report unusual pests or diseases immediately

Animals: To report animal pests and diseases, call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline – 1800 675 888 (all hours).

Plants: Report any unusual plant pest or disease immediately to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline -1800 084 881. Calls within Victoria will be diverted to Agriculture Victoria.

Alternatively, you can email photos of the suspected pest and damage, along with your contact details and the pest's location to plant.protection@ecodev.vic.gov.au
Your report will be responded to by an experienced staff member, who will seek information about the detection and explain next steps, which may include a site visit and sampling to confirm the pest or disease.

All reports are taken seriously, checked out and treated confidentially.

Advice about invasive plants, plant pest and disease or animals

If you require advice about invasive plants, plant pest and disease or animals on your property, or want to report a State prohibited weed or high-risk invasive animal please contact the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.