Condition 43C - Electric Ant: Hay and straw
The information within this Import Condition was current as of the date of printing: Friday, 23 October 2026.
New entry conditions or amendments may be implemented from time to time and are uploaded into the Plant Quarantine Manual.
It is recommended that you regularly check the http://www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/pqm website for the most up to date import conditions.
Any hay or straw originating from an area covered by an Area Freedom Certificate declaring that the area from which the host material originated is known to be free of electric ant may enter Victoria without restriction, otherwise –
the movement into Victoria of any hay or straw is prohibited:
- treated by fumigation with a product containing 1000 g/kg methyl bromide at a rate of 48g/m³ at 21°C for at least 24 hours, and
- stored, handled and consigned after treatment so as to prevent infestation with electric ants, and
- inspected and found to be dry and free of earth material and electric ants, and
- dispatched within 28 days of treatment; or
- enters Victoria in accordance with a permit issued by Agriculture Victoria. To apply for a permit visit the Plant biosecurity permit page.
Documentation requirement: Plant Health Certificate (PHC), Plant Health Assurance Certificate (PHAC), Plant Health Declaration(PHD) or permit.
Definitions:
‘electric ant’ means the exotic pest Wasmannia auropunctata Rogers
‘host material’ means any material capable of harbouring electric ants including plants, plant products, used equipment, used packages, earth and landscaping materials (including potting media, organic mulch and compose animal manure), but excludes tissue culture, bare rooted plants washed free of earth material, fruit and seedlings in plugs/cells.