Biosecurity in Focus
The new millennium brought biosecurity into focus, particularly in Queensland.
A look back at the 2004-05 period reveals a significant outbreak of the highly contagious citrus canker bacterium at Evergreen Farms in Emerald.Citrus Canker Outbreak
Between June 2004 and May 2005, the exotic disease was detected on three commercial citrus orchards in the district.
- 490,000 commercial citrus trees were destroyed by January 1, 2006
- 4,000 residential trees were destroyed
- 150,000 native citrus plants were destroyed
A two-year quarantine period was put in place to control the outbreak.
Author's summary: Biosecurity issues affected Queensland's primary industries.