Xylella is an invasive bacterial pathogen that causes significant environmental and economic impacts. Many commercial and ornamental plant species can be killed by this bacterial pathogen, including horticulture, agriculture and Australian plant species that are grown overseas (such as Eucalyptus and Acacia species). The number of plants affected by the bacteria around the world is increasing every year. Fortunately, Australia is free of Xylella bacterial pathogens.Xylella can be carried by insects that feed on the sap of plants. It can also be spread by the movement of infected plants.
Xylella is the number one pest threat to Australian horticultural and agricultural industries. It is also a pest threat to our environment. To reduce the risk of Xylella entering Australia, we implemented emergency measures in November 2015.
We published the final report on 30 June 2026.
The final report recommends risk management measures for nursery stock and seeds for sowing, based on:
- the Xylella status of the source country or region
- host status
- commodity type
- offshore controls in place.
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