A surveillance program by the Department of Agriculture and Food has resulted in the detection of Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (WSMV) on three locations in Western Australia.

In carefully targeted surveillance over the period 2003-2006, over 37,000 plant samples have been collected from across the south west of Western Australia and tested for presence of the virus.

The latest phase of this surveillance program has resulted in identification of the virus in volunteer wheat on three properties in the Western Australian wheatbelt, two in the Esperance region and the other in the Kondinin Shire.

“Whilst this is a disappointing development, it was always a possibility once it was discovered that WSMV is seed borne in wheat.  It was then clear that it could be imported in wheat seed from disease infested regions ” said Rob Delane, Deputy Director General (Biosecurity and Research).

The Department has commenced an incident management response in partnership with the grains industry under the GrainGuard process.

The GrainGuard committee has agreed that most responsible course of action is to obtain additional information about the WSMV incursion into WA with a view to assess the feasibility of various industry risk mitigation options, said Barry Large, Pastoralists and Grazier’s Association representative.

“If there is any chance, as slim as it might be, that WSMV can be confined to the present outbreaks then current protocols should be maintained during this assessment period.  As graingrowers ultimately carry the greatest cost and inconvenience of any new disease incursion, it is vital that their interests be given foremost consideration, said Mr Ray Marshall, WA Farmers Grain Section President.

Mr Delane said further surveys and investigations to determine the source and the extent of the incursion of this virus are underway.