Plant disease pathogen myrtle rust, or Puccinia psidii, was detected early this month near Burnie and has triggered an alert from Biosecurity Tasmania.

An advisory published by Biosecurity Tasmania said other suspected cases on the North-West were being investigated.

The disease impacts the Myrtaceae plant family including; willow myrtle, eucalypts, paperbarks, bottlebrush, tea tree and lophomyrtus.

Biosecurity Tasmania said officers were attempting to identify the spread and potential source of the disease.

"Plant pathologists have confirmed one case of myrtle rust on a sample of twigs and leaves that had recently been handed to a biosecurity officer," the advisory read.

"Myrtle rust can spread very easily by producing spores that can be dispersed by wind and can be readily transported to other locations on clothing, tools, and machinery.

"The Tasmanian community is being urged to be vigilant and to look out for signs of myrtle rust."

The advisory asked people to look at soft growing tips of Myrtaceae leaves, stems and buds to identify bright yellow rust pustules that will present during warmer months.

Myrtle rust falls under list A of the Plant Quarantine Act 1997 and is present in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales.

If anyone finds evidence of what might be myrtle rust, they are asked to photograph, record details and list the location of the disease and call Biosecurity Tasmania on 6165 3785.

For more information about the disease, go to www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/Documents/myrtle.pdf.