BIOSECURITY Tasmania is continuing to monitor several highly destructive plant fungi in the state.
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Blueberry rust and myrtle rust have wreaked havoc across several parts of Tasmania in recent months, after finding their way to the island.
Since their arrival, multiple crops have been destroyed for safety purposes.
Latest updates released by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment show the state is slowly coming to grips with blueberry and myrtle rusts, but the fungi still pose a threat to vegetation and crops.
"The current mission for the emergency response operation is to eradicate myrtle rust in Tasmania," the Biosecurity Tasmania report reads.
"With the removal and destruction of infected plants, together with the declining rate of new infections being reported on Lophomyrtus, there are encouraging signs that the response operation is making positive progress."
To date, there have only been eight cases of myrtle rust reported in the state, while 51 properties have been eradicated of blueberry rust.
Biosecurity officers are also still learning vital details about the fungi that could help keep both under wraps.
"The disease is able to infect at least another species of myrtaceae. This is just one of the reasons why Biosecurity Tasmania is attempting to eradicate the disease."
Residents are urged to keep a lookout for symptoms of blueberry and myrtle rust.
Bright yellow pustules on Lophomyrtus leaves indicate the presence of myrtle rust, while dark brown spots on leaves indicate blueberry rust.
Biosecurity Tasmania continues to request anyone in the wider Burnie area with Lophomyrtus plants on their property to contact the hotline on 0361 653 785 to enable the plants to be included in the ongoing surveillance for any signs of disease.
Biosecurity Tasmania also requests that all Tasmanians with Lophomyrtus plants on their property check their plants for the distinctive yellow fungal disease and to contact the hotline if they suspect the disease is present.
Similarly, if a blueberry plant looks sick or shows sign of rust, do not touch it or move any part of the plant. Contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 0361 653 777.
