The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has confirmed that Xylella fastidiosa is present in mainland China. China is now considered to be a high-risk country for Xylella.
Evidence of Xylella was found in the Occurrence of Walnut Leaf Scorch in Xinjiang, China and reported here.
On 31 January 2025, DAFF introduced enhanced regulatory measures for imported host nursery stock from China, to ensure import conditions continue to be effective in reducing the risk of Xylella from entering Australia.
The measures will require Xylella host nursery stock material (tissue culture and non-tissue culture) from China to undergo increased testing, treatment and pre-export certification. Read more here.
Australia has existing emergency measures in place to manage the risk of Xylella being introduced in imported host plants and some seeds.
Xylella is Australia’s highest National Priority Plant Pest. It is an invasive bacterial pathogen that causes a devastating disease in more than 700 plant species. If it were to enter Australia, it would be practically impossible to eradicate as there is no treatment or cure.