Plant disease myrtle rust has been discovered in Victoria for the first time. (Photo supplied by DPI Victoria)
The highly contagious plant disease, myrtle rust, has been found for the first time in Victoria.
Australia's first case of myrtle rust was reported in 2010 in NSW. It's spread to far north Queensland and has been detected on more than 150 plant species. The fungus can be controlled in small outbreaks using fungicides.
Victoria's Department of Primary Industries Incident Controller, Gordon Berg says young native forests are particularly vulnerable.
"Particularly it effects young, new growth, so our concern is more where there would be regrowth say in areas affected by fires perhaps or areas where trees are replanted after timber cutting."
"That could have a marked effect in some cases on the ability of those to regenerate."
For more information phone the DPI on 1800 084 881.
