PRODUCERS are being urged to be on the lookout for parthenium weed after new cases were reported.
Poultry farmers are at the centre of the NSW Department of Primary Industries' (DPI) latest warning after the discovery of the noxious weed on chicken farms near Tamworth and Kiama.
The Kiama case marks the first time the weed has been found in south-eastern NSW.
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NSW DPI state priority weeds co-ordinator, Phil Blackmore, said the Kiama detection is the 26th parthenium weed infestation to have been identified and managed in NSW since April 1 last year.
Six infestations are linked to contaminated organic whole grain chicken feed and mash and one is linked to contaminated conventional chicken feed," Mr Blackmore said.
"The contaminated feed infestations were traced to Queensland manufacturers who have worked with NSW DPI to eliminate parthenium seed from feed products.
"We have contacted suppliers, alerted buyers of potentially contaminated feed and conducted inspections of their properties."
Mr Blackmore said the diligence of local producers helped identify the most recent case.
"No parthenium plants were found during an initial inspection of the Kiama chicken farm and the vigilant operators remained on the lookout for parthenium," he said.
"The Illawarra District Weeds Authority was contacted by the owners when they found suspect plants which germinated in summer, just prior to Christmas, under favourable conditions.
"Local councils across the state are working to eradicate all infestations as the united efforts of the Local Land Services and community continue to keep the devastating weed in check."
The noxious weed has been discovered across the state in various locations such as Forbes, Wee Waa and Cobar in recent months and is dangerous to grazing animals, reduces crop and land values. Contact with the plant or pollen can cause serious allergic reactions in people.
NSW DPI urges everyone, particularly those who have fed poultry with purchased organic grain and mash to be on the lookout for parthenium and call the NSW DPI Biosecurity Helpline 1800 680 244 or their local council with any suspected sightings of the weed.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
