Where it’s found

Xylella originated in the Americas and has spread to parts of Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Caribbean. Exotic insect vectors that can spread the disease are also established in other parts of the world.

Australia has had no reported outbreaks.

What it affects

Xylella is a bacterial disease that can infect more than 700 plant species, including grapevines, olives, citrus, avocado, pear, cherries, blueberries and many native and ornamental plants. Infection can cause leaf scorch, branch dieback, reduced productivity and plant death.

Xylella is spread by insect vectors. These insects feed on infected plants and can spread the disease to other plants when they feed again. There are many confirmed exotic vectors of Xylella that are exotic to Australia. The meadow spittlebug and glassy winged sharpshooter are two examples of high-risk exotic vectors.

Xylella and its vectors are listed as Australia's number one National Priority Plant Pest because of the potentially severe impacts on agriculture, the environment and trade.

There is no cure for infected plants. If Xylella became established in Australia, infected plants would need to be removed to manage its spread, with serious impacts on agriculture, the environment and everyday life.

How to protect against Xylella and exotic vectors

Growers, home gardeners and retailers have a critical role in keeping this disease out of Australia.

  • Know what to look for - see what meadow spittlebug and glassy winged sharpshooter look like and how they differ from native bugs
  • Know how to identify the signs and symptoms of Xylella infection, and how the disease spreads
  • Do not import seeds or plant material of any kind without an import permit
  • Report suspect signs of the disease in plants and exotic vectors. 

See more about Xylella and its exotic vectors

Report a concern

If you suspect Xylella infection or in plants phone the Exotic Plant Pest hotline on 1800 675 888.

To report illegal importing activity phone the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry through its Redline on 1800 803 006.