http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/01/23/2473097.htm

Citrus canker disease officially eradicated from Qld

Posted January 23, 2009 13:29:00

Queensland has been officially declared free of citrus canker.

The State Government says the disease has now been eradicated from Emerald in central Queensland where it was first detected in 2004.

During the outbreak more than half a million citrus trees had to be destroyed.

Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin says canker crippled Emerald's citrus industry, which generates $90 million a year.

Mr Mulherin says a national management group has given Emerald the all clear and restrictions on citrus farmers in the area have been lifted.

"The declaration comes just weeks after Queensland was declared free of equine influenza," he said.

"Getting the all clear on two devastating diseases within a month is great news for Queensland - it shows we have the expertise and ability to handle serious biosecurity threats.

"We hope that the industry will grow to the levels or beyond the levels of what it was prior to citrus canker.

The all clear was given after a three year quarantine with no further outbreaks reported.