Focus on Parthenium Weed
Now is the time of year when Parthenium weed is more likely to be found, particularly on roadsides. Over the past weeks, Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) has been identified at numerous locations in regional NSW and the Greater Sydney region. Parthenium weed is a significant biosecurity risk in NSW and is listed as Prohibited Matter in Schedule 2 of the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015.
This weed adversely affects human and animal health and can cause:
- Respiratory problems
- Severe dermatitis
- Tainted meat if stock eat the plant within one month of slaughter
- Tainted milk
Landowners are advised never to touch the plant with bare hands and always use a dust mask if working near the weed.
Parthenium weed is commonly spread via:
- livestock (including poultry) that have been fed grain or hay, mainly if it has come from Queensland
- earthworks, particularly if machinery has been in Queensland
- bare soil (cultivated areas, roadsides, poor pastures)
- grain crops that have been harvested by a contractor
While Parthenium weed is endemic to central Queensland, NSW continues to be free from established populations. It is a Weed of National Significance so if you see this weed report it to your Local Council Weeds Officer.
For more detailed information about the Parthenium weed and how to identify it visit https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/Details/165
