A second case of Panama Race 4 fungal disease has been confirmed in North Queensland, this time on the Atherton Tablelands on a farm near Mareeba. 

Biosecurity Queensland confirmed the presence of the disease on Thursday. 

The property will be quarantined while Biosecurity Queensland conducts further soil tests and attempts to discover if and how the fungus disease spread from an infected farm in Tully, where it was initially discovered in early March.

Any infected plants will be destroyed.

Panama Race 4 affects all varieties of bananas and is nigh-impossible to eradicate from contaminated soil. 

Spores are long-lasting and can be transferred from place to place by vehicles, footwear, animals and floodwaters.

Biosecurity Queensland has established a 70-strong Panama Disease taskforce to track and interdict the spread of the disease.

Growers are strongly encouraged to ensure the use of clean planting material such as tissue culture plants; not to share farm machinery and equipment with other growers, and remove all plant material and soil from all machinery, equipment, vehicles and footwear before entry to their property.

If you suspect Panama disease on your plants, report it immediately to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23, or call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

For more information on preventing Panama disease visit www.daf.qld.gov.au