Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) has been detected at a third business on the Northern Adelaide Plains, Australia. This is confirmed by the Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA). This outbreak is linked to the movement of plant material to known infected sites on the Northern Adelaide Plains. Last month, Australia reported its first cases of the virus, with two cultivation facilities testing positive. It marked the first known incidence of this virus in Australia
"As of 3 September 2024, more than 2,000 plant samples have been taken for testing from 18 businesses, encompassing 84 greenhouses. Only 3 business have been confirmed as infected with the virus. Response activities, including surveillance and tracing measures, have been underway since the first detection was confirmed on 5 August, and we continue to work closely with affected businesses", PIRSA says.
Three businesses are also being followed up in case of infected seeds, with PIRSA undertaking extensive tracing of seed lots to try and identify the source of infection, which remains unknown at this stage. "Tracing has shown some other states may have also received potentially infected seed, and these jurisdictions have been informed and are conducting follow up testing."
South Australian Chief Plant Health Officer, Nick Secomb, encouraged growers to reduce the risk of spreading pests and diseases by cleaning shoes, hands, and equipment regularly, and to report signs of the disease. "Every grower can help, by knowing what to do on their property to reduce the risk of spreading pests and diseases. Visit the PIRSA website for information," he said.
"Look out for signs of ToBRFV and report anything unusual to the 24/7 Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881."
MInimise cross contamination
The South Australian government says it is currently too early in the response to confirm how far the disease may have spread. South Australia has applied movement controls and quarantine measures within affected premises and at the property boundary to prevent the movement of risk material and minimise cross-contamination.
The Federal and State Governments are concentrated on making surveillance and tracing as robust as possible to ensure absolute confidence in knowing how far the disease may have spread. "Having this evidence will help support our efforts and help minimise trade impacts." Industry body AusVeg hosted a meeting this morning with PIRSA to update growers on the current situation and the process going forward.
Listed as a National Priority Plant Pest, ToBRFV is a highly contagious plant virus and regarded as a considerable threat to Australia's $5.8 billion vegetable industry due to reduced yield and quality of produce. "ToBRFV has no known effects on human health and no shortages of tomatoes or price rises are expected at this time as a result of these detections", the government concludes.
Queensland, Western Australia and New Zealand all restricted South Australian tomato imports due to the virus. The ban was reviewed on August 30, and Biosecurity New Zealand deputy director-general Stuart Anderson confirmed in a statement to local newspaper InDaily that the ban remains in place.
The new detection comes after Queensland's Department of Agriculture and Fisheries announced a movement control order notice on August 23, restricting tomatoes and any other known carriers of ToBRFV from entering the state from any state or territory with a confirmed detection of the virus. The order will remain in place for three months "unless earlier revoked".