As of 13 September, new movement restrictions have been implemented in Queensland under the Movement Control Order (MCO) to reduce the risk of the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV). The order is effective from September 13, 2024, and will remain in place for three months unless revoked earlier. The movement control applies to the entire state of Queensland, Australia.
The Movement Control Order is intended to prevent the spread of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) into Queensland. Purpose of the order is to stop the entry and establishment of ToBRFV in Queensland, following the recent detections in South Australia. The virus is highly contagious and affects crops like tomatoes, capsicum, and chillies. It poses significant risks to crop yields, spreading through tools, packaging, and other carriers.Queensland, Western Australia and New Zealand all restricted South Australian tomato imports due to the virus outbreak at three businesses on the Northern Adelaide Plains, Australia.
The order applies to specific carriers of the virus, including tomato, capsicum, and chilli seeds and plants, equipment, tools, and packaging used in their production and transport.
Individuals must report the presence or suspected presence of the virus.
Movement of ToBRFV carriers into Queensland is restricted unless they are from virus-free areas or meet biosecurity conditions (certificates required).
Packaging must be new or sanitized according to specific guidelines.
Inspectors can test or destroy carriers and disinfect areas to prevent the virus's spread.