The detection of a highly transmissible fruit virus that affects tomatoes, capsicums, and chilies has triggered a $5 million national eradication response to safeguard confidence in the horticulture industry.
Three properties north of Adelaide have destroyed produce worth millions of dollars since being quarantined in August, after tomato brown rugose fruit virus, known as ToBRFV, was detected on their properties.
It has been contained to the three properties, with no further detections reported, Greenlife Industry Australia says. The eradication plan includes measures such as surveillance, testing, and strict hygiene protocols to protect the production and trade of tomatoes and capsicums.
The containment is a positive development, but vigilance remains crucial, according to John McDonald, director of Research, Development and Extension and Biosecurity at Greenlife Industry Australia.
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