Current strategies to contain the spread of the virus remain in place while new national management strategy is developed
Australia’s tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) National Management Group (NMG) announced it is no longer technically feasible to eradicate the virus from Australia following a meeting on 29 May.
According to a release from Agriculture Victoria, the decision was based on the technical considerations of the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP) and engagement with production nursery, capsicum, processing and fresh tomato industries on the potential to manage the pest as part of their normal business operations.
“While the NMG agreed that it was no longer technically feasible to eradicate ToBRFV from Australia, the NMG also acknowledged that it was important that current strategies to contain the spread of the virus remain in place until such time as an agreed national strategy for management can be developed in consultation with impacted industries,” the release said.
“Following this decision and in further engagement with the impacted parties, advice will be provided urgently from the CCEPP regarding options on how best to support industry in preparing to manage and reduce the impacts of ToBRFV on Australian producers.”
The South Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) and Agriculture Victoria will continue to work with property owners and industry through the next stages of the response.
The NMG acknowledged the impact that ToBRFV has had on fresh tomato growers, production nurseries and wider industry and recognised the substantial efforts by the impacted growers, PIRSA, and Agriculture Victoria in response efforts to date.
“It is anticipated that going forward Australian producers will significantly benefit from the rapid growth in understanding of both the biology and management of this virus that has been achieved by producers who have learned to live with the virus in other parts of the world,” the release said.
Agriculture Victoria said reporting suspicion of pests and diseases was still a vital in protecting Australia and if growers suspect the presence of the virus or notice any symptoms, they should contact the emergency pest hotline on 1800 084 881.
