Agriculture Victoria continues to respond to a recent detection of tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) at a glasshouse tomato facility in northern Victoria.
The facility has closed temporarily and remains under quarantine to ensure the highly contagious plant virus doesn't spread beyond the facility.
Victoria's Deputy Chief Plant Health Officer Dr Stephen Dibley said Agriculture Victoria is working with the affected business to assist them to eradicate the disease and guide a return to business in line with the nationally agreed response plan developed with industry input.
'Every effort is being made to eradicate ToBRFV from the Victorian property to protect Australia's $5.8 billion vegetable industry and the $2.8 billion plant nursery industry from the impacts of this virus.'
'Agriculture Victoria has a national responsibility to maintain strong biosecurity controls to protect the tomato and capsicum industry and the thousands of employees who support it, as well as the broader supply chain.'
'ToBRFV can cause serious economic damage to tomato, capsicum and chilli crops, with yield losses of up to 70% and reduced marketable fruit yield by 10-15%. We are taking this situation very seriously and doing what is required to protect the industry.'
'Whilst challenging for individual businesses, there is a destruction and decontamination process detailed in the agreed National Response Plan that all facilities with a positive detection are required to follow to enable a safe return to trade.'
'Agriculture Victoria is assisting with the safe removal and disposal of plant materials, decontamination of the premises and will coordinate rigorous diagnostic testing to get the business back into operation as soon as possible,' Dr Dibley said.
The virus was detected at the property on 14 January following surveillance and testing of seedlings that originated from a South Australian business.
Agriculture Victoria has been working with the facility owner since the positive detection was made.
A Support Hub has been established at the Katunga Recreation Reserve, currently operating from Monday to Friday from 10am - 2pm, coordinated by Moira Shire Council. The Support Hub will continue to operate as long as necessary to support those directly impacted by the temporary closure of the impacted business including workers, suppliers and their families.
Moira Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Matthew Morgan said the hub brings together relevant agencies who can provide support services covering financial advice, employment matters and general wellbeing.
'This is a challenging situation for the business, its employees and the broader community, and we encourage anyone needing support to please get in contact with us through the Hub for confidential advice and referrals,' Mr Morgan said.
Victorian tomato and capsicum producers and home gardeners are encouraged to monitor their crops and to contact Agriculture Victoria if they suspect the disease might be present.
Producers should make a report if they suspect the presence of ToBRFV in their crops. You can:
