Agriculture Victoria is managing a recent detection of tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) at a glasshouse tomato facility in northern Victoria. The facility has been temporarily closed and remains under quarantine to prevent the highly contagious plant virus from spreading.
Victoria's Deputy Chief Plant Health Officer, Dr. Stephen Dibley, stated that Agriculture Victoria is working closely with the affected business to eradicate the virus and support its safe return to operation under the nationally agreed response plan.
"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," Dr. Dibley said.
The virus poses a significant threat to tomato, capsicum, and chili crops, with potential yield losses of up to 70% and a reduction in marketable fruit yield by 10-15%. Agriculture Victoria is implementing strict biosecurity measures to protect the industry and its supply chain.
The affected facility must follow a structured destruction and decontamination process outlined in the National Response Plan before resuming operations. Agriculture Victoria is assisting with plant material disposal, site decontamination, and rigorous diagnostic testing to support the business in reopening as soon as possible.
The virus was detected on January 14 after routine surveillance and testing of seedlings from a South Australian supplier. Since then, Agriculture Victoria has been working closely with the facility owner to manage the response.
A Support Hub has been set up at the Katunga Recreation Reserve, operating Monday to Friday from 10 am to 2 pm, coordinated by Moira Shire Council. The hub assists affected workers, suppliers, and their families, offering financial advice, employment support, and general well-being services.
Moira Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Matthew Morgan encouraged those impacted to seek support. "This is a challenging situation for the business, its employees, and the broader community. We urge anyone in need of assistance to contact the Hub for confidential advice and referrals," Morgan said.
Victorian tomato and capsicum producers, as well as home gardeners, are encouraged to monitor their crops for signs of ToBRFV. Anyone suspecting the presence of the virus should contact Agriculture Victoria for guidance.
For more information:
Agriculture Victoria
Tel: +1 800 084 881
Email: PublicInformation.STPTEPP@agriculture.vic.gov.au
www.agriculture.vic.gov.au