The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) continues its response to the detection of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) in the Northern Adelaide Plains.
Current Situation
There has been no change in the number of confirmed cases, with three businesses still affected by ToBRFV in South Australia. However, in a positive development, 11 properties have been advised that the virus was not detected in their test samples.
Over 3,000 samples have been tested, and PIRSA Case Managers are continuing to contact businesses as results come in.
Next Grower Meeting – Thursday, 10 October
A meeting for growers will be held on Thursday, 10 October 2024, at 4 pm at the Virginia Horticulture Centre. This meeting will provide a general update on ToBRFV and an opportunity to ask questions. A Vietnamese translator will also be on-site to assist.
If you have specific questions you’d like addressed, you can email PIRSA’s Public Information Manager ahead of the meeting.
Waiting on Test Results?
Growers waiting on results are reminded to contact PIRSA if they plan to remove or destroy any tomato or capsicum plant material before results are received. Contact PIRSA’s Incident Controller at 8429 0135 for assistance.
In some cases, a second sample may be required if an inconclusive test result is received.
Interstate Movement Restrictions
Effective 1 October 2024, Tasmania has put in place an emergency biosecurity direction preventing the movement of tomato, capsicum, and chilli plant material from South Australia to Tasmania. This applies to Infected Premises (IP) and properties linked to IPs. PIRSA is working with other states to develop certification protocols for businesses not linked to IPs.
Assistance Hub
PIRSA has established an Assistance Hub to support businesses, workers, and families impacted by ToBRFV. The hub offers resources such as financial wellbeing advice, counselling, and redeployment assistance.
Location: Virginia Horticulture Centre, 942 Old Port Wakefield Road, Virginia
Open: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm
Call the PIRSA Recovery Hotline: 1800 931 314
For more updates, fact sheets, and resources, visit pir.sa.gov.au/tobrfv
Seed Tracing Investigations
ToBRFV has been identified in two seed lines imported to Australia in May 2024. These seeds had appropriate offshore testing certifications, including negative results for ToBRFV. Investigations into the importation and certification are ongoing.
SA Laboratory Accreditation
To meet the high demand for testing, PIRSA is working to accredit a laboratory in South Australia at the Waite campus of the University of Adelaide. Accreditation will ensure the highest standards for testing, offering stakeholders confidence in the results.
Common Questions Answered
PIRSA has been addressing frequent questions about property visits, movement of produce, and biosecurity measures. If samples have been taken from your property, PIRSA will contact you with results, which are generally returned within three weeks.
For further assistance, the PIRSA Family and Business (FaB) mentor service is available to provide free, confidential support for those impacted by this event.
For questions or support, contact PIRSA at 1800 931 314 or visit the Assistance Hub.
Stay informed by visiting pir.sa.gov.au/tobrfv
