The National Management Group (NMG) met on 21 November 2024 to consider the eradication response to tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) in South Australia. The NMG is comprised of all Australian governments and affected industries who are also signatories to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD), being Australian Processing Tomato Research Council Inc., AUSVEG, and Greenlife Industry Australia.
The approved ToBRFV Eradication Response Plan (Response Plan) includes agreed measures, including ongoing testing, surveillance and monitoring, to achieve eradication and support a pathway back to the production and trade of tomatoes. The NMG has committed $5 million to achieve the response objectives. The Response Plan is being nationally cost shared by governments and industry under the EPPRD.
ToBRFV was originally detected in August 2024 on a fresh tomato growing property located in the Northern Adelaide Plains. The virus was detected on two additional linked properties in the same region later that month and no further detections have occurred. ToBRFV is highly transmissible and can be easily spread through human and equipment contact. Control measures have been applied to the three impacted properties to contain and eradicate the virus.
The South Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regions is leading the nationally coordinated and funded response and is working with property owners and industry to undertake appropriate response activities. More information on response activities is available on www.pir.sa.gov.au/tobrfv.
If you suspect the presence of the virus or notice any symptoms, contact the Emergency Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. You can find out more about how we respond to plant pest and disease incidents at outbreak.gov.au.