Biosecurity New Zealand has temporarily suspended all Australian tomato imports after the detection of a virus at two South Australian growing properties.
The tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) — which was first noted in the Middle East — has never been detected in New Zealand, and affects tomatoes, capsicums, and chillies. The virus caused yellowing and deformity in the host plants, but has no impact on human health.
Import restrictions were placed on all tomato seeds from Australia and tomato imports from all states except Queensland yesterday by the Ministry for Primary Industries.
Biosecurity NZ deputy director general Stuart Anderson said Australian biosecurity officials provided an update on their work to respond to the detection which included continuing to trace material.
“As this tracing work continues and out of an abundance of caution, we are extending our restrictions by temporarily suspending imports of tomatoes from Australia. We will review this in 7 days.”
Anderson said all of New Zealand’s imported tomatoes come from Queensland and not South Australia.
“So far tracing has not shown any affected material in Queensland, but we think it’s reasonable to be cautious while our counterparts continue their work.”
There is nothing to suggest the virus is here at present, he said, but asked growers to check their biosecurity practices “and be vigilant if they notice problems with their tomatoes”.
