FOLLOWING an outbreak earlier in the year, Katunga Fresh has once again tested positive for the tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) with routine testing of seedlings detecting the infection.
As a part of a national ToBRFV Response Plan, the infected property has been replanting glasshouses and testing seedlings as they arrive since the initial January 2025 outbreak.
This ongoing testing has now found a new positive detection of ToBRFV.
Given that the seedlings had only been on the property for a few days, it is unlikely that this new detection has originated from the Victorian property.
The seedlings were sourced from a commercial nursery in New South Wales, where there have been no previous detections or links to the virus.
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Testing conducted at the nursery has shown no evidence of the virus, with NSW authorities trying to determine the source of the new detection..
Victoria’s Chief Plant Health Officer, Dr Stephen Dibley said quarantine controls remain in place at Katunga Fresh and Agriculture Victoria is working closely with the business to prevent spread of the virus.
“We know this is a very challenging situation for the impacted business," Dr Dibley said.
The previous outbreak resulted in crops destroyed, operations shut down and over 120 staff being laid off.
Employing about 160 people in Katunga, it is one of the small township's biggest employers, with about 40 per cent of staff locals.
"Supporting business continuity and the welfare of all affected parties are central to our work," said Dr Dibley of the newest outbreak.
Tomato brown rugose fruit virus is a highly contagious plant virus that affects tomatoes, capsicums and chillies.
High contagious, it deforms and discolours tomato, capsicum and chilli plants.
The virus spreads through contaminated tools, hands, clothing and direct plant to plant contact including grafting and cuttings.
It can also be transmitted in seeds and irrigation water.
The virus can remain viable in seed, plant waste and contaminated soil for months and once a crop is infected, the only way to eradicate the virus is by destroying all infected plants and material.
There is no risk to food safety or human health from eating tomatoes with this virus.
ToBRFV was detected in South Australia (SA) in August 2024 and is known to be present on four properties in SA and confirmed in Victoria in January 2025.
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.
