Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) was detected again at Katunga Fresh on May 11, just as the business was emerging from months of quarantine and cleaning out the facility after the original infection in January.
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) announced the new detection late on Friday, May 16.
As a part of the National ToBRFV Response Plan, Katunga Fresh is replanting glasshouses and testing seedlings as they arrive. This testing has found a new positive detection of ToBRFV.
The source of the infection is under investigation.
DEECA said because the seedlings had only been on the property for a few days, it was unlikely this new detection had originated from the Katunga Fresh site.
The seedlings were sourced from a commercial nursery in NSW, where there have been no previous detections or links to the virus.
The original virus in January was found in tomato seedlings that were moved from South Australia in December 2024.
Victoria’s chief plant health officer Stephen Dibley said quarantine controls remain in place at the Victorian property 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.
“Supporting business continuity and the welfare of all affected parties are central to our work.
‘“There is no evidence that ToBRFV is present in any other location in Victoria.”
Tomato brown rugose fruit virus is a highly contagious plant virus that affects tomatoes, capsicums and chillies.
The virus spreads easily 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 in August 2024 and is known to be present on four properties in SA and confirmed in Victoria at Katunga 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.
Producers should make a report if they suspect the presence of ToBRFV in their crops.
Report by phoning the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 or online via the Agriculture Victoria website: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/pest-insects-and-mites/report-an-unusual-plant-pest-or-disease
More information about ToBRFV can be found at: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/plant-diseases/vegetable-diseases/tomato-brown-rugose-fruit-virus
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