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South Australia Declares Itself Free of Tomato Brown Rugose Virus After Yearlong Testing

The declaration follows extensive testing for a plant virus that harms yields, with interstate access resuming under varying state controls.

Overview

  • State officials say more than 200,000 tests found no ongoing presence of the virus beyond the three initially affected businesses.
  • The first Australian detection in August 2024 north of Adelaide led to strict quarantines and the destruction of crops in restricted zones.
  • After a May detection in Victoria, national authorities concluded eradication was unfeasible and adopted a long-term management plan.
  • Queensland continues a movement control order, seeks surveillance assurances, and will sample South Australian fruit to protect its market and exports to New Zealand.
  • Producer Perfection Fresh reports over 100,000 on-site tests with no detections and says the announcement restores market access and job security for about 100 staff.