June 16, 2025
A control order was put in place in Queensland on Monday (June 16) in a bid to stop the highly contagious tomato brown rugose fruit virus from entering the State.
The virus, which affects tomatoes, capsicums and chillies, does not pose any risk to human health.
It causes yellow and brown spots to appear on leaves, fruit and stems. Infected fruit can also be deformed or ripen irregularly.
The virus spreads easily through contaminated equipment, vehicles, tools, hands, packaging, clothing and by direct plant-to-plant contact.
It can also be carried by seeds and transmitted through grafting, irrigation water and contaminated soil.
It is considered a threat to Australia’s vegetable industry.
The virus was first reported in 2014 on tomatoes in Israel.
It has since been reported in Europe, the Middle East, China, Mexico and California.
It was first detected in Australia in August last year in South Australia, and then in Victoria in January.
On May 29, the National Management Group announced it was no longer possible to eradicate the virus from Australia.
To help keep Queensland free, the control order went into effect on Monday to restrict the movement of carriers into Queensland.
Home gardeners have also been urged to monitor plants and only source clean seed, seedlings and material from credible suppliers.
They should also remove any wild tomato plants and weeds such as nightshade that could act as reservoirs for the virus.
- More information about the new movement controls and the virus is available online
