Hundreds of workers have been laid off after the discovery of a virus that could devastate Australian crops and close farms.
Three properties in South Australia were placed under quarantine after the highly contagious Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) was discovered last month.
The virus has forced the state government to close three tomato farms in the Northern Adelaide Plains region, halting all tomato production indefinitely.
The southern hemisphere’s largest grower, Perfection Fresh, announced the news to around 500 employees on Wednesday after the company’s site in Two Wells was cordoned off by authorities.
Gawler River Tomatoes and South Australia Tomatoes have also closed.
The virus was first detected on August 5 at two properties in the Northern Adelaide Plains region.
A third infected trait was confirmed on August 30 after tracing plant material.
This is the first time the virus has been confirmed in Australia.
Hundreds of workers (pictured) have been laid off after the highly contagious Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) was discovered in South Australia last month
ToBRFV is a highly contagious plant virus that affects tomatoes, peppers and peppers
ToBRFV is a highly contagious plant virus that affects tomatoes, peppers and chillies and is considered a major threat to Australia’s $5.8 billion vegetable industry.
“The disease can result in yield losses of up to 75 per cent, so that would have a very significant impact on South Australian and Australian farmers more broadly if that were to happen,” South Africa Minister for Primary Industries Clare Scriven said .
“If we didn’t get on top of this or implement this quarantine, other states could potentially close their doors to South Australian tomatoes.”
Queensland and Western Australia have already taken action to ban the import of tomatoes from South Australia.
In a statement, South Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) said it is responding to the virus and has implemented quarantine measures on infected properties to reduce the risk of its spread.
ToBRFV is seen as a major threat to Australia’s $5.8 billion vegetable industry
The virus spreads easily through contaminated tools, hands, clothing and direct plant-to-plant contact.
ToBRFV can also be seed-borne and transmitted via irrigation water, grafting and cuttings.
The virus was first discovered in the Middle East in 2014 and has since been reported in China, Mexico, the US and Europe.
The current outbreak in South Australia has led to increased vigilance among Australian tomato growers, with other states conducting follow-up testing due to the potential spread of infected seeds.