Tomato brown rugose fruit virus detection

On 29 May 2025, the National Management Group (NMG) decided that eradicating tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) is no longer possible.

This decision was based on:

  • repeated introductions of the virus through seeds
  • difficulty in identifying all locations where the virus may exist in Australia
  • challenges in detecting the virus at very low levels, especially in seeds and seedlings.

Queensland remains free of ToBRFV.

We are working closely with industry, stakeholders, and state and territory governments to respond to the NMG's decision.

Movement control order

A movement control order (MCO) is in place to help prevent the movement of the virus and its carriers into Queensland.

The MCO is in effect from 16 March 2025.

Moving carriers from other states and territories

Carriers that cannot be moved into Queensland from a property that is not a certified pest-free ToBRFV area include:

  • tomato, capsicum and chilli plants, seedlings, seeds and fruit
  • protected cropping structures, trellis, machinery, appliances, equipment and tools used in the production of tomato seed and plants, capsicum and chilli seed and plants
  • packaging that has been in direct contact with tomato seed and plants, capsicum and chilli seed and plants
  • other related carriers.

Movements may be authorised under a biosecurity certificate if certain testing requirements have been met and there are no linkages with the affected properties.

If you're moving a carrier into Queensland from a state or territory that is free of ToBRFV, or from a property in a certified pest-free area, you might need to provide information on the origin or history of the carrier before moving that carrier into Queensland.

The MCO provides more information.

Restrictions on packaging in Queensland

Tomato, capsicum and chilli packaging and containers entering Queensland farms or facilities from any source must also be new and unused or meet cleaning and sanitising requirements.

All containers and packaging must display a label or identifier—with a minimum letter height of 5mm—on the outside of the container or package clearly stating the:

  • name of commodity
  • name and address of the grower
  • name and address of packing house.

The MCO provides more information about packaging and sanitising requirements.

What you need to do

You should practise safe biosecurity measures and report anything suspicious in your plants, crops or fruit immediately.

You should also:

  • source clean seed and propagation material from reputable suppliers
  • ensure you use thorough hygiene practices such as disinfecting tools, propagating equipment and vehicles
  • ensure staff and visitors are trained and follow your biosecurity requirements
  • monitor your crops regularly, isolate suspect plants and report anything suspicious
  • remove wild tomato plants and other weeds such as nightshade that could act as reservoirs for the virus.