MAF cautions people to keep away from kiwifruit orchards

9 November 2010

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAF) requests members of the public and media representatives stay away from kiwifruit orchards as it continues investigations following the confirmation of the bacterial kiwifruit vine disease, Pseudomonas syringae pv actinidiae (Psa) in vines at a Bay of Plenty orchard.

Response Manager David Yard says it is important for biosecurity protection that the orchard involved remains under quarantine. 

“While we are still gathering information on the situation, it is vital that biosecurity precautions are met and that anyone other than officials involved remains out of the area to avoid any unnecessary risk of spreading the infection. 

“Until we have more information about the spread of Psa, we need to take every step to contain it.  For this reason, we also recommend the public keep away from kiwifruit orchards in general.

“We hope that members of the public will appreciate that the industry and growers are facing pressure and uncertainty right now, and it is not helpful to have people roaming around orchard properties,” Mr Yard says.

MAF is working closely with ZESPRI, Plant & Food Research and New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI).

Industry meetings are being held this afternoon to advise kiwifruit growers of the current situation, how to recognise symptoms and encourage best practice orchard hygiene.

Zespri is also providing information to growers on hygiene measures through The Canopy website (www.zespricanopy.com ) and its Grower Contact Centre 0800 155 355.

For further information, contact:
Annie Wright
Senior Communications Adviser
04 894 0654 or 029 894 0654
annie.wright@maf.govt.nz