Two additional properties have tested positive for Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus (CGMMV) in the Katherine area. One property is within the existing quarantine area, and other is a direct neighbour of an existing quarantine area.

Since the virus was first identified in the Territory in September 2014, the CGMMV response team has conducted surveillance throughout the Territory.

The season for commercial crops of potential host plants finished late last year. Since then the CGMMV response team has continued surveillance in and around quarantine areas of other potential host plants including cucurbits that have regrown and selected weed species. These weeds have been identified overseas as hosts. The latest confirmed results were found as part of this weeds surveillance work.

The latest results bring the total number of infected properties in the Northern Territory to 12.

The property within the existing quarantine area in Katherine is already under restrictions. The infected property outside the existing Katherine zones was gazetted yesterday afternoon as a part of that quarantine area. Links to the gazetted information and maps of the quarantine areas are available from the website www.dpif.nt.gov.au/cgmmv

Earlier this year internationally recognised CGMMV expert Dr Aviv Dombrovsky visited the Northern Territory from Israel to share his expertise on the virus. He provided confidence that the Northern Territory is in a strong position to be able to eradicate this virus.

“Growers across the Territory have been working closely with the department to respond to this outbreak and ensure the virus-infected plants are destroyed and the properties carefully managed,” Territory Director of Biosecurity, Dr Andrew Tomkins, said. 

“Growers have taken this very seriously and respond to all directions to continue to secure the option for eradication.

“I take this opportunity to remind all farmers and backyard growers of the importance of biosecurity. Useful information about managing biosecurity on your property is available from www.farmbiosecurity.com.au”

Surveillance for CGMMV continues interstate, but there have been no positive detections in crops elsewhere in Australia.

It remains unclear where the virus originated from. Testing of seed stocks is being conducted to get a clearer picture on whether other areas are at risk of becoming infected.

The CGMMV hotline is available for Territory growers and the community on 1800 466 722. More information about CGMMV is available from www.dpif.nt.gov.au/cgmmv