Russian Agricultural Watchdog Halts Uzbekistan Tomato Imports Over Quarantine Virus
The Russian agricultural watchdog, Rosselkhoznadzor, has taken action to protect the Nizhny Novgorod region from the threat of the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) by blocking the import of fresh Uzbek tomatoes contaminated with the virus. The shipment of 18.5 tons of tomatoes was found to be carrying the quarantine pest during an inspection at the temporary storage warehouse (TSW) of Technoprom LLC.
Specialists from the Nizhny Novgorod branch of the Federal Center for Animal Health (FGBU “VNIIZh”) conducted laboratory tests confirming the presence of the virus in the tomatoes. As a result, the owner of the shipment has been instructed to either disinfect or destroy the contaminated produce. If these measures are not possible, the products will be returned at the owner’s expense.
Rosselkhoznadzor has highlighted the serious threat posed by the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus to greenhouse vegetable crops. The highly transmissible virus is difficult to contain and can spread rapidly, leading to severe damage to tomato production. The virus has already been detected in multiple countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
By taking swift action to prevent the spread of the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus, Rosselkhoznadzor is working to safeguard the agricultural industry in the Nizhny Novgorod region and beyond. Farmers and authorities must remain vigilant to protect crops from this destructive pest.
