According to reports, the number of infections with the Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) in the Netherlands and Belgium has increased in recent months. The latest official figures show 36 infections in the Netherlands has 36 infections and 12 in Belgium.
Grower organizations Glastuinbouw Nederland and GroentenFruit Huis have argued for a Regulated Non-Quarantine Pests (RNQP) status for ToBRFV within Europe. “With the current Quarantine (Q)-status, there are insufficient opportunities to carry out proper research,” said policy specialist Helma Verberkt of Glastuinbouw Nederland in Nieuwe Oogst. “With an RNQP status, we can focus more on resistances and green agents.”
Belgium’s Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FAVV) has published a new update for its emergency measures notice on ToBRFV, including adjustments due to amended European legislation, which should ensure harmonization of the measures to be taken in the event of an outbreak, with the emergency measures extended until 31 May 2023.