Psa contained to one orchard amid fears it will spread

A photo of the red exudate - a classic symptom of Psa infection - found at a Maungatapere orchard. Photo / Supplied

A prolific kiwifruit-killing disease found in Whangarei for the first time appears to be confined to a single orchard, although experts warn the outbreak may spread.

Over the weekend, technicians from Kiwifruit Vine Health monitored 30ha surrounding the Maungatapere orchard found to be infected with Psa bacteria. Whangarei was formerly the last region in the North Island free from the disease.

Within an 8km radius around the infected orchard, the identity of which has not been released, there would be restrictions on the movement of equipment and plant matter between orchards, as well as stricter hygiene protocols. This would encompass 32 of Whangarei's 49 orchards.

While the disease could cause dieback and make production more laborious, it did not affect access to export markets as it did not spread via the fruit itself.

KVH chief executive Barry O'Neil said it was still early days and more instances of the disease may become apparent as the season progressed. He met the majority of Maungatapere growers on Tuesday and said morale was reasonably high.

"Obviously they're disappointed but I think there was an acceptance that sooner or later they were going to be in this position. The infected orchard is very well managed and the growers have, in my opinion, done everything correct to keep Psa out."

The disease spread through the moving of plant material between orchards, including new plants and budwood, or contaminated equipment. The disease could also spread up to 10km on the wind or through bees.

The Whangarei industry directly employed about 200 people year-round, with numbers swelling considerably during the harvest season.

Mr O'Neil said last season had seen record kiwifruit production in New Zealand, despite Psa.

Northland MP Winston Peters said the Government was spending $8 million less on biosecurity this year than was spent seven years ago.

Adjusted for inflation, that was $30 million less in real terms. He said more should be done to prevent outbreaks like the one in Whangarei.