The potato Mop-Top Virus (PM-TV) was first found in New Zealand last year, initially concentrated in the grower paddocks in Canterbury. Since then, the virus has spread across several regions in the country, writes RNZ. While PM-TV is not a food safety issue, it can cause defects in potatoes used to make chips.

According to Potatoes New Zealand’s chief executive Chris Claridge, it became clear early in the biosecurity response that the disease would not be possible eradicate, but it was thought it might be able to be contained on a regional basis.

Unfortunately, a national survey has since found the virus was present in many regions in both the North and South Island, indicating that it has been there for a long time. Given the circumstances, it was felt best to exit the biosecurity response and move to long-term management.

While Claridge said that there has been little to no economic impact for growers that had PM-TV on their properties so far, the Ministry of Primary Industries said they have a long-term management plan in development and will incorporate research from world experts in line with best practices.