Updated PSA protocols

Friday 23 Dec 2011

 Kiwifruit Vine Health (KVH) has raised their concerns with
regards to postharvest facilities and contractors working with avocados being
less than vigilant with their hygiene practices when working on dual (kiwifruit
and avocados) orchards.

KVH main concerns are in relation to the following:

• Bins leaving dual orchards with kiwifruit plant
  material (leaves)
• Lack of cleaning being undertaken on
  equipment/bins prior to moving between orchards
• Contracting staff being unaware of Psa-V risks.

KVH needs all industries which move onto kiwifruit orchards
to assist in preventing any further spread of this disease by firstly being
aware of the potential risks and secondly adopting some simple on-orchard
hygiene practises to prevent the transfer of the Psa bacteria from one site to
another.

Please find attached current information on orchard hygiene
practices and a general Psa risk  considerations document. For further
information contact www.kvh.org.nz

Orchard hygiene

PSA risk considerations