Seeka Kiwifruit Industries said that there has been no heavy damage to the vines due to the aggressive Italian PSA virus. It has claimed that only 3 percent of its total supply of 2737 hectares is affected.

The chief executive Michael Franks said that about nine orchards covering approximately about 88 hectares are affected by this deadly virus. The figures are however looking good with approximately 880,000 trays out and among them 23.9 million class one type.

According to the entire kiwifruit industry, approximately 122 orchards are affected by the Italian PSA. According to Frank there are no orchards in Seeka's long-term lease are affected by this virus.

"We are working with the Kiwifruit Vine Health Authority to implement an aggressive containment strategy in response to the detection of the Italian isolate on our suppliers' orchards," he said.

He also claimed that Seeka's share price has remained at the same value at $3 since the New Year. This suggests that the firm has now undergone any financial loss due to this virus.

He also claimed that control strategies are being deployed and counterattack measures will eradicate any further infection. The harvesters are told to remain vigilant and monitor the orchards for any infection symptoms.