Bay of Plenty Regional Council staff are withdrawing from visiting kiwifruit orchards in the region amid fears an outbreak of the Psa infection could escalate.

Security guards are in place around Te Puke preventing people from walking onto orchards.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and Zespri are also advising the public not to go near the orchards already infected with Psa.

There are concerns that people walking in and out of infected orchards could aid in the spread of Psa.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council chief executive Bill Bayfield says he does not want staff visiting kiwifruit orchards or adjoining properties for work purposes unless absolutely necessary.

Consents officers and other staff from the regional council regularly visit kiwifruit orchards.

He says the decision could be disruptive for the council's work programmes, but believes it is important to be pro-active in helping and supporting the industry.