Biosecurity Minister David Carter says confirmation of the Psa disease in orchards outside Te Puke is a 'blow” to attempts to contain the infection.

Biosecurity Minister David Carter.

The Ministry of Agricutlure and Forestry confirmed on Wednesday morning that test results have shown two orchards in the Hawke's Bay and two orchards in the Eastern Bay of Plenty are positive for Psa.

David says while it is bad to now be facing an issue that spreads beyond Te Puke, it is indicative of the fast-changing situation – although potentially not of a fast-moving disease.

'It is important to note that the positive test results from the Napier/Hastings areas, Edgecumbe and Whakatane does not mean the disease is spreading wildly,” says David.

'Rather, it could indicate that it may have been here for some time in a mild form.”

On Wednesday afternoon David is meeting with representatives of the kiwifruit industry to discuss a coordinated response package to fight the disease.

'As we have said all along, the government is fully committed to working with industry on this issue and today's meeting is crucial to formulating a solid path of action.”