New Zealand's battle with Psa-V has just got tougher after vines in an orchard in the isolated region of Hawkes Bay tested positive to the kiwifruit disease.

Kiwifruit Vine Health (KVH) has confirmed the case was near the Taradale township, which lies on the southeast coast of the kiwifruit-intensive North Island.

KVH chief executive Barry O'Neil said the news of the spread was very disappointing.

"Psa is without a doubt a major challenge and it's having a huge impact on growers. Unfortunately autumn and spring are times of year when we see the very worst of both its spread and impacts," he said.

"Based on the symptoms seen in the orchard, it is possible infection may not have been present, but undetected in the area, for at least six months prior to identification this week.

"In many cases, symptoms are not visible for some time after infection, particularly over the winter dormancy period."

He said this meant growers could not afford to be complacent and should act as though Psa were present in their area.

"Growers must be proactive to protect their orchards. Doing nothing is not an option.

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