Contaminated potato handling equipment is an important source of disease introduction and spread. Ring
rot bacteria can contaminate equipment used in fieldwork or potato handling and potato structures through
contact with diseased material. Dormant ring rot bacteria can survive several years in a desiccated state on
the surfaces of equipment or storage structures. For these reasons, seed growers are discouraged from
purchasing used equipment or from sharing equipment with other producers. If this type of equipment is
used it must be thoroughly cleaned of dirt and debris with a high-pressure washer then disinfected under the
supervision of a seed inspector. Parts with the potential to harbour disease inoculum such as the sponge or
soft rubber rollers used on seed cutters, should be replaced.