Pythium Soft Rot is caused by the water-mould fungus Pythium myriotylum. It was first identified on the Sunshine Coast in the summer of 2007/08, which had more rain days than any other summer on record. Disease epidemics result when hot, humid conditions coincide with periods of intense rainfall events and/or persistently wet soils.
Because the disease can be spread easily by the means above, strategies to control the spread of Pythium Soft Rot must rely on containment and strict hygiene to prevent cross contamination between blocks and farms.