Friday, 28 April 2023 08:55

High alert for Food and Mouth

Written by  Leo Argent
Biosecurity New Zealand are implementing new biosecurity measures as direct flights from Indonesia resume. Biosecurity New Zealand are implementing new biosecurity measures as direct flights from Indonesia resume.

Biosecurity New Zealand says it has implemented revised border measures to manage any possible threat of foot and mouth disease (FMD) from air passengers arriving directly from Bali.

This comes with the resumption of flights from Bali to NZ with the first direct flight from Denpasar arriving in Auckland on March 30. The resumptin of the seasonal service, which runs until 27 October, will bring up to 1,000 passengers a week into Auckland.

Biosecurity NZ says passengers from Bali will use a dedicated biosecurity lane and baggage carousel at Auckland Airport. They will also face footwear disinfection measures, including footbaths at the arrival gate when they step off the plane.

"Biosecurity New Zealand has been working with Air New Zealand to ensure travellers receive information about the revised requirements throughout their journey - including at departure from Denpasar, during the flight and at the baggage collection area on arrival," says Mike Inglis, Biosecurity New Zealand's northern regional commissioner.

"Passengers should expect additional questioning from our officers. If need be, they will be directed to undergo full baggage searches. The revised measures will minimise potential delays and disruption for air travellers while providing strong biosecurity protection for New Zealand."

Inglis says the revised measures build on enhanced clearance processes introduced in July last year for travellers arriving on indirect flights from Indonesia, due to an FMD outbreak. The measures included a ban on personal consignments containing meat products.

"Biosecurity New Zealand takes the FMD threat very seriously, given the damage it could inflict on producers and the New Zealand economy," he adds.

"We will continue to assess the situation in Indonesia and modify our border checks as required."

More like this

How to make perfect silage

Creating perfect silage is both a science and an art, and it all begins with the right tools, according to machinery maker Claas.

Fruit fly controls to remain in place

According to Biosecurity New Zealand, legal controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in the South Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe will remain in place until mid-February.

Featured

‘Nanobubble’ trial trims irrigation water usage

North Canterbury dairy farmer and recently-elected deputy chair of DairyNZ, Cameron Henderson, is enjoying a huge reduction in irrigation water use after converting a pivot irrigator to drag perforated drip tubes across the ground instead of elevated sprinkler heads.

Editorial: Elusive India FTA

OPINION: Without doubt, a priority of the Government this year will be to gain traction on the elusive free trade deal with India.

Sport star to talk at expo

Rugby league legend Tawera Nikau is set to inspire, celebrate and entertain at the East Coast Farming Expo's very popular Property Broker's Evening Muster.

National

Sweet or sour deal?

Not all stakeholders involved in the proposed merger of honey industry groups - ApiNZ and Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association…

Machinery & Products

Loosening soil without fuss

Distributed in New Zealand by Carrfields, Grange Farm Machinery is based in the Holderness region of East Yorkshire – an…

JCB unveils new models

The first of the UK’s agricultural trade shows was recently held at the NEC Centre in Birmingham.

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Times have changed

OPINION: Back in the 1960s and '70s, and even into the '80s, successive National government Agriculture Ministers and Trade Ministers…

Hallelujah moment

OPINION: The new Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche has just had the hallelujah moment of the 21st century in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter