Top ag scientist to advise PM
A highly experienced agricultural scientist with specialist knowledge of the dairy sector is the Prime Minister's new Chief Science Advisor.
MPI sent a senior manager to Malaysia yesterday and then on to Indonesia to work with authorities there, says deputy director-general, compliance and response, Andrew Coleman.
"The focus will be on working together to ensure that PKE from unapproved facilities cannot be exported to New Zealand. In addition, a small number of processing facilities will need to improve their systems to keep birds and rodents out of the product in storage," Coleman says.
"This work is timely given the recent discovery of the animal limb which was reported to MPI by a Bay of Plenty farmer. The lower part of an animal leg, approximately 18cm in length, has been identified by a zoologist as most likely from a small deer or goat species not present in New Zealand.
"Our risk assessors have told us that the risk of the introduction of any animal disease posed by this find is very low. However we took the precaution of sending a vet to the property where they found all animals in excellent health.
"A find like this one is rare, given that approximately 1.5 million tonnes of PKE are imported annually."
PKE is a vital import for New Zealand's dairy farmers who rely on it for supplementary feed – particularly now in the aftermath of the summer's drought and with the onset of winter.
"The changes we are introducing will help strengthen our system further," Mr Coleman says. Currently every shipment of PKE must meet strict requirements before it can be imported to New Zealand, including heat treatment, fumigation and inspection.
"A further option being considered is a new levy on PKE imports, or an increase to the existing biosecurity levy to increase the level of inspection in these countries. Any such proposal would have to be consulted on and have industry support. MPI is now beginning work on various options for consultation."
