Avian flu poses top biosecurity threat to NZ, says Hoggard
Avian flu getting into New Zealand's poultry industry is the biosecurity threat that is most worrying for Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.
No suspect flies were detected in all 83 traps in Zone A and in all 90 lure traps from outside the controlled zones. Further results are expected from all 162 traps in zone B this afternoon. (January 28)
MPI Deputy Director-General Compliance and Response, Andrew Coleman, says "it's a good early result but it's important not to get complacent. We have still got a number of days to go before we know for sure whether there is a breeding population or not."
The Whangarei community has been hugely supportive and to date has placed 180kgs of restricted produce in bins in Zone A and 70kgs in Zone B, he adds.
"We are very appreciative of this support," Coleman says. "It is vital that material that could contain the fly is not taken out of the zone, just in case there is a breeding population present in the area, which takes in Parihaka, Riverside and parts of central Whangarei."
This insect is an unwanted and notifiable organism that could have serious consequences for New Zealand's horticultural industry. It can damage a wide range of fruit and vegetables.
Restricted produce includes all fruit and some vegetables. Leafy and root vegetables are not hosts for fruit fly and their movement is not restricted.
Full information on the restrictions is at:www.mpi.govt.nz – and follow the fruit fly button.
The Ministry has a new online tool in place to assist local people work out if their property is inside or outside the Controlled Area. This online tool, which enables people to enter their address and check, is at:http://www.esam.co.nz/Fruitfly/
Garden rubbish- green waste- (particularly clippings from fruit trees, fallen fruit, tobacco weed and woolly nightshade) may contain fruit flies, should a population be present. Residents are asked to dispose of this material in amnesty bins rather than taking it to the Whangarei Weigh Transfer Station.
"Once again, MPI would like to thank the people of Whangarei for their co-operation in this response. Compliance with these restrictions is a critical precaution to protect our horticultural industries and home gardens," Coleman says.
"It is likely the restrictions will be in place for at least a couple of weeks."
