Asian Termite
Emergency Areas Declared in West
Areas around Lautoka in the Western Division have been declared Biosecurity Emergency Areas for Asian Subterranean Termites (Coptotermes gestroi). This was confirmed by Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF), stating that this has been authorised by the Attorney-General and Minister for Public Enterprises Aiyaz-Sayed Khaiyum.
This declaration is in force for the next six months from the date of its publication in the Fiji Republic Gazette. BAF states that the movement of all stages of the Asian Subterranean Termites (Coptotermes gestroi) including eggs within or out of the declared biosecurity emergency area is strictly prohibited.
The Authority further states that any movement of any material hosting Coptotermes gestroi within or out of the declared biosecurity emergency areas is strictly prohibited unless the BAF provides prior authorisation for the movement. The Asian Subterranean Termites (AST) is exotic to Fiji and has caused massive damage to homes, schools and millions of dollars. AST is the second most destructive subterranean termite in the world. Also known as the Formosan subterranean termite it is an invasive species that has been transported worldwide from its native range in southern China to Formosa and Japan and then on to other parts of the world.
Meanwhile, BAF has declared Biosecurity Emergency Areas for Savusavu and the whole of Qamea, Matagi, Taveuni, Laucala and Viubani islands.
This is because of Giant Invasive Iguana/Green Iguana and the declaration is in force for the next six months.
BAF states that the movement of all stages of the Asian Subterranean Termites (Coptotermes gestroi) including eggs within or out of the declared biosecurity emergency area is strictly prohibited.