Spike in stink bug on ships still a mystery
Officials don’t yet know why there has been a spike in stink bugs found at the border.
But a Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) spokesman said there has been a ‘‘major jump’’ in the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) being discovered on bulk carriers from Japan.
‘‘It’s unclear why circumstances have changed, but we have responded to the immediate threat by strengthening our border controls.’’
The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) said no particular type of cargo – be it new, used, industrial or agricultural machinery – has yet been identified as the source of the bugs.
‘‘In instances where live bugs were detected on multi-level car carrier ships, they were present on all levels.’’
An emergency working group has been set up with MPI and other parties to work out how to eliminate the threat and enable the cargo on the affected ships to be safely discharged.
Longer-term solutions were being worked on, the VIA said.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand Winegrowers association has joined other agricultural industries in praising MPI’s response, and expressing concern at the biosecurity risk that BMSB poses.
‘‘We don’t want them in New Zealand,’’ chief executive Philip Gregan said.
Three car carriers have been turned away from Ports of Auckland within a week with infestations of BMSB onboard. A fourth has voluntarily redirected itself.