Campaign to keep stink bug out
Pest is a major threat to horticultural sector
Biosecurity NZ is ramping up an awareness campaign to encourage people to report sightings of brown marmorated stink bug — a major threat to our horticulture sector.
The bug infests several horticultural crops, causing damage to flowers, stems, leaves and fruit of host plants. Major crops likely to be affected include apples, corn, wine grapes, kiwifruit, and a range of stonefruit.
Funded jointly by Biosecurity NZ and industry members of the BMSB Council, the summer campaign will until March, targeting local gardeners and online shoppers who receive goods from overseas.
Biosecurity NZ is well prepared for the high-risk season, says deputy director-general Stuart Anderson.
“There is ongoing monitoring of the threat posed by countries that have known BMSB populations. Officers target passengers, craft and goods that could be contaminated with BMSB.
“Our BMSB measures have been very effective to date. There continues to be no evidence of any established BMSB population in New Zealand.
“We ask international travellers to be understanding of the need to protect New Zealand and our economy as they get their bags checked or are required to answer questions from our frontline staff.”
He says the recent detection of two live bugs at Auckland Airport demonstrates the importance of strong biosecurity controls.
A Biosecurity NZ quarantine officer detected a single live BMSB at an airport search bench on October 8 while processing passengers arriving from the US.
The second bug was found on an aircraft from South Korea prior to passengers leaving the plane. Officers have detected a further 286 dead BMSB on arriving vessels and cargo.
Anderson says the number of live interceptions has dropped considerably over the past few years.
“This is largely due to the introduction of strict import rules that make it harder for live BMSB to enter New Zealand on risky cargo such as vehicles, machinery and parts.
“Improved reporting and monitoring have also allowed officers to better target risk goods. For example, there was a greater focus on air cargo during the 2021-22 season following increased BMSB detections in this pathway.
“We have also seen high levels of engagement from the shipping industry in the past and want this positive relationship to continue. “Accurate reporting of detections by crew helps Biosecurity NZ target its surveillance and other actions,” he says.