Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner, Mike Inglis, noted the $2.4 million expenditure on a recent biosecurity operation in South Auckland is minor compared to the potential economic impact of a pest incursion.
Last month, the discovery of an Oriental fruit fly in the Mangere/Papatoetoe area initiated a Controlled Area Notice and increased trapping. This month, controls were lifted after no additional fruit flies were found. Inglis stated, "Responding to threats from unwanted pests and diseases is something our people and our industry partners are pretty experienced in," according to Rural News.
New Zealand has previously eradicated 12 fruit fly incursions. Inglis pointed out that Biosecurity New Zealand had robust operational plans in place. "When this fruit fly was detected, our team moved quickly to bolster the number of traps and checks, put in legal controls to help prevent the movement of fruit and vegetables, deliver bins for waste disposal, and set up a mobile lab to inspect fruit and vegetables from the area for any eggs or larvae."
Inglis acknowledged community and sector group support. "Residents worked with the movement restrictions and regular checking of traps in their gardens and we are extremely grateful for their support," he stated. The response aimed to protect New Zealand's $7 billion horticulture industry.
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard emphasized the importance of a robust biosecurity system. "Incursions of pests and diseases don't take a break and that's why our biosecurity system doesn't either," he remarked.
Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Kate Scott highlighted the growers' reliance on a strong biosecurity system. "While the movement restrictions have been lifted, we support the ongoing surveillance as part of routine biosecurity measures," she said.
Source: Rural News