MPI explores new fumigation methods to stop stink bugs

The Ministry for Primary Industries is looking into the feasibility of allowing the use of sulfuryl fluoride fumigation of bulk carriers at New Zealand ports.

Plus, the ministry is permitting ships to be fogged with the insecticide permethrin in New Zealand waters – since the start of this year.

The moves are part of MPI’s comprehensive operation to stop the brown marmorated stink bug entering and establishing itself in New Zealand, with a fourth bulk carrier ordered out of NZ waters following discovery of bugs aboard the vessel in late-February.

Coast and Country News asked the Ministry where and how ships – such as The Glovis Caravel which was turned around on February 27 – would be treated if Australia will not let bulk carriers berth there for biosecurity cleaning and detection using fumigation with sulfuryl fluoride prior to entering NZ waters.

“In some cases, we have permitted ships to be fogged with insecticide (permethrin) in New Zealand waters. The fogging is a new measure we have introduced this year. It is combined with rigorous border checks, including physical inspection, screening by detector dog and heat treatment,” says a ministry spokesperson.

Asked if MPI was considering allowing sulfuryl fluoride to be used in NZ waters or ports to treat these boats, the Ministry says: “We are looking at the feasibility of making this fumigation option available”.

“With regards to sulfuryl fluoride, there are issues with treating on water, including operational considerations and the safety of crew on board.

“But] These issues don’t apply to fogging with insecticide. Fogging with insecticide is a new treatment measure that can be applied on the water.”

MPI also trialled a proposed treatment programme on an affected ship last month.

“The Tokyo Car returned to NZ last week [late-February]. It has undergone a second round of fogging and intensive inspection. No live stink bugs were found during this process.

“The next phase, which is underway, involves additional screening of 20 per cent of the cargo via a controlled discharge. The screening will involve our specially trained detector dog and heat treatment. If any live bugs are found, MPI will consider further action, including directing the vessel to leave NZ for a second time.”

On February 20, 2018, MPI introduced new measures requiring all used vehicles – cars and trucks – to undergo inspection and cleaning at an MPI-approved facility in Japan prior to export.

“Nearly 95 per cent of used vehicles from Japan already go through approved facilities designed to eliminate the risk of biosecurity threats like seeds and hitchhiking organisms. The requirement will now be compulsory for all imports. The changes will significantly reduce the chance of transporting dirty vehicles and machinery that could contaminate other cargo.

“The move is the result of an unprecedented spike in the number of stink bugs arriving at the border from Japan in bulk carriers.”

The MPI spokesperson confirmed The Glovis Caravel had left Japan after these measures were introduced.

Asked if the ministry suspected more bulk carriers from Japan, which left before the new measures were introduced, will come to NZ the spokesperson says: “We are still seeing carriers arrive with a small amount of used vehicles that have not been pre-cleaned”.

“These carriers left Japan prior to the introduction of the new rules. As discussed, the biosecurity risk is managed by our strict inspection and verification protocols including fogging with insecticide, and monitoring by the crew.

“And we’ve recently been notified that carriers are now being fogged with insecticide prior to leaving Japan.”

And on March 1, MPI extended the mandatory – offshore or onshore – treatment for all goods associated with sea containers from Italy until April 30, 2018.

“MPI is taking this highly precautionary approach as BMSB are still being detected in goods imported into NZ in Italian sea containers. This situation is problematic as BMSB is difficult to detect in low numbers, and mandatory treatment is seen as the most effective way to stop this significant pest from entering and establishing in NZ.

“MPI has made this decision after ensuring all aspects were considered, and evaluating the available data leading up to and including the end of February 2018. The change also aligns with the recognised risk period currently in place for vehicles and machinery from Italy and the USA.”

The urgent measures to manage BMSB in sea container goods from Italy were originally introduced on December 23, 2017.

Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Mike Chapman says it is critical the brown marmorated stink bug does not get into NZ in any way that allows it to take hold and breed.

“Horticulture NZ supports MPI refusing ships entry to NZ until those ships are properly treated and there are no live BMSB on-board. This must remain a priority to protect all the primary industries that would be devastated by a BMSB incursion, as well as the massive public nuisance the bug presents.”

Mike says Horticulture NZ would like companies importing high-risk goods from high-risk countries to ensure cargo entering NZ is properly examined and conforms to the appropriate import health standards.

“This is paramount to maintaining our biosecurity. We also support the approach that maintaining NZ’s biosecurity is a job for all 4.7 million New Zealanders, as well as visitors arriving on our shores.

“This includes these companies also looking for stink bugs when they are unpacking their containers and checking machinery and cars that has arrived from the high-risk countries. We are grateful that the public and many importers have been vigilant and found stink bugs.”


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