SurveillanceMINISTRY FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRIES REPORTING ON NEW ZEALAND’S BIOSECURITY HEALTH STATUS VOLUME 44, NO 4, DECEMBER 2017

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Quarterly report of investigations of suspected exotic diseases PlantsINSIDE: and environment investigation report Quarterly report of investigations of suspected exotic marine and freshwater pestsReports and from diseases Ministry for Primary Industries Introducing the MPI Readiness and Response Services Directorate Quarterly reports: July to September 2017 Ants: old foes and new threats to New Zealand Surveillance ISSN 1176-5305

Surveillance is published on behalf of the Director Diagnostics & Surveillance Services Contents (Veronica Herrera). The articles in this quarterly report do not necessarily reflect government policy. Editorial Editor: Michael Bradstock Aquatic biosecurity: pathways to protection 3 Technical Editors: Jonathan Watts, Lora Peacock ANIMALS Correspondence and requests to receive Reports from Ministry for Primary Industries Surveillance should be addressed to: Introducing the MPI Readiness and Response Services Directorate 4 Editor Korea-New Zealand 2nd Animal Health and Epidemiology Workshop, Surveillance Ministry for Primary Industries 13−15 September 2017 6 PO Box 2526 Wellington, New Zealand Quarterly reports: July to September 2017 email: [email protected] Quarterly review of diagnostic cases 8 Quarterly report of investigations of suspected exotic diseases 19 Reproduction: Articles in Surveillance may be reproduced (except for commercial use or on advertising or promotional material), provided proper acknowledgement is made to the author MARINE AND FRESHWATER and Surveillance as source. Reports from Ministry for Primary Industries Publication: Surveillance is published quarterly Emerging risks in the aquatic space 21 in March, June, September and December. Distribution via email is free of charge for Quarterly reports: July to September 2017 subscribers in New Zealand and overseas. Quarterly report of investigations of suspected exotic marine Editorial services: Words & Pictures, Wellington and freshwater pests and diseases 22 www.wordpict.co.nz

Surveillance is available on the Ministry for Primary Industries website at PLANTS AND ENVIRONMENT www.mpi.govt.nz/publications/surveillance/ Reports from Ministry for Primary Industries index.htm Ants: old foes and new threats to New Zealand 25

Articles from previous issues are also available to subscribers to SciQuest®, a fully indexed Quarterly reports: July to September 2017 and searchable e-library of New Zealand and Exotic plant and environment investigations report: Australian veterinary and animal science and veterinary continuing education publications, July to September 2017 27 at www.sciquest.org.nz

Surveillance is published as the Ministry for Primary Industries’ authoritative source PEST WATCH 32 of information on the ongoing biosecurity surveillance activity and the health status of New Zealand’s animal and plant populations in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. It reports information of interest both locally and internationally and complements New Zealand’s international reporting.

2 Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 Editorial Highlights of diagnostics and surveillance

One thing is for certain: aquatic biosecurity never stands still. aquatic pathway in New Zealand. The range extensions of Which is part of the problem, I suppose: things are always some of the marine pests show there are active conveyors on the move – animals, vessels, marine pests and pathogens. out there and those pathways need to be managed too, Within the aquaculture industry there’s a push to make our preferably to a consistent national standard. There are positive biosecurity systems better. But the industry also needs help: it is initiatives already happening. Here in the Top of the South, a huge interlinked dynamic aquatic environment out there and the three regional councils have worked together to establish everyone has a role to play to protect our primary industries complementary small-scale management programmes to help in the aquatic space, our environment, ecosystem services prevent the Mediterranean fanworm from establishing. The and biodiversity. Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), the councils and the Top of the South Biosecurity Partnership have also been working Our industry is one of farmers, growing and nurturing some together to improve the issue of hull biofouling, through of the best seafood in the world right here in New Zealand’s education and the introduction of biosecurity requirements in freshwater and marine environments. We are focusing on new marina berth agreements. Ideally, we would also see the biosecurity for many reasons. Yes, there are direct risks to the increased availability of sufficient suitable water space to enable farming businesses themselves. A single pathogen can have international best practice in area management to be more fully huge implications on productivity or the ability to farm a implemented throughout the aquaculture sector. species at all. Marine pests compete with our shellfish for food and space on the farms. For an industry worth over $500m a What is clear through all this work is that there are many year and employing more than 3 000 New Zealanders, often in unanswered questions in aquatic biosecurity. Questions about regional areas with fewer employment opportunities, the risks pest and pathogen behaviour in our waters and our species, that biosecurity failures bring are worth getting serious about. predicting effects to enable sound management decisions to But more than that, our aquatic farmers are passionate about be made and the need for new tools to manage some of the the environment that makes the seafood special. It may be their pathways better. This is where science comes in. While we have workspace, but it is also their backyard where they swim, boat, been well served by the science community, there hasn’t been fish and dive. the opportunity to focus a complete research programme on aquatic pathogens and biosecurity. Until now, that is. There have been challenges and there will continue to be challenges. We have seen the appearance of new to In September the Ministry of Business, Innovation and New Zealand organisms. The aquaculture industry doesn’t Employment announced over $14m of funding for a 5-year import live animals or germplasm, so while those risk pathways aquatic animal health and biosecurity research programme don’t exist, the sea doesn’t have fences, and risks still make it based at the Cawthron Institute in Nelson. This programme into our waters. But the border isn’t everything: we also need to will bring to bear a range of national and international science think about the pathways within New Zealand. expertise on the New Zealand scenario and species. Focusing on what can be done to address New Zealand’s aquatic animal The aquaculture industry has always had biosecurity provisions health needs and our own biosecurity risk pathways, we will see in its codes of practice, but our current initiatives are taking cutting-edge science put to work in detection and diagnostic another look strategically at the risk profile of our sectors, the methods, studying the behaviour of pests and pathogens present pathways within our industry, where we can set up our own in this country, and developing predictive and management internal borders and how to manage our own risks better. tools. Our capability will be enhanced in aquatic epidemiology, We’ve started this in our three biggest sectors – salmon, molecular and bioinformatic systems, fish immunology, aquatic mussels and oysters. The result will be new biosecurity risk assessment and decision support systems – capabilities we requirements covering facility standards, risk communication, need in New Zealand to address new challenges as they arise. surveillance, health monitoring, response and, importantly, stock movements. These standards will be embedded in our It has taken a while to get here, but the momentum is building world-class sustainable management framework, called “A+ and we can look forward to more robust pathways and better New Zealand Sustainable Aquaculture”. Farmers will self-report biosecurity systems to protect the environment and our aquatic on-line against all the sustainability standards, including the farming sector. biosecurity requirements, and independent assessors will check adherence to the standards. We are also working towards signing the Government Industry Agreement on Biosecurity, hopefully in 2018. Colin Johnston Technical Director, Aquaculture New Zealand But we also need help. The aquaculture sector isn’t the only [email protected] Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 3 ANIMALS Introducing the MPI Readiness and Response Services Directorate MPI’s Readiness and Response Services readiness and recovery activity across Readiness Group Manager Melanie Directorate brings together the all regulatory systems; Russell says, “Our role is to improve capabilities to effectively prepare for and • strengthen MPI’s control and co- our overall readiness to respond in the manage responses, and to co-ordinate ordination of operational responses biosecurity, food, trade, and primary recovery and long-term management by working with third party suppliers; production systems and build our activities. We work collaboratively across • operate our readiness, response, readiness for specific threats such as foot- the biosecurity, food, primary production recovery and long-term management and-mouth disease, brown marmorated and trade systems, partnering with activities in a consistent way across all stink bug and Queensland fruit fly.” primary industry organisations, central of our systems; and The GIA is a cornerstone agreement and local government, pest management • ensure MPI meets its obligations in between MPI and primary industry agencies, iwi and community groups. relation to the Government Industry partners to improve biosecurity outcomes Our work protects New Zealand’s Agreement (GIA) for Biosecurity specific to readiness and response. It economy, environment and way of life. Readiness and Response, and fulfils plays an important role in enabling Readiness and Response Services its national leadership role in pest us to work better as a team to combat Director Geoff Gwyn says, “The management activities. threats and focus our efforts to protect Directorate was set up in December NZ’s biosecurity. Through all of our 2016 to bring together the readiness Directorate structure partnerships, collectively we will be better and response functions and maximise See Figure 1. The Directorate fulfils placed to produce positive outcomes for MPI’s ability to manage and respond to MPI’s readiness, response and recovery MPI, industry and New Zealand. biosecurity threats. The Directorate aims functions. The GIA Secretariat represents to take the best of what we do in each of the combined interests of the GIA The Response Group the four systems and use that to improve partners and is an independent body. The Response Group leads or supports our management of readiness, response responses throughout the biosecurity, and long-term recovery.” The Readiness Group food, primary production and trade The Readiness Group focuses on systems. The group consists of three The primary roles of the Directorate are developing systems, tools, processes teams: to: and readiness to respond, both within • respond to issues and incidents via • Incident Management, to manage MPI and with industry partners. The high risk and complex responses; a single, clear escalation path; work programme includes managing • Biosecurity Response, to manage • act as a single point of entry for the Government Industry Agreement biosecurity threats and incursions; escalating, de-escalating and (GIA), the National Biosecurity and transitioning responses across all Capability Network (NBCN), • Compensation, to assess claims and regulatory systems; continuous improvement and exercising, provide compensation for losses that • ensure alignment among implementing the Co-ordinated Incident arise from exercise of powers. groups responsible for leading the Management System (CIMS) and development and implementation of developing staff capability.

Readiness & Response Services Director Geoff Gwyn

Recovery & Pest GIA Secretariat Manager Readiness Group Manager Response Group Manager Management Group Manager Steve Rich Melanie Russell David Hutchison John Sanson

Figure 1: Structure of the Readiness and Response Services Directorate

4 Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 The group works in close collaboration These may be issues that emerge from with the Readiness Group, providing a recent response, or long-standing expertise to build response capability re-emerging issues that require further and supporting continuous co-ordination, leadership or support. improvement. Along with the Recovery Current high-profile examples include and Pest Management Group, the the National Wilding Conifer Control Response Group helps to manage Programme, kauri dieback management, recovery or long-term management of the Clean, Check, Dry campaign biosecurity issues. for freshwater pests, and national responses to eradicate established highly Manager of the Response Group David invasive weeds.” Hutchison says, “Since the creation of the Readiness and Response Services Directorate highlights Directorate in December 2016, the Since the Group was formed in Response Group has managed a range of December 2016, we have made high-profile responses including myrtle significant advances to ensure MPI rust, Bonamia ostrea and Mycoplasma is ready to respond to threats to bovis, as well as dealing with lesser biosecurity, food, trade and primary biosecurity issues. Responses often production. We have built on and have a high profile and there is an leveraged the quality of the teams’ increasing expectation from the public, knowledge, skills and experience to industry and ministers of the crown that create a centre of excellence for MPI responses will be timely and effective. response leadership. We have done this In support of this, the Response by working co-operatively with our Group has a range of dedicated, highly directorate, MPI and partners.” qualified staff who have built response capability in biosecurity and incident Other highlights have included: management, with the aim of increasing • responding to three significant stakeholder confidence in MPI.” simultaneous biosecurity threats The Recovery and Pest (myrtle rust, Bonamia and Mycoplasma bovis); Management Group • implementing a system that enables This group leads collaborative actions MPI to identify its resources and among government, industry and response expertise; the community to develop long-term • signing up four new industry management programmes for nationally partners to the GIA; significant pests. Our programmes also focus on management of the pathways • signing two new Operational of pest spread. This usually involves a Agreements with GIA partners; and combination of research, education, • controlling more than a million behavioural change and operational hectares of wilding conifers in 14 activities. The group also leads and priority areas during the first year of oversees pest management systems for a national eradication programme. efficient use of resources. For more information about the Manager Recovery and Pest Readiness and Response Directorate Management John Sanson says, “The and our work, see http://mpi.govt.nz/ Recovery and Pest Management protection-and-response/ and http:// Group’s work programmes are built www.gia.org.nz/ around collaboration and long-term partnerships. Adam O’Hara We provide leadership on high-profile Readiness and Response Services and high-risk issues that can’t be solved Directorate by one group or organisation. We Adam.O’[email protected] take a long-term, strategic approach to find solutions to complex issues.

Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 5 Korea-New Zealand 2nd Animal Health and Epidemiology Workshop, 13–15 September 2017 In March 2015 the Republic of Korea had been invested by both New Zealand process, the Surveillance Evaluation and New Zealand signed the Korea- and Korea into the planning of this Framework (SurF) (see www.mpi. New Zealand Free Trade Agreement workshop to ensure that the programme govt.nz/document-vault/18091), the (KNZFTA), which came into force on would be of mutual benefit to both Surveillance Information Management 20 December 2015. The agreement is a countries’ participants (Figure 1). System (SIMS) and its accompanying high-quality, comprehensive agreement analysis and reporting functionality, Reflecting the success of the first that has significant commercial benefits and the Standard Analysis for workshop, and the value both countries to New Zealand exporters. It marks a Disease Investigation (SADI). These place on this co-operative activity, milestone in the bilateral relationship presentations were all well received by Korea sent a large delegation consisting and plays a critical role in the future the Korean delegation. of 21 veterinary and animal health development of trade and investment experts from the Korean Animal and The Koreans presented on a number between our countries. Plant Quarantine Agency and other of very impressive initiatives including A key part is an Agriculture, Forestry organisations. The New Zealand the Korean Animal Health Information and Fisheries Cooperation (AFFC) delegation was made up of 16 staff, System (KAHIS). This is an information Chapter, which facilitates collaboration in largely from MPI and Ministry of management system used in responses these sectors across a range of activities, Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) to diseases such as foot-and-mouth including training, postgraduate but also included representatives disease (FMD) and avian influenza (AI). scholarships and workshops. from Epi-interactive and Beef and It provides the ability to track all vehicles Consequently it was agreed to hold Lamb New Zealand. Additionally, that visit livestock premises, using four animal health and veterinary during the two days a large number GPS trackers installed in the vehicles. epidemiology workshops, with the of representatives from industry and All outbreak-related data is stored in objective of sharing expertise for mutual additional staff from MPI and MFAT this system, enabling rapid analysis to benefit. As previously reported in joined the workshop, contributing to be undertaken. Korea has extensive Surveillance (Watts, 2016), the inaugural discussion and building relationships experience in managing outbreaks of KNZFTA Animal Health and Veterinary with the Korean delegation. The FMD and AI, and there is a significant Workshop was held in Seoul, Korea, workshop consisted of two days of benefit to New Zealand in learning from in April 2016. It was highly successful, presentations from both countries and their experience. with each country developing an a third day consisting of a field trip to a On the field trip we took the Koreans to understanding of the other’s biosecurity number of farms. the Wairarapa to demonstrate some of systems and the establishment of collegial The workshop provided an opportunity our high-welfare production systems, relationships. for the MPI Diagnostics and Surveillance including a free-range pig farm, a Building on this success, in September Services (DSS) Directorate to showcase sheep-and-beef farm, a deer farm and 2017 the second workshop was convened its developments and innovations over a dairy farm (Figures 2–6). All the in Wellington, at Pipitea Marae, the 18 months since the last workshop. farmers involved provided excellent Thorndon. A substantial amount of time This included descriptions and examples examples of the high levels of welfare detailing our incursion investigation and stockmanship that typifies the New Zealand primary sector. Benefits from the collaborative approach have already been realised with the attendance of three New Zealand representatives at the Global FMD Research Alliance Meeting in Seoul in October 2017. Thanks to the collegial relationships developed during these two workshops, the group was able to arrange additional meetings with Korean colleagues to further discuss areas of potential collaboration. We are looking forward to continuing to work with our Korean colleagues in areas of common interest for the mutual Figure 1: Participants in the Korea-New Zealand 2nd Animal Health and Epidemiology Workshop at benefit of both countries’ biosecurity Pipitea Marae

6 Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 systems. Over the coming months we will be in discussion with them to identify areas from this workshop that we can continue to work together on. The next workshop is scheduled to be hosted by Korea in 2018, with a further workshop in New Zealand in 2019. MPI would like to thank the leader of the Korean delegation, Dr Suk Chan Jung, Director General of the Animal Disease Control Department, APQA, MAFRA, and Dr Hachung Yoon from the Korean Veterinary Epidemiology Division for her assistance in organising the event. We would also like to thank Naya Brangenberg, Jeremy Wilhelm at Longbush Figure 2: Group photo at Longbush Pork Pork, Mark Guscott at Glen Eden Farms Ltd, Tony Robinson at Whistle Crossing Farm and Stewart Weatherstone at Rotopai Farms Ltd. Reference Watts, J (2016). 2016: A year of international co-operation for animal health and agriculture. Surveillance 43(4), 3.

Jonathan Watts Senior Adviser – Animal Health Surveillance & Incursion Investigation Diagnostic and Surveillance Services Directorate [email protected] Figure 3: Inspecting sheep at Glen Eden Farms Brendan Gould Senior Advisor Trade Policy and International Relations International Policy [email protected]

Annette Gittos Senior Policy Analyst International Relations International Policy Directorate Policy & Trade Branch [email protected]

Figure 4: Tony Robinson of Whistle Crossing Farm explains deer farming Hye Jeong Ha in NZ Manager Virology Animal Health Laboratory Diagnostic and Surveillance Services Directorate [email protected]

Figure 5: The group visiting a milking shed at Rotopai Farms Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 7 Quarterly report of diagnostic cases: July to September 2017 SVS Laboratories diagnosed in two recently calved cows reference range 18–24). The heifer with profuse diarrhoea. Faecal cultures died 3 days later. Histopathology of the Bovine yielded Salmonella Bovismorbificans. enlarged right kidney revealed marked Owing to the wet winter combined Serum biochemistry confirmed mineral multifocal renal infarcts and thrombosis with calving stresses and calves being imbalances, with elevated serum of a renal arcuate vessel. Underlying housed for longer periods, a significant magnesium (1.93 mmol/L; reference causes of renal thromboembolism number of cases of salmonellosis were range 0.49–1.15) and resultant low serum are bacterial septicaemia or bacterial diagnosed in both dairy cows and calcium (1.67 mmol/L; reference range vegetative endocarditis. calves. In the Waikato region the most 2.00–2.60). These imbalances were likely A group of twelve 10-day-old dairy calves common serovar was again Salmonella underlying causal factors associated with presented with colic and diarrhoea and Bovismorbificans, while elsewhere intestinal ileus. S. Typhimurium and other less common were doing poorly. The calves had been serovars were isolated. In one significant Three dairy cows that died on a administered NSAIDs and antibiotics. outbreak in the Waikato, six post-calving Matamata property had shown clinical Four died over the course of 2 weeks dairy cows presented with acute, foetid signs of dark yellow urine, pale mucous and one was necropsied. Histopathology diarrhoea and dehydration. One cow membranes and diarrhoea. Haematology revealed severe ulceration and died. Faecal cultures from four cows on one cow confirmed dehydration, inflammation through the reticulum, yielded Salmonella Typhimurium with an HCT of 0.57 (reference omasum, rumen and abomasum. PAS phage type 42. A less common serovar, range 0.24–0.40), resulting in urine stains confirmed numerous fungal S. Emek, was isolated from a case in concentration. There was no evidence of hyphae in the rumen lesions. The Whakatane involving diarrhoea and haemolysis or Theileriaspp. Salmonella underlying cause of the lesion was death of five calves among a group Bovismorbificans was isolated by faecal considered to be “rumen drinking” of two-day-old dairy calves. Faecal cultures. Hence the mucosal pallor was caused by failure of the oesophageal ELISA tests also revealed a concomitant due to the systemic vascular effects groove to close. This allowed highly E.coli K99 infection. In Whangarei, of salmonellosis. fermentable milk to enter the rumen, causing ruminal acidosis and ulceration S. Typhimurium phage type 101 was Spring eczema on a Gisborne property and providing a portal of entry for cultured from the faeces of four 10-day- was suspected in a steer with a swollen fungi. The NSAID treatment would have old calves and a recently calved cow, all face and elevated liver enzymes were exacerbated the abomasal ulceration. with dysentery. found in biochemical tests performed Management changes were discussed, in-clinic. The steer died and fixed Multifactorial causes of diarrhoea in including reducing stress and providing tissues from a necropsy were submitted. dairy calves were found in several cases. ad lib access to water to prevent Histopathology of the liver revealed Twenty 1-month-old dairy calves in rumen drinking. a mob of 80 in the Rotorua district a moderate cholangiohepatitis with had diarrhoea, and faecal cultures a mixed portal inflammatory cell Several autumn-calving dairy cows on yielded Salmonella Bovismorbificans. infiltrate including lymphocytes and a Waikato dairy farm showed vague Cryptosporidia were also seen on faecal neutrophils plus biliary epithelial cell clinical signs of decreased production examination, giving a multifactorial swelling and bile duct hyperplasia. The and slightly pale mucous membranes. diagnosis of salmonellosis and causes of spring eczema are unknown Serum biochemistry showed high cryptosporidiosis. In another case, in but may include the effects on the globulin (67 g/L; reference range Southland, faecal cultures of 1-month- liver of sporidesmin toxicity from the 31–54), decreased albumin (18 g/L; old dairy calves yielded S. Typhimurium the previous season, exacerbated by reference range 25–40) and mild to phage type 9 and faecal ELISA the greater amounts of chlorophyll in moderate increases in liver enzymes tests revealed concomitant bovine spring grass. (GLDH 47 U/L, reference range 8–41; GGT 106 U/L, reference range 1–36). rotavirus infection. A 2-year-old dairy heifer on a Whangarei Serology and faecal evaluation for property presented with inappetence In a case illustrating the zoonotic liver fluke were negative. Two weeks and pale mucous membranes. Serum potential of salmonellosis, a farming later one cow deteriorated and was biochemistry revealed severe renal failure family were all affected, including euthanased. On-farm necropsy revealed with azotemia (urea 127.8 mmol/L, two calf handlers and a young child. a severe pericarditis and liver abscesses. reference range 2.7–12.3; creatinine Salmonella Bovismorbificans was Hardware disease was diagnosed and 2 404 umol/L, reference range 55–130) isolated from the faeces of a group of investigation revealed the palm kernel and hyperphosphataemia (6.85 2-week-old dairy calves with profuse expeller (PKE) supply was contaminated mmol/L; reference range 1.10–2.80) diarrhoea, two of which had died. by numerous metal fragments. Owing to with resultant metabolic acidosis the wet winter and lower pasture growth On a Waikato dairy farm, salmonellosis (bicarbonate 15.8 mmol/L, reference during early spring, higher than usual combined with metabolic disease was range 26–34; anion gap 59 mmol/L,

8 Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 levels of PKE had been fed to these cows. Equine MAT showed a positive 1:200 titre for Magnets are used to decrease metal A yearling Thoroughbred colt showed L. Copenhageni. contamination, but are not completely dullness, lethargy and diarrhoea. reliable. The effects of numerous small Faecal qPCR tests were positive for Gribbles Veterinary metal fragments are seen in multiple generic Salmonella and Lawsonia Pathology cows, and clinical signs are more chronic intracellularis. Faecal cultures yielded Bovine and insidious than seen in the usual a scant growth of a Salmonella sp. (after causes of hardware disease. 72 hours’ culturing), which is still A 3-week old Friesian/Angus cross undergoing full identification. calf on a farm near Te Kuiti had a Theileriosiswas seen as early as August 2-day history of depression and mild in the Opotiki region, when a first- A one-month-old Thoroughbred foal diarrhoea, and also developed a large calving dairy cow was examined after with lymphadenopathy had an enlarged swelling in the neck at the site of an being reluctant to move. She had pale inguinal lymph node. Aspirated pus from antibiotic injection. On examination the mucous membranes and tachycardia. the lymph node tested positive on qPCR calf had pale mucous membranes and Haematology revealed a marked for Rhodococcus equi with the virulence petechial haemorrhages. Haematology regenerative anaemia with HCT 0.12 factor VapA gene. showed a severe anaemia (haematocrit (reference range 0.24–0.40), reticulocytes 0.06; reference range 0.17–0.47), low 9 Avian 247 x 10 /L (reference range < 1.0 x white blood cell count (1.1 x 109/L; 9 10 ) and Theileria spp., together with Five 10-day-old broiler chicks from a reference range 2.6–14.6 x 109), with only 9 increased band neutrophils (0.6 x 10 /L; commercial poultry farm were submitted lymphocytes seen in the differential, and 9 reference range 0.0–0.2 x 10 ) in response for necropsy after an increase mortality thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 10 to tissue hypoxia. rate was observed on the property. Gross x 109/L; reference range 190–940 x 109). findings included a diffuse fibrinous In another case of theileriosis, a This was consistent with a diagnosis of peritonitis, pleurisy and pericarditis. 3-year-old dairy cow in the Whakatane bovine neonatal pancytopenia. The Cultures of these tissues yielded district was lethargic, with pale calf had been fed colostrum from cows Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia mucous membranes and a racing pulse. that had been vaccinated with the BVD coli. Contamination during the egg- Haematology revealed an HCT of 0.11 vaccine PregSure® (Pfizer Animal Health) incubation stage was the most likely (reference range 0.24–0.40). No Theileria in 2010. Feeding calves with colostrum cause. organisms were seen on the blood smear from cows vaccinated with this product but a PCR test for Theileria orientalis Feline has been shown to be a risk factor for the development of this syndrome Ikeda was positive. A 4-year-old Devon Rex cat from the (Benedictus et al. 2016; Kasonta et al. Coromandel area had chronic diarrhoea. Ovine 2012; Benedictus et al. 2014). Three other ELISA tests of faeces for Giardia and In Whangarei, 35 abortions in a calves had died with similar symptoms Cryptosporidium were both positive. mob of 170 hoggets that were not before this calf was presented. The zoonotic potential for handlers and vaccinated against Toxoplasma or owners was highlighted. A spring-calving Friesian dairy cow Campylobacter prompted submission developed pallor and icterus after having of aborted placental and fetal tissues. Canine been moved from Feilding to north Histopathology revealed lesions typical A 7-year-old entire female Heading of Auckland 3 months previously. A of toxoplasmosis, including placentitis Dog had a history of unilateral nasal complete blood count showed anaemia of the cotyledons (with protozoal discharge for 6 weeks. Cytology of the (RBC 1.48 x 1012/L; reference range 5–7.7 tachyzoites) and fetal encephalitis. discharge showed septic inflammation x 1012) and haemoglobin was 32 g/L Caprine and a PAS-stained smear was positive for (reference range 85–130); haematocrit fungal hyphae. Fungal cultures yielded an Recurrent acute diarrhoea occurred 0.09 (reference range 0.24–0.4) with Aspergillus sp., confirming a diagnosis of among does aged 2 and 3 years in a macrocytosis (MCV 62 fL; reference nasal aspergillosis. Waikato dairy goat herd. Faecal cultures range 38–56). There was also evidence yielded Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. A 10-year-old female Huntaway dog of regeneration (absolute reticulocytes 9 9 Two goats died and fixed tissues was dehydrated, depressed and had 88.8 x 10 /L, reference range 0–1 x 10 ); were submitted for histopathology, congested mucous membranes. In-clinic 12 nRBC/100 leukocytes, reference range which revealed typical intestinal crypt biochemistry indicated hepatic and renal 0) and numerous Theileria organisms microabscessation and a chronic disease. A serum sample submitted for were present (130 per 1 000 RBC). colitis. With the apparently acute onset Leptospira serology was positive for Significant changes on biochemistry of diarrhoea, this may suggest that Leptospira IgM antibodies, confirming included increased bilirubin (87 µmol/L; subclinical yersiniosis had been present recent leptospirosis. A follow-up reference range 0–8) and enzymes for some time. Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 9 including GGT (60 IU/L; reference range dehydrated. A faecal sample was one was euthanased. Faecal testing 3–47), GLDH (115 IU/L, reference range cultured and yielded a heavy growth of showed positive results for rotavirus 5–35) and AST (176 IU/L; reference Salmonella Bovismorbificans. and Cryptosporidium spp. The calves range 56–130), suggesting hypoxic liver were being treated intensively with Clinical bovine mastitis was a common damage related to the anaemia, which housing, gut immune supplements, history in samples received at the was probably due to theileriosis. binders, oxytetracycline, meloxicam laboratory in this period. In one example, and halofuginone. At necropsy, the The Gribbles Christchurch laboratory a 2-year-old Friesian cross heifer in forestomachs of one calf contained recorded 46 isolates of Salmonella Mid-Canterbury had severe clinical watery fluid with clotted material. Brandenburg from cattle as of the end mastitis in two quarters. Culture of the Histopathology revealed acute mycotic of September. Most of these isolates milk yielded a heavy pure growth of reticulitis with hyphal or yeast-shaped were from heifers that had rotten calves Staphylococcus aureus. fungi infiltrating the squamous mucosa. causing dystocia in late gestation. Farms In another example, milk samples were Culture of stomach contents yielded typically had multiple heifers affected. received from seven mixed-age cows with Candida glabrata. This was suspected to Most cases were from mid-Canterbury clinical mastitis on a dairy farm on the be an opportunistic infection secondary but one was a heifer that aborted on West Coast. Milk from four of the cows to stress, other intestinal infections and a West Coast dairy farm. Other cases yielded Staphylococcus aureus, two had multiple antibiotic use. Histopathology of have been from calves and adult cows Streptococcus uberis isolated, and no another calf revealed cryptosporidiosis, with diarrhoea, and, interestingly, two bacteria could be isolated from one milk with Cryptosporidium organisms on isolates were from milk samples from sample. These two organisms are the atrophied villi in the small intestine. cows with mastitis. One of these cows most common bacteria we see in bovine was from a farm with abortions caused A farm in the Waimate area reported mastitis cases, though several other by S. Brandenburg and the other cow had conjunctivitis developing in 10-day-old bacteria are also found, less frequently, in watery milk in all four quarters. calves. PCR was positive for infectious association with this condition. bovine rhinotracheitis virus (bovine Seventy animals died during an outbreak As the calving season got underway herpesvirus 1). of salmonellosis on a Westland dairy during this period, cases of calf farm. The affected cows showed severe A 1-year-old Friesian cross heifer diarrhoea were commonly presented diarrhoea and pyrexia. Salmonella developed a 5-cm lump on its head for laboratory investigation. In one Bovismorbificans was cultured from the after disbudding as a calf. The mass was case, both heifer calves and bull calves faeces of six affected cows. excised and submitted for histological between 2 days and 2 weeks old on a examination, which revealed that the About 10 of 600 recently calved cows Mid-Canterbury farm had loose faeces, lesion was inflammatory and had club on a Southland farm showed clinical but whereas the heifer calves remained colonies typical of those produced in signs consistent with salmonellosis. No bright and maintained hydration, a Actinobacillus lignieresi infection deaths were reported but Salmonella number of the bull calves became (actinobacillosis). Typhimurium phage type 42 was dull, inappetent and pyrexic, and one isolated from affected animals. died. ELISA testing of faecal samples Two calves born during wet weather showed evidence of both rotavirus and in the Canterbury region developed In another case, 30 of 800 cows were Cryptosporidium spp. in both male non-pruritic, crusty, flaky and bumpy affected by clinical signs consistent and female calves. Faecal culture was skin papules around the muzzle, eyes, with salmonellosis over a period of 7 negative in the females, but the males chest and dorsum. The calves were days on a Southland farm. Salmonella yielded Salmonella Typhimurium phage otherwise healthy and the skin lesions Brandenburg was isolated. type 56. were not spreading to other in-contact Two Friesian cows from a herd near calves. A methylene-blue-stained Four out of ten 3-week-old Jersey cross Auckland developed a bloody diarrhoea smear revealed large numbers of calves from a herd near Auckland after calving and died. Four other cows Dermatophilus congolensis organisms. developed diarrhoea and died. Faecal from the same herd were also diarrhoeic, Morphology of these is so characteristic testing of one showed growth of pyrexic and dehydrated. Faecal culture that a strong presumptive diagnosis Salmonella Bovismorbificans and a from one of these yielded Salmonella of dermatophilosis can be made on positive ELISA for Cryptosporidium Typhimurium phage type 101, examination of smears alone. spp., indicating combined salmonellosis suggesting that the cattle were suffering and cryptosporidiosis. On another farm in the Canterbury from salmonellosis. region, a rising-2-year-old bull developed Three 2–3-week-old Speckle Park calves A 7-year-old Friesian cross in Mid- lesions all over the head, trunk and from Northland were diarrhoeic and Canterbury had calved 5 days before legs that were present for 2–3 months, depressed, with variable weight loss she developed diarrhoea and became after which it became acutely ill and and ocular discharges. Two died and

10 Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 was euthanased. Death was attributed feet below the pasterns were swollen. is about eight times the legal limit for to an acute bacterial fibrinopurulent These findings are typical ofergotism . drivers in New Zealand, suggesting peritonitis. However, the skin lesions Examination of a sample of the baleage alcohol toxicity. On checking the tank were characteristic of dermatophilosis, revealed 35 ergotised ryegrass seeds per where the milk was stored unrefrigerated, with large numbers of these filamentous 400 grams of baleage, supporting the it was found that the tank had not been bacteria present. diagnosis. During winter there were cleaned before new milk was added each several reports of other outbreaks of day, so the milk had been fermenting and Eight Angus heifers from different mobs ergotism from veterinarians throughout producing alcohol. on a Northland property aborted in close Otago and Southland, often with large succession. Histopathology of kidney, A rising-1-year-old Jersey heifer on a numbers of cattle affected. spleen, heart, skeletal muscle, lung, Rangitikei dairy farm was sick for 3–4 liver and brain from one fetus showed Ten 2-day-old calves died over a period days and straining as if trying to pass multifocal interstitial nephritis. Bovine of 2 weeks on a Southland dairy farm something. Other animals in the mob viral diarrhoea virus and Leptospira after developing a severe respiratory were in suboptimal body condition. were detected on PCR of fetal stomach disease. Necropsy of one showed a severe Examination of the affected heifer contents. Since interstitial nephritis is bronchopneumonia and Mannheimia revealed severe diarrhoea. Necropsy the most consistent lesion of leptospiral haemolytica was isolated from the lung. showed intense reddening of the abortion, this was considered the top Pleural fluid from this calf was positive abomasum and jejunum. Histopathology differential diagnosis, but a role for BVD for bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) virus showed moderate hyperplastic in this case was not ruled out. on PCR testing, suggesting that this calf abomasitis with intralesional nematodes. had likely been infected with BVD virus The small intestine was disrupted Three 2–3-week-old dairy calves from in utero, making it highly susceptible to by foci of necrosis and suppurative Northland died after 12–24 hours of other opportunist pathogens. BVD had inflammation centred on large bacterial anorexia, bellowing, circling, recumbency previously been identified as a significant colonies. Culture of intestinal contents and convulsions. The calves were kept problem on this farm. yielded a moderate growth of Yersinia in an old calf shed and had access to a pseudotuberculosis. These findings were paddock which, on investigation, was Three Otago farms reported multiple consistent with concurrent ostertagiasis found to contain an old car battery that cases of humeral fractures in copper- and yersiniosis. had been grazed around. Necropsy of deficient dairy heifers over the winter. one calf was unremarkable apart from The proportion of animals affected was A 3-year-old Friesian cross cow died petechial haemorrhages in the thymus generally low, for example six of 150 on suddenly while grazing a kale crop on a and abomasum and dark faecal staining one farm. Liver copper concentrations in Rotorua district dairy farm. The farmer around the anus. A sample of EDTA the affected heifers were 15–26 umol/kg had reported red urine (red-water) blood contained 1.79 mg/L of lead (toxic (adequate range > 120). in another cow several weeks prior. level > 0.5), indicative of lead toxicity No other cows were reported to be ill. During an investigation of a sudden and suggesting that the calves had Necropsy showed widespread serosal deaths in 2-day-old calves on an Otago ingested lead from the battery. petechiae and an enhanced lobular dairy farm, a severe fibrinous pleuritis pattern in the liver. Histopathology On a Central Otago beef farm, 15 of was seen in one calf that was necropsied showed massive hepatocellular necrosis. 250 yearlings on a paddock of kale were and Bibersteinia trehalosi was isolated An elevated kidney copper concentration found dead one morning. The kale had from the affected tissues. This bacterium (671 µmol/kg; reference range 0–167) been frosted and no baleage or other is an opportunist pathogen and may confirmed copper toxicity. Possible supplementary feed was being fed at have been part of a more complex sources of excess copper include palm the time. High levels of nitrate were aetiology. These calves may have been kernel expeller, copper supplementation found in the eye fluid from four of the excessively stressed, as they were born on in the water supply, mineralised dead animals and in samples of the kale, a wintering pad. drenches, copper bullets and injections. supporting a diagnosis of acute nitrate A pen of calves that were less than a Previous liver damage caused by toxicity. Samples of kale growing on week old on a Southland dairy farm sporidesmin or pyrrolizidine alkaloid nearby paddocks and being fed to other developed ataxia and recumbency toxicity increases the risk of excess mobs were also tested, but were negative shortly after being fed milk from the hepatocellular copper accumulation. for nitrate and there were no deaths in farm’s milking cows. They recovered these mobs. A 5-month-old calf from the Waikato after several hours. Older calves fed region presented with a 2-day history Ten of 120 yearling cattle on a Southland the same milk were unaffected. Blood of diarrhoea followed by death. dairy farm were noticed to be lame in alcohol levels taken from several affected Histopathology revealed a necrotising both hind legs 2 weeks after starting calves three hours after feeding averaged enterocolitis and lymphoplasmacytic a new diet of crop and baleage. The 100 mmol/L (400 mg/100 ml), which interstitial nephritis, and many

Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 11 endothelial cells within these regions of fetal lung yielded a heavy growth of intestine. Culture of intestinal contents contained intranuclear inclusion bodies. Listeria ivonovii, supporting a diagnosis from two ewes produced moderate These findings were consistent with of Listeria ivonovii abortion. growth of Salmonella spp., one of which bovine adenovirus. was confirmed asS. Hindmarsh through When a group of two-tooth ewes began further testing. Ovine to abort on a mid-Canterbury farm, Acute, watery diarrhoea developed in a number of fresh and formalin-fixed A sheep dairy farm with 700 ewe hoggets six of 900 ewes on a North Canterbury samples were submitted to the laboratory. reported nine hogget deaths over a farm. The animals were on a crop Histological examination of placenta 3-day period. The hoggets had arrived and being fed baleage. Samples from from two animals showed multifocal 2–4 weeks previously and were grazing one affected ewe were received and a cotyledonary necrosis and mineralisation unfertilised ryegrass pasture. Three culture for Salmonella spp. was negative. with intralesional protozoa. In the were necropsied, and all had blue-black Histologically, sections of the intestinal fetal brain there were foci of malacia renal cortices and port-wine-coloured tract had typical lesions of enteric in the corona radiata. The lesions were urine. Tissues from one animal were listeriosis. This disease is most often seen considered typical for Toxoplasma processed for histopathology. There in the winter, associated with feeding spp. abortion. Toxoplasma antibody was diffuse centrilobular hepatocellular poor-quality baleage or silage. latex agglutination tests were positive necrosis, mild non-suppurative on the heart blood or thoracic fluid of interstitial nephritis with intratubular When a group of mixed-age adult six aborted lambs. High Toxoplasma haemoglobin, diffuse pulmonary oedema halfbred ewes were checked one morning antibody titres were also found in serum and neutrophilic interstitial pneumonia. 2 days after starting to graze a paddock from the ewes that had aborted. These lesions were considered consistent of new ryegrass, 22 were found dead and with leptospirosis. The diagnosis Ovine abortion due to Campylobacter seven were recumbent. Blood samples was confirmed by PCR detection of fetus ssp. fetus was a common diagnosis were collected before the recumbent pathogenic leptospires from the urine of in this period. In one example, six animals were treated with intravenous one of the hoggets. calcium and magnesium. Six of the mature ewes from a flock of 100 in Mid- seven animals quickly responded to Canterbury aborted and multiple pale Equine this treatment. Tests on blood collected yellow 2–3-mm foci were seen on one A mare on a North Canterbury farm before treatment from five of the animals placenta. The ewes were not vaccinated aborted and samples of fixed fetal tissue showed that although magnesium and against C. fetus ssp. fetus. This organism submitted to the laboratory revealed beta-hydroxybutyrate results were was isolated from the stomach contents oedema of the lung with intranuclear all within normal reference ranges, of two of the aborted lambs. inclusions in bronchiolar epithelial cells calcium concentrations were all low Ewe hoggets grazing fodder beet tops and scattered syncytial bronchiolar (0.62–0.85 mmol/L; reference range on a sheep farm in Southland developed epithelial cells. These findings are typical 2–3), confirming the clinical suspicion of very large goitres of the thyroid glands. of equine herpesvirus abortion. hypocalcaemia. These became smaller after a mineralised A 4-year-old Welsh pony cross mare About a week before the planned start drench was given. Ten days later an was among a group of horses in the of lambing on a Mid-Canterbury sheep affected hogget was necropsied and the Canterbury region that were rescued by farm with 3 800 ewes, abortions began thyroid removed and fixed in formalin. a welfare organisation. In March 2017 to occur. There were five abortions over It weighed 130 g (normal size < 5). she had a slight neutrophilia (8.8 x 109/L; 5 days among mixed-age ewes in several Histopathological examination of the reference range 2.7–6.7), albumin was of the mobs. One ewe died and one was fixed thyroid was consistent with a low at 24 g/L ( reference range 27–39), unwell, but the other three appeared colloid goitre. These commonly develop globulin was elevated at 56 g/L (reference clinically normal after aborting. The ewes after an animal with a goitre has been range 21–39) and CK was 417 IU/L had been vaccinated against Toxoplasma given iodine treatment. (reference range 0–312). A faecal egg and Campylobacter as two-tooths and Salmonella Hindmarsh was isolated in a count in May revealed 50 strongyle abortion epidemics had not been a spate of sudden deaths among multiple- eggs per gram of faeces. In June she was problem previously on this farm. All the bearing ewes on a sheep station in the not gaining weight as well as the other ewes were receiving baleage (assessed Gisborne region. About 20 of 500 ewes rescued horses and had “cow pie” faeces. by the veterinarian as good quality) as died suddenly after yarding, shearing She had 200 strongyle eggs per gram of well as a variety of crops (rape, kale, and scanning. Grossly, small quantities of faeces and no cyathostome larvae were oats and turnips), grass and hay. No khaki-coloured diarrhoea were noted in seen. In mid-July she presented off-feed gross lesions were noted in the aborted the intestines. The livers of some affected with a painful mouth. Food would fall fetus examined, and heart blood was ewes had pale spots within the capsule out of her mouth. The masseter muscles negative for Toxoplasma antibody by and parenchyma. Histology showed were painful and her mouth could only latex agglutination testing, but culture fibrinosuppurative inflammation in the be opened a small way without pain. 12 Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 The faeces were normal. CBC revealed Blood testing while the horse was on a A one-year-old Ragdoll cat from a mild neutrophilia (12.9 x 109/L), mild grass diet showed mild hyperglycaemia of the New Plymouth area developed eosinophilia (1.8 x 109/L; reference range 6.7 mmol/L (reference range 4.1–6.3) and multiple cutaneous lumps on the 0–0.8 x 109) and increased fibrinogen at markedly increased serum insulin of > face after a suspected cat fight. Two 8 g/L (reference range 1–4). Albumin 300 mIU/L ( > 20 in a fasted individual is lesions were biopsied and submitted had fallen to 19 g/L, globulins increased considered to indicate insulin resistance). for histopathology. Both had similar to 62 g/L, CK was markedly elevated at These findings were consistent with nodular coalescing aggregates of 20 008 IU/L, and AST was 7 535 IU/L equine metabolic syndrome. epithelioid macrophages and mixed (reference range 0–590). Two days later inflammatory cells within the dermis and the eosinophil count was 6.2 x 109/L, Feline subcutis. Application of a Ziehl-Neelsen neutrophil count 10.6 x 109/L, fibrinogen A cat of unknown age from North Otago stain to the tissue revealed multiple 6 g/L, albumin 17 g/L and globulins with a history of chronic diarrhoea slender acid-fast bacilli, confirming a were 55 g/L. CK and AST had decreased failed to improve with changing diet. diagnosis of cutaneous mycobacteriosis significantly but were still elevated (6 949 Culture of a faecal sample was negative (feline leprosy). IU/L and 6 637 IU/L respectively). A for Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella masseter muscle biopsy showed acute spp. and ELISA tests for Giardia spp. and Canine to subacute necrosis with myofibre Cryptosporidia spp. were also negative. A A 20-month-old dog with a history of loss. Treatment with oral prednisolone faecal egg count showed that there were chronic ulcerative plasmacytic nasal resulted in great clinical improvement. By 1 450 ascarid eggs per gram of faeces, dermatitis had been on long-term mid-August she had a neutrophil count suggesting clinical parasitism was likely treatment with antibiotics. The dog’s of 8.9 x 109/L but a still rising eosinophil to be significantly contributing to the owner was diagnosed with a methicillin- count of 11.3 x 109/L. Blood selenium diarrhoea. This is a relatively uncommon resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was low at 280 nmol/L (reference range laboratory finding. infection, so a swab from the dog’s nose 1 600–3 200) and faecal examination A 6-month-old Birman cross cat from was collected and it tested positive for was negative for both strongyle eggs and Mid-Canterbury with chronic diarrhoea this organism. Sensitivity testing also cyathostome larvae. However, 4 days was described as “gassy and explosive” showed that the isolate was resistant later she was found dead with about by the veterinarian and a faecal sample to cefoxitin, indicating that it was 5–10 L of black/red abdominal fluid. The was positive for Giardia spp. on likely a methicillin-resistant strain of jejunum and ileum were black/red and ELISA testing. Staphylococcus aureus. swollen; the kidneys were swollen with A three-year-old Miniature Dachshund adhesions, and the cardiac musculature In another case of feline diarrhoea, from an urban area in Mid-Canterbury had white streaking. Histopathology a 10-month-old Ocicat from North presented with vomiting and diarrhoea. showed marked eosinophilic colitis Canterbury had negative faecal ELISA The dog had been fed a raw food diet. with intralesional strongyle nematodes test results for Giardia spp. and Salmonella Brandenburg was isolated consistent with cyathostomes. There Cryptosporidia spp., and a faecal egg from a sample of faeces. Although was steatitis of the fat within the count was negative. However, Salmonella this species is commonly seen in intestinal submucosa and around Typhimurium phage type 56 was ruminants, it is only rarely isolated from the kidney and mesentery, moderate isolated on faecal culture. The cat was companion animals. subacute to chronic myocardial loss from a rural area and had presented with and fibrosis in the myocardium, and a very acute onset diarrhoea, anorexia A 5-year-old male Border Collie from mild myodegeneration, regeneration and pyrexia. This type of Salmonella the Canterbury region was suspected and subtle mixed inflammation in the species is moderately common in both to have developed Fanconi’s syndrome masseter muscle. The cause of death was humans and a variety of animal species in subsequent to leptospirosis. It had thought to be the acute small intestinal New Zealand. a 2-week history of polyuria and lesion and suspected intestinal necrosis. A 5-week-old Domestic Shorthair kitten polydipsia, weight loss and cystitis. The large intestine had a significant from Auckland had chronic diarrhoea There was marked glucosuria but cyathostome burden even though faecal that did not respond to empirical blood glucose was normal. Urine was examination had been negative on two treatment with fenbendazole or a diet isosthenuric on several consecutive occasions. Selenium deficiency may change. Faecal testing showed a weak samples and contained protein. The have contributed to the muscle lesions positive result for Cryptosporidium spp. kidneys were described as abnormal and steatitis. The demise of this horse on ELISA, and Tritrichomonas foetus on ultrasound. Serum creatinine was was likely to have been multifactorial, was also detected by PCR, indicating mildly elevated (142 umol/L; reference involving parasitism and poor nutrition. combined cryptosporidiosis and range 48–109) and bicarbonate mildly decreased (15 nmol/L; reference range An 11-year-old Miniature horse from trichomoniasis. 18–27). MAT testing revealed a titre Northland had intermittent laminitis.

Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 13 of > 1:1600 for Leptospira Tarassovi, Treatment included sedation, antibiotics, Cervine 1:100 for Leptospira Copenhageni and fluid therapy and dexamethasone but Two cases of malignant catarrhal was negative for serovars Pomona and despite an apparent improvement fever (MCF) were seen at the Gribbles Hardjo. One month later the dog was overnight the dog died the following Palmerston North laboratory in red reported to have greatly improved after day. Tissues were collected at necropsy deer during this winter period. In one treatment for leptospirosis. Creatinine for histopathology. There was severe case, a valuable red stag from a Ruapehu had decreased to 113 umol/L (almost chronic diffuse lymphoplasmacytic and farm was off-colour and anorexic normal). Unfortunately Leptospira spp. granulomatous meningoencephalitis and was found dead the following serology testing was not repeated to with oedema and astrogliosis. The day. It was in good body condition determine whether an active infection nature and distribution of the lesions and had blood coming from the nose may have been present. was consistent with granulomatous and rectum. Multiple tissue samples meningoencephalomyelitis (GME), A 1-year-old Shar Pei from Auckland were collected at necropsy. Histology a sporadic disease of the CNS of presented with severe mange of revealed lymphoplasmacytic vasculitis predominantly young-to-middle-aged several weeks’ duration, a poor body and perivascular inflammation in small-breed dogs. The aetiology is condition score (2/9) and melaena. brain, heart, lung, liver and kidney, unknown. Several infectious agents have Faecal testing yielded a weak positive compatible with the effects of ovine been investigated but none confirmed. on Cryptosporidium ELISA and there herpesvirus type 2. Immunohistochemical studies showing were 2 600 ascarid eggs per gram of many CD3+ T lymphocytes and MHC Another case occurred in a five-year-old faeces. There was a mild non-regenerative II macrophages suggest an immune- red stag from a herd of 100 in Central anaemia (haemoglobin 116 g/L; reference mediated disorder. Hawke’s Bay. The stag lost weight over range 120–180), an inflammatory several days before being found dead. leukogram with neutrophils 16 x 109/L Caprine Lymphoplasmacytic and necrotising (reference range 3.6–11.5) and mildly In a herd of 300 Saanen goats from arteritis was seen in the kidney, heart, increased BUN, reflecting gastrointestinal Northland, some were diarrhoeic. Ten lymph node and intestine, confirming haemorrhage (16.8 mmol/L; kids had died and 11 more were also the diagnosis. MCF in deer has a reference range 2.5–9). Combined showing neurological signs including seasonal peak in winter. Stressors such as cryptosporidiosis and nematode seizuring and recumbency. Post-mortem transport, feed change, and concurrent parasitism was diagnosed. examination of one 6-week-old kid disease may contribute to susceptibility. A four-year-old Greyhound from showed a purulent meningeal exudate. Porcine Waikato became anorexic and was found Histopathology confirmed a cerebral Four 10-week-old piglets on a small recumbent with marked icterus two abscess containing Gram-positive lifestyle farm in Otago were found dead days later. The dog was subsequently bacteria, and Streptococcus oralis was 2 days after purchase. Examination of euthanased. At post-mortem cultured from the site, indicating a the pen they were housed in revealed examination icterus was confirmed, along streptococcal meningoencephalitis, that they had been drinking water from a with multifocal haemorrhages within the probably caused by septicaemia although container that had previously contained gastrointestinal tract, lungs, epicardium, the underlying cause was not identified. monensin. Necropsy of one piglet showed renal capsules and retroperitoneal no gross lesions but histopathological space. PCR on urine was positive Camelid examination of the skeletal muscle for Leptospira spp. Histopathology A 9-year-old llama from near Auckland showed a severe myopathy consistent showed haemorrhages in multiple was bright and alert but had an inguinal with monensin toxicity. organs, multifocal renal tubular necrosis mass, and oedema of the associated and regeneration, and hepatocyte hind limb. Histopathology of biopsies All six recently-purchased 8-week- dissociation with mitotic activity, typical from the mass demonstrated aggregates old piglets on a small lifestyle farm in of leptospirosis. of small lymphocytes, neutrophils and Otago died. They exhibited diarrhoea proliferating lymphoid mononuclear and pyrexia before death. Salmonella A 7-year-old male neutered Maltese cells in association with necrosis, Typhimurium was isolated from the Terrier cross in Taranaki presented with haemorrhage and oedema. The diagnosis faeces of one of the affected piglets. itchy skin, bilateral hindlimb paresis was lymphoma. This may be the most and luxating patellas. Non-steroidal common form of neoplasia in camelids; it Avian anti-inflammatories were prescribed occurs most commonly as a multicentric A kakariki (Cyanoramphus sp.) of for presumed degenerative joint disease involving the abdominal unknown age from the Nelson region disease. Over the next few days the dog cavity, thoracic cavity or peripheral suddenly died. The bird was in good developed weakness, intention tremor lymph nodes. body condition. Necropsy revealed and intermittent petit mal seizures. multiple small yellow nodules in the liver,

14 Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 so yersiniosis was suspected. A Gram of bacterial skin disease. While culture diarrhoea and grey-green, ashy rumenal stain of liver tissue showed large numbers was not attempted, the lesions were contents. Massive amounts of arsenic of Gram-negative rods and Yersinia considered compatible with disease (3 400 mg/kg) were found on analysis of pseudotuberculosis was isolated in heavy caused by Flavobacterium spp. (e.g., cold the abomasal contents, and significant growth, confirming the diagnosis. water disease, peduncle disease), among amounts of copper and chromium were other pathogens. also present. These elements are common Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection components of wood preservative, and was also the diagnosis when eight of death was considered to be the result 200 canaries died on a Mid-Canterbury of acute arsenic toxicity caused by property. Initially feed contamination New Zealand Veterinary ingesting the ashes. was suspected but deaths continued after Pathology the suspect feed was withdrawn and Salmonella Bovismorbificans was a necropsy revealed small granulomata on Bovine common isolate from diarrhoeic calves the liver and spleen. Y. pseudotuberculosis Two calves on a property in the Tokoroa this spring. In a typical case, a group was isolated in heavy growth from two district died suddenly. Tissues from of 1–2-week-old dairy calves in the samples of tissue. one 6-day-old calf were submitted Kaitaia district exhibited scour. Samples after a necropsy. Examination of the from four animals were submitted. On another property in Canterbury 60 small intestine revealed numerous Two were positive for rotavirus and canaries died over a period of 3 months, cryptosporida along the brush border a further animal was positive for despite a trial of treatment with of the intestine, accompanied by coronavirus on faecal antigen ELISA. tetracycline in the drinking water. A dead numerous aggregates of small bacilli S. Bovismorbificans was isolated from bird was submitted to the laboratory that were accumulating or lining up all four calves. Other common isolates for necropsy. Its keel was slightly along the brush border of the villi. of Salmonella associated with calves in prominent. There was almost no food in Cryptosporidiosis, likely complicated the spring were S. Tymphimurium and the proventriculus or gizzard. The liver by the presence of enterotoxigenic S. Brandenburg, frequently present in and lungs were grossly normal but the E. coli, was diagnosed. The calf also herds in combination with coronavirus, spleen was massively enlarged and dark had evidence of a bronchointerstitial rotavirus and cryptosporidia. red, suggesting either a hematopoietic and suppurative pneumonia, which tumour, a protozoal infection or a A mature dairy cow in the Waikato would have contributed to the mortality. bacterial infection. Imprints of the district had marked respiratory stertor Additional testing was not performed on spleen and liver revealed large numbers originating from the larynx. The cow the fresh tissues that were submitted. An of rod-shaped bacteria, both free and was treated twice with antibiotics and ELISA is available to detect the presence within large mononuclear cells. Culture NSAIDS and appeared to improve, but of K99 antigen in faeces, but after 6 days of the liver yielded a heavy growth of later developed more severe respiratory of age it is frequently negative owing to Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 1. distress with marked submandibular the presence of antibodies. lymphadenopathy. Biopsy of the Piscine Two faecal samples were submitted inflamed tissue revealed a chronic About 20 rainbow and brown trout of from a group of calves in the Bay of pyogranuomatous inflammation with varying ages developed whitish ulcerated Plenty that had diarrhoea. A faint numerous club colonies, consistent with skin lesions along the dorsum. The fish positive result was seen when the faeces infection by Actinobacillus ligneresii, were being held in a rearing pond in were tested in-house by the submitting the causative agent of woody tongue. the Hawke’s Bay region. There were no veterinarian. Salmonella culture revealed While woody tongue classically involves reported changes to the water supply or that one calf was positive for Salmonella the tongue, it is not infrequent to see it feeding regime, the only change being Lexington, which has previously been involving other soft tissues around the the recent arrival of a black swan on the detected in cattle in New Zealand, but head and neck. pond. Wet preparations of the lesions and is relatively unusual. However, clinically A 3-week-old calf in the Buller gills did not reveal any protozoa, fungi the behaviour of S. Lexington is similar district was covered in scabby skin or flukes. Several fish were sacrificed for to that of other serovars, causing severe lesions that could be peeled off to sampling and lesions were submitted for diarrhoea that is sometimes accompanied reveal reddened, inflamed skin. Gram histopathology. Significant findings were by sepsis and death. ulcerative dermatitis, particularly around staining of exudate from beneath the A single steer on a property in Taupo was the dorsal fin and tail, and proliferative scabs revealed organisms consistent recumbent. There were signs that it had and necrotising branchitis. Gram with Dermatophilus congoliensis, the been eating ashes from where preserved staining revealed numerous slender causative agent of rain scald. timber had been burned. The animal had Gram-negative rods within the lesions. A mature dairy cow in the Waitomo a haemorrhagic abomasal mucosa, watery These findings confirmed a diagnosis

Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 15 district had chronic mastitis that had aborted fetus was also submitted. Bovine peroxidase, which is expressed in the previously been treated with amoxycillin/ viral diarrhoea (BVD) virus antigen cytoplasm of many mammalian cells, clavaulanic acid and oxytetracycline. A tests and Neospora antibody ELISA on including red blood cells. Decreased milk sample was taken and frozen, then the sera were negative, but BVD antigen levels of glutathione peroxidase activity the cow was treated with tylosin, to no ELISA testing on an ear punch from the are characteristic of selenium deficiency, effect. Culture of the frozen milk sample aborted fetus was positive, suggesting and persist for up to three months (the revealed Trueperella pyogenes, which that bovine viral diarrhoea was likely halflife of mammalian red blood cells). frequently forms large abcesses within the cause of the abortion. While BVD is A 2-year-old Galloway beef cow in the udder. This makes it difficult to acknowledged to be an important cause Invercargill had multiple soft circular achieve effective antibiotic concentrations of early embryonic death and abortion, cutaneous lesions on its left hind leg, at the site of infection, allowing infection most abortions occur relatively early in extending from the hock to the stifle. to persist. gestation and may not be detected. Late- Punch biopsies of the affected tissue gestation abortions often involve feti that A 6-week-old calf in the Canterbury revealed a marked pyogranulomatous would (if they had survived gestation) region had severe respiratory distress, dermatitis with intralesional club have been born persistently infected. with large areas of suppurative colonies typical of an Actinobacillus or These animals are typically antigen- inflammation visible in the lungs Actinomyces species. Staining revealed positive on ELISA testing. on postmortem. Culture of the lung that the club colonies were Gram yielded a heavy growth of Trueperella In another incident in the Rotorua negative, consistent with infection by pyogenes. Histology revealed a district, tissues from an aborted fetus Actinobacillus ligneresii. This bacterium subacute suppurative and necrotising were submitted for histology and is the causative agent of woody tongue, bronchopneumonia with scattered microbiology. Histology revealed a but similar infections can occur at other multinucleate giant cells. Infection by severe suppurative fetal pneumonia, soft-tissue sites. bovine respiratory syncytial virus and on this basis microbiology was A yearling bull in Taupo exhibited (BRSV) with secondary bacterial actioned, resulting in the isolation of a sudden loss in condition in July pneumonia was suspected. BRSV is an Trueperella pyogenes from the fetal despite having been drenched in May uncommon cause of respiratory disease stomach contents. This suggests that the with a macrocyclic lactone/levamisole in calves in New Zealand, but does tend cause of the abortion was a placentitis combination plus vitamin B12/ to occur in small outbreaks. caused by Trueperella pyogenes, causing selenium. The animal had a moderate fetal pneumonia. Placentitis in cows is Four mature dairy cows in the Waikato hypoproteinemia with hypoalbuminemia. typically the result of bacteraemia. region died overnight on a swampy A postmortem was performed. Histologic paddock with Poa aquatica (swamp A yearling heifer in the Taupo area had examination of samples revealed marked grass). Analysis of rumen fluid from one marked scouring, loss of condition and abomasal mucosal hyperplasia with animal revealed the presence of cyanide, recumbency. On postmortem it had low numerous gastric glands containing suggesting that the animals had ingested fat reserves and an inflamed gut with cross-sections of nematodes, consistent enough of this toxic plant to result in marked thickening of the ileum. Tissues with ostertagiasis. cyanide toxicosis. were submitted for histopathology, and A herd of 400 dairy cattle had 18 microscopic examination revealed an Five dairy heifers out of a group of abortions in late pregnancy. Cows that acute bacterial enteritis with numerous 90 animals in the Waikato region had were pregnant when scanned in late small colonies of short rods lining the spontaneous humeral fractures after March were found to be empty in July, affected areas of small intestine. Yersinia calving. Serum copper levels in two but no abortions had been observed. Bulk pseudotuberculosis was cultured, of three animals tested were markedly tank milk BVD antibody levels on this confirming enteric yersiniosis. decreased (3.1–4.6 umol/L; reference property were historically low, and this range 8–20), indicating severe depletion A group of yearling cattle in the was corroborated by testing of six empty of copper stores and copper deficiency. Auckland region had a history of poor cows, only one of which had a positive Copper forms an essential part of lysyl condition. They had no scour and the antibody titre. However, testing of three oxidase, an enzyme important in the parasite drench regime was considered aborted animals for Neopora revealed cross-linkage of collagen. Inadequately good by the submitting veterinarian. that two had a positive titre, suggesting cross-linked collagen causes the Serum copper and vitamin B12 values that Neospora caninum may have had a formation of weakened bone, which is were normal, but glutathione peroxidase role in the abortions described. predisposed to fracture. testing on EDTA revealed levels of less than 1 000 IU/L (reference range 2 000– Ovine Three animals out of a dairy herd in the 25 000), suggesting clinically significant A one-week-old lamb from a 400-head Rotorua district aborted. Serum samples selenium deficiency. Selenium is an dairy sheep operation in Taupo exhibited were submitted from all three and an important part of the enzyme glutathione respiratory signs and died. Necropsy

16 Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 performed by the submitting veterinarian cuffing and areas of necrosis with gitter reticuloendothelial cells in the spleen. revealed a fibrinous bronchopneumonia cell formation. Listeriosis was diagnosed. Occasional large multinucleate giant and culture confirmed the presence of cells were present in the spleen, and rare Pasteurella multocida. Equine macrophages contained large botryoid A 400-head ewe mob in Nelson had A month-old Thoroughbred foal in the intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies, typical problems with about 2 percent of Waikato had an acute onset of ataxia, of porcine circovirus 2. The same piglet ewes aborting and some neonatal with a stretched neck. Haematology also had a severe ulcerative enteritis with losses. The mob was not vaccinated for by the referring veterinarian revealed thrombosis, consistent with bacterial toxoplasmosis or campylobacteriosis. elevated white blood cells and serum enteritis (most likely salmonellosis). An aborted lamb submitted for necropsy amyloid A. Gross and histologic Both piglets also had a severe interstitial showed evidence of mild goitre, examination of the brain and spinal cord pneumonia. Postweaning multisystemic suggesting a degree of iodine deficiency. did not reveal any lesion that would wasting disease (PMWS) complicated by In addition, numerous Campylobacter explain the clinical signs. However, the bacterial enteritis (likely salmonellosis) organisms were visible when a stained foal had multifocal hepatic necrosis and was diagnosed on the basis of histology. smear of stomach contents was examined suppurative inflammation consistent with Since the affected litter was still in microscopically, suggesting that bacteraemia/septicaemia. quarantine, the remainder of the litter Campylobacter fetus ssp. fetus was the A young horse in Papakura had evidence and the sow were euthanased. likely cause of the abortion. of hypoproteinemia and weight loss. Feline About 10 abortions occurred among Faeces were submitted for PCR for A 1-year-old domestic cat in Lower Hutt brought-in mature ewes on a property Lawsonia intracellularis, which was had been lethargic for two days, with in Carterton. A smear of stomach positive. Proliferative enteropathy inappetence and vomiting. The cat was contents from one of the aborted fetuses caused by Lawsonia was diagnosed. was examined microscopically and pyrexic, with a temperature of 40.1ºC, contained organisms consistent with Alpaca and had diarrhoea with blood and Campylobacter fetus ssp. fetus. This An alpaca cria from a group of five in mucus. A faecal sample was submitted finding was confirmed by isolation of this the Southern Lakes district appeared for parasitology and microbiology. organism from an enrichment culture. depressed and recumbent much of the Salmonella Tymphimurium phage Abortion caused by C. fetus ssp. fetus time. Clinical examination revealed that type 101 was isolated, suggesting that was confirmed. vital signs were normal but the cria was salmonellosis was the cause of the in poor body condition. Blood chemistry clinical signs. A sheep property in Carterton showed a revealed a marked hypophosphataemia high rate of dry ewes among two-tooths Poultry (0.49 mmol/L; reference range 1.90– on scanning, with many showing signs On a property in Nelson, 450 layers died 3.40). Hypophosphataemic rickets is not of reabsorption or abortion. Two mobs over a period of 10 days on a property uncommon in alpacas and is considered were 27 percent and 14 percent dry, that housed 9 000 birds. Necropsy to be the result of vitamin D deficiency whereas the rate among mature ewes was performed on seven of the dead birds in most cases. Vitamin D deficiency is only 3 percent. Two two-tooth ewes were by the submitter revealed a range of seasonal and is believed to be the result autopsied and pregnant/aborting uteri lesions including oophoritis and enlarged of insufficient sunlight exposure during were submitted. There was fetal death spleens, and pneumonia was seen in winter. It tends to be more common in and gross evidence of endometritis. one bird. Spleen and lung samples were heavily fleeced, dark-coloured animals, Testing for Campylobacter was negative, submitted for culture. Culture of the which appear to have lower endogenous but one of the aborted feti was positive spleen revealed no significant isolates, cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) production. on a screen for Toxoplasma antibodies, but the lung yielded a heavy growth (Judson et al., 2008). suggesting that Toxoplasma gondii of Pasteurella multocida, suggesting was an important contributor to the Porcine that this was the organism responsible reproductive problems on this property. Four piglets out of a litter of eight on for the deaths. Fowl cholera caused by P. multocida occurs sporadically in Caprine a free-range property in the Waikato district died at about 3 weeks of age. New Zealand but vaccines are available to A goat at a research facility in the The piglets were from a sow that was help prevent outbreaks. Waikato had nervous disease, with newly introduced to the property and circling and a head-tilt. Other animals References was in quarantine. Histology on two were not affected. The goat was Benedictus L, Otten HG, van Schaik G, van of the piglets was performed. One euthanased and histology revealed Ginkel WG, Heuven HC, Nielen M, Rutten VP, animal had large regions of coalescing the presence of a chronic lymphocytic Koets AP (2014). Bovine Neonatal Pancytopenia hepatic necrosis, with proliferation of is a heritable trait of the dam rather than the calf encephalitis with extensive perivascular

Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 17 and correlates with the magnitude of vaccine induced maternal alloantibodies not the MHC haplotype. Veterinary Research 45, 129. Benedictus L, Rutten VP, Koets, AP (2016). Pregnancy boosts vaccine-induced Bovine Neonatal Pancytopenia-associated alloantibodies. Vaccine 34 (8), 1002–1005. Judson GJ, McGregor BA, Partington DL ( 2008). Factors associated with low vitamin D status of Australian Alpacas. Australian Veterinary Journal 86 (120), 486–490. Kasonta R, Sauter-Louis C, Holsteg M, Duchow K, Cussler K, Bastian M (2012). Effect of the vaccination scheme on PregSure® BVD induced alloreactivity and the incidence of Bovine Neonatal Pancytopenia. Vaccine 30 (47), 6649–6655.

18 Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 Quarterly report of investigations of suspected exotic diseases Exotic vesicular diseases ruled out Exotic disease investigations are managed and reported by MPI Diagnostic and Surveillance Services Directorate, Wallaceville. A farm veterinarian called the MPI exotic The following is a summary of investigations of suspected exotic pest and disease hotline to discuss oral disease during the period from July to September 2017. lesions found in three of eight poorer- doing 11-month-old heifers from a mob of 50. A digital picture forwarded by the veterinarian showed a lesion that was vesicular in appearance. The Initial Akabane virus and with keratoconjunctivitis in some cases. Investigating Veterinarian (IIV) system bluetongue virus ruled out It is not reportedly a cause of coughing was activated and an IIV attended in lambs. The cause of this outbreak of A veterinary pathologist called the MPI the farm with the farm veterinarian. coughing was not identified but exotic exotic pest and disease hotline to discuss There was no history of lameness or Mycoplasma spp. were excluded by PCR. a submission received from a veterinary salivation, and after observation and/ practitioner. The farm vet had submitted or examination of the 50 heifers and Exotic equine encephalitides sera for bovine virual diarrhoea virus observation of another 120 heifers on (BVDV) antibody testing from six of excluded the property, vesicular disease was ruled 60 mixed-age cows and heifers from a A veterinarian called the MPI exotic out. Oral lesions appeared consistent Marlborough beef herd. The six cows had pest and disease hotline to report a with bovine papular stomatitis and all delivered calves with hydrocephalus sudden onset of neurological signs in this was subsequently confirmed on in the previous calving season. This a 2-year-old racehorse. Clinical signs histopathology on a biopsy sample. is usually a sporadic presentation and included severe ataxia and disorientation. The horse was euthanased owing to Anaemia in cattle its occurrence in six animals merited investigation. BVDV is an endemic the severity of clinical signs. Only the investigated differential. Exotic differentials include one horse was affected and follow-up In late autumn a veterinary clinical Akabane virus and bluetongue virus. indicated no spread of disease. Infectious pathologist called the MPI exotic BVDV was excluded by testing at the equine herpesviral myeloencephalopathy pest and disease hotline to discuss a commercial pathology laboratory and (IEHM) caused by certain strains of submission from a spring-calving dairy sera submitted to the AHL enabled the the endemic equine herpesvirus-1 herd of 500 cows, two of which presented exotic differentials to be ruled out by was considered to be a possible cause. with severe anaemia. Haematological ELISA testing. Another endemic cause is traumatic or examination confirmed a regenerative congenital musculoskeletal syndromes anaemia. A haemorrhagic cause had been Exotic mycoplasmas (e.g., wobblers). Exotic pathogens were ruled out on clinical examination. The excluded also included as possible differential endemic differentialTheileria orientalis diagnoses, including West Nile virus A veterinary pathologist notified MPI Ikeda type had been ruled out by the (WNV) and flaviviruses (e.g., equine of an outbreak of coughing that had clinical pathologist, based on blood encephalitis viruses). Although commenced shortly after yarding smear examination and PCR testing. a complete postmortem was not among about 1 000 of 3 000 hoggets. Endemic bovine haemoplasmas that performed, the brain was removed and The hoggets were not otherwise ill can play a role in outbreaks of anaemia sent for histopathology, and sections except for a slight decrease in expected (McFadden et al., 2016) were ruled of brain, associated lymph node, weight gain. A single animal sacrificed out by tests at the MPI Animal Health and aqueous humour were taken for prior to notification had microscopic Laboratory (AHL), Wallaceville. While further testing. Histopathology showed lesions including lymphoplasmacytic the original blood smear examination did lymphocytic cuffing of scattered vessels cuffing of airways, indicating chronic not identify any exotic blood parasites, within the brain, indicative of possible airway inflammation. Agents known confirmatory testing was conducted to encephalitis. PCR for EHV-1 was to cause this include Mycoplasma rule out exotic differentials.Babesia spp. negative for all tissues, and PCR for spp. Swabs taken from the noses and and exotic Theileria were ruled out by a EHV-4 was positive for lymph node conjunctiva of nine animals were tested generic piroplasm PCR run at the AHL. only (but the significance of this to for Mycoplasma spp. and one swab Anaplasmosis was ruled out by cELISA a neurological condition is probably returned confirmation with sequencing and PCR testing subcontracted to an negligible). ELISA tests for IgM for of M. conjunctivae. Two others were overseas laboratory. As a result the exotic both eastern equine encephalitis virus weakly positive and sequencing could disease investigation was closed, but (EEEV) and WNV were negative, as not be performed. M. conjunctivae is investigation of other potential endemic was plaque reduction neutralisation thought to be widespread among sheep causes (Parkinson et al., 2010) continues. for western equine encephalitis virus worldwide and is reportedly associated (WEEV). No cause of the neurological

Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 19 signs or possible encephalitis was found. caecum), with lower numbers in the liver. Infectious endemic and exotic diseases These lesions were consistent either with were excluded and the investigation a lymphoid neoplasm such as lymphoma, was closed. or an endemic bacterial disease such as Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (common Ear mites in imported dog in many NZ species). Histologically investigated the lesions were bacterial abscesses containing bacterial coccobacilli, but A veterinarian called the MPI exotic pest these lacked the usual appearance and disease hotline to report ear mites of Yersinia spp. infections. No fresh in a puppy that had been imported from tissue was available, but formalin-fixed Australia one month prior. An adult paraffin-embedded tissues were used dog in the household was not clinically for DNA extraction and PCR to rule affected. Mites were collected and sent to out F. tularensis. PCR of multiple tissues the PHEL, where they were identified as showing high levels of bacteria was Otodectes cynotis, the common ear mite. negative for F. tularensis. Although the This mite is common throughout the sensitivity of the test is not optimal, given world. Given the import health standards the large numbers of organisms and for dogs, it was considered most likely adequate DNA yield, it is thought that the that the puppy acquired the mites once it results represent a true negative. arrived in New Zealand. References Rabbit mortality McFadden A, Ha HJ, Donald JJ, Bueno IM, van investigated Andel M, Thompson JC, Tisdall DJ, Pulford DJ (2016). Investigation of bovine haemoplasmas A veterinarian from Auckland contacted and their association with anaemia in the Incursion Investigation Team to New Zealand cattle. New Zealand Veterinary report a high number of feral rabbit Journal 64(1), 65–68. deaths in the open area near Auckland Zoo. Samples from dead rabbits tested Malmo J, Vermunt JJ, Parkinson TJ (2010). positive for the endemic RHD strains Disorders of the cardiovascular system. In: Parkinson TJ, Vermunt JJ, Malmo J (Eds.) already present in New Zealand. MPI is Diseases of Cattle in Australasia. Vetlearn, interested in investigating cases of high Wellington, 236–241. rabbit mortality because of fears that exotic strains of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus might be brought in Paul Bingham from Australia, where a new strain has Team manager been released. Animal Health Biosecurity Surveillance & Incursion Tularaemia excluded Investigation A veterinary pathologist contacted Diagnostic & Surveillance Services MPI to report a rabbit with gross Directorate and histological lesions suggestive of Ministry for Primary Industries tularemia, an exotic zoonotic disease [email protected] caused by Francisella tularensis. The adult male rabbit was euthanased after a short clinical history including emaciation, dehydration and possibly respiratory signs progressing to collapse and non- response. There were several other in- contact rabbits on the property, none of which were sick. Gross lesions included a mesenteric lymphadenopathy with multifocal to coalescing cream nodules throughout the mesentery, spleen and gastrointestinal tract (especially the

20 Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 MARINE AND FRESHWATER Emerging risks in the aquatic space

Biosecurity in aquatic environments has always been a challenge. Unlike neat little land parcels with physical barriers, water is a fluid environment where things move freely in a manner that is difficult to predict. With the increasing recognition of aquaculture as a valuable industry, and challenges to sustainable harvesting of wild fisheries, there has been more focus on investigating the role of pathogens in population changes among aquatic organisms. One of the roles of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) is to investigate the causes of mass mortalities or ill-thrift in aquatic animals. Often it is these investigations, brought to our attention by industry, regional councils, researchers or members of the public, that bring to Figure 1: Areas of necrosis caused by RLO in shellfish digestive gland light something that we might consider an emerging risk. It could be a known or unknown pathogen that starts appearing investigated 7–8 years ago. In theory, indicating a high prevalence. RLOs have more frequently, or starts causing issues any increase in its prevalence or spread also been associated with mortality where it hasn’t before, or has adverse falls under the MPI remit to examine events involving multiple species in effects that were previously unobserved. as an emerging risk. Similar syndromes several regions of New Zealand. have been studied overseas but no causal These pathogens or syndromes may not To date RLOs have been seen in pathogenic agent has been identified. be listed by the OIE or in legislation, so combination with parasites, bacterial Research into TFN, its causes and the they are often not considered important infections, virus-like particles and means of transmission will enable us until they start causing noticeable even gas-bubble disease. This poses to manage it better and to mitigate its losses. However, it is our job to identify the question as to whether an RLO effects. To date, much remains unknown where these early cases might indicate immunocompromises the animal and about this syndrome and more research future issues. To examine these cases contributes to its death by other factors, is needed into the potential aetiological more closely often requires research for or whether the RLO itself is the primary agents. This would also help explain which funding can be a sticking point. pathogen. Either way, it appears that TFN’s severity and intensity. Following are some examples. these RLOs represent an emerging risk Tail fan necrosis (TFN) in rock Another emerging risk appears to be that needs further investigation. evident from our investigations into lobster has been reported in parts of These cases are both examples of aquatic mass mortalities of shellfish, which are New Zealand for some years, but to date animal health issues about which little is often complex, multifactorial events. no causative agent has been identified. In known and more research is required to Mass mortalities can be associated with about 2000 TFN appeared in a significant understand them better. proportion of one rock lobster fishery extreme, abnormal or sudden changes management area. However, fishers in environmental conditions, along with report that TFN does not seem to have the presence of one or more pathogens. Anjali Pande spread far beyond the areas where it was These agents may on their own not be Senior Surveillance Advisor/Incursion first seen. In the worst-affected areas TFN considered primary pathogens, but in Investigator is estimated to affect about 30 percent of combination with other factors may Surveillance and Incursion Investigation the population before moulting occurs in ultimately cause mortalities. (Aquatic & Environment Health) early spring. Fishers’ observations show Since 2014, several investigations into Diagnostic and Surveillance Services a moderate fluctuation of the TFN rate shellfish mass mortalities have identified Directorate from year to year but there has been no the presence of Rickettsia-like organisms Ministry for Primary Industries sign of an overall decline. (RLOs) (Figure 1). In some cases RLOs [email protected] This syndrome first appeared and was were present in every individual tested, Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 21 Quarterly report of investigations of suspected exotic marine and freshwater pests and diseases Exotic caprellid shrimp in New Zealand, for example in very high Animal Health oratory for diagnostic densities (184 800 per m2) on mussel testing. PCR ruled out infectious salmon detected lines in the Marlborough Sounds (Willis anaemia, infectious haemotopoetic A member of the public notified MPI of et al., 2009). C. scauroides may compete necrosis, viral haemorrhagic crustaceans densely fouling a recreational with native organisms such as other septicaemia, Aeromonas salmonicida and vessel at Orakei, in Auckland Harbour. amphipods that inhabit the same niches, aquabirnavirus, but detected Yersinia A sample was sent to the Marine and there may be subtle ecosystem ruckeri. Histology also was consistent Invasives Taxonomic Service (MITS) for effects (e.g., suspension-feeding effects or with Y. ruckeri and observed clinical identification. MPI also asked for more predation on settling larvae), but no such signs were also consistent with the samples be collected at the same site effects have yet been demonstrated. presentation of endemic Y. ruckeri strains as an adjunct to the Marine High Risk Options for response to infestations in New Zealand. Although in other Site Surveillance (MHRSS) programme. of small mobile crustaceans like countries Yersinia can be a cause of major MITS reviewed the submissions and C. scauroides are limited. Although mortalities, in New Zealand it more often identified the species asCaprella Orakei is the only place where presents as a low-lying, chronic infection scauroides Mayer, 1903. Caprellids establishment of this species has with low mortality. Cytopathic effects on are exclusively marine amphipods, been confirmed, it is unlikely to be bacterial plates were examined further, commonly known as ghost or skeleton restricted to this area because of its but were no longer seen after the third shrimps, and are common in many rapid reproduction and the availability passage. TheYersinia isolates were sent to marine epibiotic fouling communities. of anthropogenic vectors. There are the Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory in Lacking any planktonic stages and being now three non-indigenous caprellids in Geelong, Australia, for typification and poor swimmers, caprellids essentially New Zealand: C. mutica (discovered in were confirmed as the endemic strain. spend their lives clinging to various 2002), ‘C. californica’, (now thought to natural and artificial substrates including be C. scauroides; 2005), and C. andreae Tuatua mortality algae, hydroids, ascidians, sponges, (2012). No attempt has been made investigated tubeworms, vessels, pontoons, and to control other non-indigenous A researcher from Waikato University marine farms. Both samples included caprellid populations established contacted MPI to report low densities juveniles and sexually mature life stages here. As C. scauroides is established of dead and dying tuatua (Paphies of both sexes, indicating an established at this site, is likely to be established subtriangulata) on a Tauranga beach. population at Orakei. elsewhere in Auckland Harbour, and Some animals were dead and gaping; A single caprellid found on a vessel in there is no evidence of invasiveness others were alive or dead with closed Nelson in 2005 was identified at the time elsewhere, the decision was made not to shells and showing no indication of as C. californica but re-examination and undertake a delimiting survey or initiate burying themselves. He described it as comparison with the Orakei specimens control measures. has determined that it is more likely to not a mass mortality but low densities be C. scauroides. The morphological Morbidity and mortality in along the stretch of beach, reported characteristics of the Orakei and on average about one affected animal Nelson specimens are consistent with chinook salmon investigated every 5 m. Ten tuatua were submitted the detailed taxonomic characteristics A veterinarian contacted MPI to to the AHL (Wallaceville) for testing. described by Takeuchi & Oyamada report a low-incidence mortality On histology Rickettsia-like organisms (2012). Therefore C. scauroides has (0.01 percent) over the previous 2 weeks (RLOs) were seen in the gills and palps probably been present in NZ since at of 18-month-old farmed chinook salmon of all shellfish submitted. The digestive least 2005. (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). These fish glands also appeared damaged and RLOs It is not known what impacts, if presented with lethargy and abnormal appeared to be associated with this. Some any, C. scauroides would have on swimming behaviour (swimming to other pathogens were also present: one the New Zealand environment. No the surface) before dying. No external slide showed a metazoan parasite and documented impacts are recorded in lesions were visible. Necropsy of three some bacterial colonies were also isolated the literature to date. It is unlikely to fish by the vet on site revealed petechial from most samples. One of the dominant compete with indigenous caprellids as haemorrhaging, large amounts of bacterial colonies isolated was Vibrio most of these are confined to the sub- serosanginous fluid, pale gills and splendidus, which can be a pathogen, but Antarctic islands. C. scauroides does not swollen spleen. Kidney, heart and liver it wasn’t clear whether this was associated have a history of becoming a pest like seemed normal. Two chilled kidney with the mortalities in this case. the congeneric C. mutica, which has swabs and chilled spleen, gill and kidney As no unusual environmental conditions displaced native caprellids in other parts tissue, in addition to some formalin- were reported, it would appear that these of the world (Shucksmith et al., 2009). fixed tissue (gut, muscle, gill, kidney, pathogens, especially the RLOs, were very C. mutica is established in several areas spleen, liver and heart) were sent to MPI’s likely associated with the mortality event.

22 Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 RLOs in shellfish are considered to be an Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Ascidian range extension emerging risk and MPI is investigating Picton, Nelson and Lyttelton. The A MPI Senior Compliance Officer these intracellular bacteria and what role range extension was communicated to reported a population of an ascidian they may play in the multiple shellfish stakeholders via the Marine High Risk species at the southern end of Tanutanu mortalities that have been reported since Site Surveillance reporting network. beach, Ahipara. Photographs were sent 2013. Barnacles investigated to an MPI Incursion Investigator, who determined that this was likely to be A member of the public notified MPI of Sponge range extensions a range extension of the Australasian a “grey concrete-looking” organism that The Marine Invasives Taxonomic Service species Pyura doppelgangera, a sessile appeared to be smothering a mussel bed (MITS) provided by NIWA reported ascidian that lives in coastal waters on the shoreline between Orua Bay and range extensions for a non-indigenous of Australasia, attached to rocks or Big Bay, Auckland. Photos submitted by sponge, Raspailia arbuscular, collected artificial structures. It is particularly the notifier showed mussels with clusters during a baseline marine survey in common in Tasmania and has also been with what looked like barnacles attached Wellington conducted in 2016. This reported from South Gippsland, Victoria, to them. The Auckland Regional Council species was previously only known from South Australia and in the north of (ARC) was contacted and a staff member Stewart Island and the Milford Sound New Zealand’s North Island. Genetic sent to inspect the area found a prolific and is not common in New Zealand. data indicates that the species is native growth of barnacles, but no evidence of to Tasmania and that all populations Additionally, range extensions to include any mortality of mussels. Samples of the elsewhere were introduced through Wellington were recorded for three barnacles were collected and submitted to human activity during the period of cryptogenic and as-yet undescribed MITS, where they were identified as the European settlement (Teske et al., 2014). sponges: beaked barnacle, Austrominius modestus. There are records of this species in the Adocia cf n. sp. 04 (previously found in This is species is native to Australia and North Island from Cape Reinga, Kaitaia, Whangarei, Auckland, Dunedin, Timaru New Zealand, but was introduced to Ninety Mile Beach, Parengarenga and Bluff) Britain after World War 2, where it is Harbour and Opua. In the south, it has considered a pest. The investigation was Clathria n. sp. 01 (previously found in the been found at Paua Bay in Canterbury, stood down and the results were reported Kaipara harbour, Tauranga and Dunedin) and has also been collected off vessels to the ARCand the original notifier. Haliclona n. sp. (previously found in berthed in both Nelson and Wellington.

Tauranga, New Plymouth, Picton and A search of MPI records found a 2009 Lyttleton) Crab intercepted survey that recorded this species at Range extensions were also recorded for A hotel manager notified MPI of a several sites in the Herekino area, three indigenous sponge species: live crustacean found in a hotel room. including Tanutanu beach. As this species Haliclona cf. stelliderma (previously only Photos of the crustacean were sent to an had been previously found in the same known from Auckland, Tauranga and Incursion Investigator, who passed them area, the investigation was closed. Picton) on to an invertebrate taxonomist at Te Papa. The taxonomist determined that Deformed snapper Haliclona cf. brondstedi (previously only this was a tropical land hermit crab in investigated known from Whangarei) the genus Coenobita, which lives in the A member of the public notified MPI Haliclona cf. tenacior – (previously tropics, including the Pacific, Indian and of a deformed snapper (Pagrus auratus) only known from Kaipara Harbour and Atlantic Ocean coasts. They are more that he had caught. The notifier explained Tauranga). closely associated with the shore but that although the fish was entire and venture into the coastal vegetation and No additional biosecurity risk was intact, when he gutted the animal he urban areas that abut these ecosystems. recorded. The range extensions were found that there was an area where the Tracing revealed that guests who stayed communicated to stakeholders via the flesh “looked as though it had been in that hotel during the previous week Marine High Risk Site Surveillance cored out”. The Incursion Investigator came from New Zealand, Australia and reporting network. arranged for the specimen to be sent the UK. There is one Australian species, to the AHL for examination by a fish C. variabilis, and therefore it is probable Ascidian range extension pathologist. The gutted, fresh fish was that it was that species. The crab may MITS notified MPI that the colonial received and examination of the area have been bought in deliberately, perhaps ascidian Didemnum vexillum had been of the epaxial muscle mass revealed as a pet, or it may have hitch-hiked in found in New Plymouth during the a 15 mm cavity lined with silvery the luggage of a visitor. The animal died Marine High Risk Site Surveillance membrane or peritoneum and devoid shortly after it was found, and no further Programme. Previously this species was of contents. There was no gross sign of crabs were found, so the investigation only known from Opua, Whangarei, inflammation associated with the lesion. was closed.

Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 23 The cavity was interpreted to be due to Stimpson, 1857 and C. scauroides Mayer 1903, a cavitating myonecrosis caused by a with a new appraisal of species ranking for C. . 67, previous bacterial or protozoal infection. scauroides Helgoland Marine Research 371–381. No biosecurity risk was identified and the investigation was closed. Teske PR, Sandoval-Castillo J, Waters J, Beheregaray LB (2014). Can novel genetic Crustacean investigated analyses help to identify low-dispersal marine invasive species? Ecology and Evolution 4(14), The Department of Conservation notified 2848–2866. Available at http://onlinelibrary. MPI of a marine crustacean found in wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.1129/full. Golden Bay. The animal was about Willis KJ, Woods CMC, Ashton GV (2009). 100 mm long and beige to greenish Caprella mutica in the Southern Hemisphere: in colour. It had pincers that looked Atlantic origins, distribution, and reproduction like the forelimbs of a praying mantis. of an alien marine amphipod in New Zealand. A specimen submitted to MITS was Aquatic Biology 7, 249–259. identified asHeterosquilla tricarinata, an indigenous mantis shrimp. Northern Pacific sea star Rissa Williams Acting Team Manager ruled out Surveillance and Incursion Investigation A commercial diver inspecting the (Aquatic & Environment Health) seawall under the Auckland Ferry Diagnostic and Surveillance Services building saw what he believed was Directorate a Northern Pacific sea star Asterias( Ministry for Primary Industries amurensis). This exotic species, [email protected] an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act 1993, is native to the coasts of northern China, Korea, Russia and Japan, but has spread to Australia, parts of Europe, the Aleutian Islands and the US. It is thought to have spread by transportation of its free-swimming larvae in ships’ ballast water. It has become an invasive species in Australia and is on the Invasive Species Specialist Group list of the world’s 100 worst invasive species. The diver had high level of biosecurity knowledge so the Incursion Investigator asked him to re-visit the site to collect the specimen. However, while collecting the starfish, the diver recognised that it was a replica sea star made of plastic. References Anderson C, Knowles G, De Lisle G (1994). A survey for Yersinia ruckeri and Aeromonas salmonicida in farmed and wild fish.Surveillance 21(3), 39–40. Boustead N, Anderson C (1990). Enteric Redmouth disease in NZ. NZ Freshwater fisheries miscellaneous report 71. MAF Fisheries, Freshwater Fisheries Centre. Takeuci I, Oyamada A (2012). Description of two species of Caprella (Crustacea: Amphipoda: caprellidae) from the North Pacific;C. californica

24 Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 PLANTS AND ENVIRONMENT Ants: old foes and new threats to New Zealand

Our old foe the red imported fire ant may have RIFA without having realised eventually render Argentine ant (an (RIFA), Solenopsis invicta (Figure 1), its it yet. established pest here) insignificant relative the black fire ant (S. richteri), and because of its superior invasive abilities. Earlier this year while attending the hybrids of the two, are steadily increasing Tawny crazy ants prefer to nest in cool, Imported Fire Ant and Invasive Ant their range across the US. Not only are shady areas, forming massive colonies Conference in Mobile, Alabama (the their boundaries expanding, but they with millions of individuals. The original incursion state of RIFA over a are increasingly being found at higher foragers are highly aggressive and colony hundred years ago) we were introduced elevations as hybrid colonies expand resettlement is fast. The infestation is also to a new enemy, the tawny crazy ant, their range. three-dimensional, meaning that nests Nylanderia fulva, also known as the and foraging ants are commonly found strawberry or raspberry ant (Figure 2). in soil, in the ground, in structures, This invasive ant is now found across buildings, plants and tree canopies. many of the Gulf states of the USA. A highly competitive species with multiple The pressure to feed such vast numbers queens and colonies of phenomenal of ants means the local environment numbers, the tawny crazy ant establishes is quickly depleted of other insect and in new locations very quickly. Like the animal life; indeed, when delimiting well-known invasive Argentine ant, surveillance is carried out, the tawny Linepithema humile, the absence of crazy ant is typically the only species mating flights means it colonises areas found in baited food traps, even by nest budding (when a queen and where other species are still known to accompanying workers leave the current be present. nest to form a new colony), quickly Tawny crazy ants are a serious problem dominating the local environment. The in both urban and rural habitats in upside of this budding behavior, however, the US. They cause problems such as is that it makes the ants easier to contain short-circuiting when infesting electrical Figure 1: Red imported fire ant (RIFA), or eradicate. equipment, generally Solenopsis invicta, nest mound in Texas (photo: overrun properties and V. Van Dyk) have detrimental effects on many plants by farming The risk to New Zealand is further populations of pest scale heightened by the ever-expanding range insects. Any organism too of RIFA across Asia. The first reports in slow-moving or confined Asia over the last decade were notably in is overrun. Beehives are Taiwan, China and Hong Kong, but RIFA destroyed by these ants has continued to spread and is now also as they steal the larvae, established in Japan, with initial finds in causing the bees to abandon eight major ports earlier this year. their nests; birds have to move on or be consumed. Given the volume of imports from Tawny crazy ants even Asia, New Zealand must continue to be attack much larger animals, vigilant. The first and third discoveries of in particular calves and RIFA here were accidental rather than by Figure 2: Tawny crazy ant, Nylandaria fulva other newborn livestock. The unending surveillance. Fortunately, strong public (photo: AntWeb) quest for food results in any stationary awareness campaigns promoting the Researchers have found the Argentine ant or resting animals being subjected to need to report unusual finds of insects can out-compete the RIFA in as little as 3 foragers attacking their eyes, nostrils via MPI’s exotic pest and disease hotline months owing to its aggressiveness, sheer and open wounds. This causes loss of fur prompted members of the public to numbers and monopoly of resources and skin around the eyes and damage to report these two incursions. The second (Kabashima et al., 2007). Tawny crazy the animal’s eyesight (even blindness), find of RIFA was the result of surveillance ants have a similar ability, which is and ulceration around nostrils. Young techniques developed from previous further enhanced by squirting themselves animals frequently fail to thrive. RIFA incursion responses. All eradication down with their own formic acid In Texas, various techniques are being efforts were successful owing to a fast secretion, an antidote to fire-ant venom. response and multi-agency co-operation developed to cope with infestations. in New Zealand. However, we cannot If the tawny crazy ant managed to This includes adjusting calving times to afford to relax, as other Asian countries reach New Zealand, we believe it would occur only before May or after October,

Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 25 when ant colonies are less active in the cooler conditions. Birthing pastures are also contained and the perimeters are treated with insecticides. Treatments are carried out one month before birthing and continue monthly until the animals are old enough to rest more infrequently and thus become less prone to attack. The annual costs to farmers are expected to be huge and will continue to rise as the ant population spreads. Various insecticides are effective against this species, including special baits developed here in New Zealand. Research is ongoing in the US, with new products and control techniques under development. Conclusion There is good reason to believe that the tawny crazy ant is as big a threat to our country as the red imported fire ant, if not bigger. It would cause significant environmental, agricultural and social impact to our natural heritage, primary industries and lifestyle. It is only a matter of time before this species arrives in New Zealand. As with any potential pest, surveillance is critical and we should have a very good chance of detecting it early through the National Invasive Ant Surveillance programme (NIAS). Encouragingly, we believe we already have many of the tools needed to both detect and eradicate it. If we can find it, we can kill it! Reference Kabashima JN, Greenberg L, Rust MK, Paine TD (2007). Aggressive Interactions Between Solenopsis invicta and Linepithema humile (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Under Laboratory Conditions. Journal of Economic Entomology 100 (1), 148–154.

Viv Van Dyk Managing Director Flybusters/Antiants FBA Consulting [email protected]

26 Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 Exotic plant and environment investigations report: July to September 2017 Horticultural pests A photo of a suspect exotic fruit-piercing The Ministry for Primary Industries Incursion Investigation team moth found in the Nelson Hospital car and the Plant Health Environment Laboratory (PHEL) teams park in the city of Nelson was submitted investigate and diagnose suspect exotic pests and diseases in the to MPI entomologists. The moth was plant and environment sectors. Investigators and scientists are identified as a female Eudocima materna based in Auckland and Christchurch. These teams provide field (fruit-piercing moth), which is native investigation, diagnostic testing and technical expertise on new to northern Queensland and usually pests and diseases affecting plants and the environment. They also migrates south during late winter. It have surveillance and response functions and carry out research has previously been intercepted in and development to support surveillance and incursion response New Zealand. The larvae of this moth activities. are host-specific and the host plants are not present in New Zealand. The larvae feed on snake vine (Tinospora smilacina) and roundleaf vine (Legnephora moorei) nor any previous borer-related issues. had previously been found in imported (synonyms of Cocculus spp., family Additionally, no recent reports had been American ash flooring timber. In this Menispermaceae). There are no records received from members of the public instance no adult beetles were collected. of any of these names in the Plant who had purchased these boards. This The size of the borer exit holes was Biosecurity Index except on exotic report probably resulted from a single consistent with a Lyctus sp. Even though voucher specimens of Cocculus from consignment with a low-level infestation, the entire house had the same flooring, Rarotonga and China. Both species are which is not considered an ongoing only about 20 adult beetle exit holes had tropical in origin and are frost-sensitive. biosecurity risk. The immediate risk was been seen over a 3-month period since The very specific host range ofE. materna managed by destroying infested chopping the floor had been laid. The property larvae is considered to limit this species’ boards. Any ongoing risk will be owner had syringed insecticide into chances of successfully establishing. Staff managed by MPI’s normal requirements the holes as they became apparent. operating the High Risk Site Surveillance for imported goods. The importer had The flooring importer was unable to Programme have been advised to watch already discussed how to improve quality determine the specific consignment from in case the host plants appear in NZ. control with the Chinese supplier. which the timber had been sourced. However, examination of the current A TradeMe site listed a range of unusual Forest and timber pests American ash timber stock found no tree and shrub species for sale, including Borer holes and dust were seen in sign of borer, and no additional reports Pinus spp. considered not present in Chinese bamboo chopping boards on of borer had been received from other New Zealand. In all cases the scientific sale at a home merchandise retail store. customers who had bought the same name of the plants was stated, an The store’s head office advised that 2 685 timber. Overall, this information indication that the seller was acting chopping boards were held by 11 of suggested a low borer infestation in the responsibly and professionally. On the 43 stores in New Zealand. All these original imported consignment. The checking MPI’s Plant Biosecurity Index boards were examined and 31 were found insecticide applied to the exit holes likely (PBI), all four species (P. densiflora, to have signs of borer beetle. The most addressed any residual biosecurity risk P. hwangshanensis, P. armandii and heavily infested boards were sent to MPI and no further action was considered P. thunbergii) were listed as permitted and adult Dinoderus minutus were found necessary. imports subject to border inspection and in in them. None were found alive and provision of a phytosanitary certificate some had likely only recently emerged. Fruit fly from the country of export. Several Infested boards were double-bagged and An Australian visitor noticed maggots other plant species offered for sale were returned to the supplier and importer. on fresh mandarins provided as a snack chosen at random and similarly checked The remaining 1 482 boards held at the food while visiting the SkyCity casino against the PBI, and all were listed. This importer’s distribution centre were re- in Auckland. The visitor was a grower investigation concluded that there was no examined and one more was found to and exporter of table grapes in Western biosecurity risk. have signs of borer. Although D. minutus Australia, familiar with fruit-fly maggots, is an exotic species absent from Borer emergence holes were noticed and phone discussions confirmed him to New Zealand, it is not considered a high in the newly laid floor of a house in be a highly credible notifier. Traceback risk. The distributor has been importing Wellington. The flooring was premium- revealed that the fruit had been imported bamboo chopping boards for about 10 grade ash timber imported from the from Australia. Remaining fruit held years and a review of the MPI database of US. Live borer (Lyctus planicollis/ by the supplier were examined and no imported goods found no irregularities cavicollis complex or L. brunneus, both sign of damage or fruit fly was found. associated with their importation, of which are present in New Zealand) No additional public reports were

Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 27 received of suspect fruit fly maggots in identification ruled out fruit fly and the Two live centipedes were found upon Australian mandarins. Although the specimen was identified as an Australian opening a package in a consignment of report was of maggots (not caterpillars) leafroller tachinid (Trigonospila statues from Vietnam. The centipedes and they were too small to be vinegar fly brevifacies). This species is present in were carefully destroyed and the (Drosophila spp.), it is considered most New Zealand and of no biosecurity risk. remaining packages and the pallet likely that the maggots were drosophilid were wrapped in plastic. The pallet and not tephritid fruit fly maggots. General biosecurity pests had something concealed in it that resembled an egg mass. The centipedes A single live fly suspected to be a and contaminants were identified asLithobius forficatus Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni) An Auckland plastic manufacturing (garden centipede), a species present was found inside a compost container in company received a large moulding in New Zealand. Webbing was found a residential kitchen in Hamilton. Photos machine on a wooden pallet from a local but there were no insect eggs. Three of the specimen were requested and the dealer. The machine had been imported Armadillidium vulgare were also notifier was advised to keep the compost from Germany in a container. They found, a species of woodlouse present in container closed and double-bagged until noticed insects in the plastic surrounding New Zealand. further notice. A PHEL entomologist the pallet (2 dead, 1 alive). A photo confirmed that the specimen was emailed to MPI revealed a species of A caller noticed insect damage on not a Queensland fruit fly and was wood wasp that was identified asSirex bananas that she had purchased. The consistent with a local, naturalised juvencus, a regulated species. An MPI caller advised that no insects were found, species. Specimen submission for formal Quarantine Officer visited the site and only an aged exit hole. Imported bananas identification was not required. found that the container was free of are routinely treated on arrival in any wasps (dead or alive) or evidence New Zealand ports to mitigate potential Insect feeding damage was found on of habitation (nest). Only the one pallet biosecurity risks. The caller was advised feijoa fruit grown in the garden of had been shipped inside this container, to freeze the bananas as a precaution. a rental property. The notifier was but it was established that three other A sample was submitted and checked unfamiliar with guava moth, the larvae pieces of timber had been used as bracing by two entomologists, who found of which are a common pest of feijoas in inside the container,to keep the pallet no invertebrates. Auckland. The caller promised to search secure. These pieces were inspected by for guava moth images to confirm the A customer at a pharmacy in Rolleston, the Authorised Person on site at the pest was indeed guava moth and not fruit near Christchurch, found two small flies Transitional Facility. The pallet had an fly. When later contacted, he reported in a cosmetic pressed powder compact International Standards for Phytosanitary having discussed the issue with local manufactured in the US. The item was Measures Regulating Wood Packaging garden centre staff and had concluded completely sealed and the flies were stamp on it but one of the 10 boards the damage was caused by guava moth, visible through the packaging. The on the pallet showed signs of insect Coscinoptycha improbana. specimen was determined by the PHEL infestation (exit holes). The wasps found entomologist to be midges (Diptera: Small white insects that looked like fruit- were adjacent to these exit holes. The Chironomidae) but the species was not fly maggots were seen on the outside pallet was wrapped on site and fumigated identified. Chironomids are also known of feijoa fruit collected from a home to mitigate any biosecurity issue. as non-biting midges and are often garden. They were identified from photos A traveller returning from Bali found a confused with mosquitoes. as the immature stages of springtails small number of live ants in her suitcase. (Collembola), not fruit-fly maggots. The Shoes purchased from an online store via A sample was collected and sent to PHEL infested windfall fruit had been collected TradeMe were sent from a warehouse in Christchurch for identification. The from beneath the tree, where they likely the US. On arrival they had mud in the ants were identified asMonomorium became infested with these insects. treads and appeared to be secondhand. pharaonis, a species that is established in It was not clear whether the shoes A couple had found a suspected fruit New Zealand. No further ants were found might have been worn on a farm or in fly on their guava tree but had not been during inspection. a horticultural area. Mud and other able to catch or photograph it. However, After a shipment of new vehicles from organic material is considered a high they were sure it was not a Queensland Australia was inspected and released at risk as it may contain seeds, nematodes fruit fly as it looked more elongated and the Ports of Auckland a live huntsman and micro-organisms not present in streamlined and had black-and-yellow spider (Isopeda vilosa) was found New Zealand. The notifier was asked stripes on its abdomen. There was no crawling on a back window. A specimen to double-bag the shoes and dispose of association with recently imported was caught and submitted to PHEL them as a precaution. A message was goods or overseas travel. The notifier Tamaki, where the identification was sent to the retailer advising them to was able to catch a specimen a few days confirmed. This species is present in ensure that in future only clean footwear later and submitted it to PHEL. Interim New Zealand. would be sent.

28 Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 A live earwig was found associated Team of a bulldozer imported from New to New Zealand species with a dragon fruit imported from Dubai with much soil and gravel A new to New Zealand virus has Vietnam. As the earwig was discovered contamination. The bulldozer underwent been found in a fodder beet crop in on the fruit soon after purchase, it was a steam clean, was re-inspected at the Canterbury. Beet chlorosis virus considered possibly of overseas origin. Ports of Auckland and was subsequently (BChV) is a poleovirus in the same genus However, following submission to released. However, on arriving in as beet western yellow virus (BWYV), PHEL it was identified as the European New Plymouth it was found that an which is present in New Zealand. BChV earwig (Forficula auricularia), a long- old beehive was located in the engine is known to be transmitted in the wild by established species common throughout bay. SIIPH got Border Clearance in aphids only, and it is unclear whether it New Zealand and absent from Vietnam. New Plymouth to arrange treatment can be spread by using infected material and re-inspection of the bulldozer Live ants and eggs were found around to propagate subsequent generations. at an approved Transitional Facility the nozzle of a cask of wine purchased The sample was submitted to MPI by before release. from a Rotorua liquor store. At least six AsureQuality in Lincoln, who received small black ants 1–2 mm long were seen. Ants were noticed associated with a the plant from a Canterbury farmer. Specimens were identified by PHEL as replacement car door after the vehicle AsureQuality tested the plant for Ochetellus glaber (the black house ant), a had been returned from the panelbeaters. bacterial and fungal pathogens and species present in New Zealand. Investigation revealed the replacement detected none. MPI virologists identified door had been imported from Europe. BChV in the sample and suggested that A packet of strawberries purchased from The number of ants suggested an ant there could be multiple virus species a supermarket in Kaitaia had white eggs colony within the door cavity. Worker ant in the plant specimen, as symptoms on one fruit. The strawberries had been specimens were collected and identified appeared on the indicator plant but imported from Australia and undergone by PHEL as Argentine ant, Linepithelma BChV is not mechanically transmissible. irradiation treatment before shipment. humile, a species well established in The second virus identified from samples The eggs were non-viable and identified New Zealand. was beet mosaic virus (BtMV), which is as Spodoptera litura (the tropical army already present in NZ. The observations worm), a species already present in Suspect black widow spiders and other of an MPI diagnostician revealed that New Zealand. spiders were found in a de-vanned BtMV was more symptomatic than container of non-risk goods (timber, Insects were found inside a recently BChV and that the latter did not appear wood packing and steel) from Adelaide, de-vanned container at a South Island to have any visible symptoms in samples Australia. The container was at a cleaning distribution centre in Rolleston, that tested positive for co-infection. The facility and had been fumigated before near Christchurch. Specimens were biosecurity risk and economic effects the specimen was collected. Photos identified by PHEL asAhasverus advena of BChV are considered to be low and were sent but were not of high enough (Coleoptera: Silvanidae), the foreign not dissimilar to those of BWYV or resolution for positive identification. The grain beetle, a species established in BtMV. Integrated pest management poisonous Australian redback spider New Zealand. protocols for aphids are considered (Latrodectus hasseltii) is well established to be highly effective in controlling A Dunedin car dealer received a new in Adelaide. The genusLatrodectus the spread of BChV. Linked industry car that had come into the country via (widow spiders) is cosmopolitan but partners were informed of the find and of the Ports of Auckland. While grooming the notorious American black widow MPI’s decision to close the investigation the car, the service manager found ants spiders (L. mactans and L. hesperus) without further action. inside it. Despite repeated attempts, the are unknown in Australia. Specimens dealer could not provide quality photos were requested and sent to a specialist MPI was notified that the NatureWatch of the ants. However, from the pictures who believed they were the Australian website (naturewatch.org.nz) had provided the ants were still able to be redback. Although it was of the genus displayed photos of an odd eumenine identified asOchetellus glaber (the black Latrodectus this species was not a black wasp and nest, apparently from house ant). Specimens were requested to widow spider. Whangarei. The notifier advised that confirm the identification but were not it looked just like a single specimen A large live brown spider was found upon received as the dealer wanted to deliver he had found in Remuera, Auckland, opening a barrel of zinc wire imported the car to his customer and instead in 2014, and submitted at the time, from Finland. The notifier was advised decided to fumigate the car to mitigate but MPI was unable to confirm the to freeze the spider and to submit photos any biosecurity risk. identification. The notifier thought the for identification. A PHEL entomologist Whangarei specimen might have been an The Quarantine Officer based in identified the banded tunnel web spider isolated case until he saw the Whangarei New Plymouth notified Surveillance & (Hexathele hochstetteri), a species specimen in November 2016 and heard Incursion Investigation Plant Health endemic to New Zealand. another report from Kerikeri (although

Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 29 his identification was based on the Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) No hitchhiking pests were found and NatureWatch photo only). The notifier of Act 1996. Imports of Senecio spp. are tests for X. fastidiosa were negative. There the most recent report on NatureWatch regulated to prevent entry of the plant was no evidence to suggest that this was a (10 February 2017) provided a specimen pathogenic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa deliberately misleading declaration. from Whangarei but identification was from all countries in Europe, but the After consultation between internal difficult as the best key to the suspected Netherlands have a pest-free status MPI directorates and the hazardous genus dated from 1914, listed more than for this species. At the time of import substances and new organisms 120 species and had been published S. niveoaureus was not covered by an adviser it was agreed to approach the in Latin. The current status of this Import Health Standard (IHS) and could Environmental Protection Agency to record is an unidentified member of not be imported into New Zealand. initiate a process to deregulate the plant the family Eumenidae, probably the MPI has since introduced measures species, which may take several months same species that was reported in 2014 for X. fastidiosa in tissue cultures (as of to a few years. Owing to the fact that from Remuera (a new to NZ record), 1 June 2017). about 18 000 plants had already been sold and from Whangarei in 2016. Without throughout New Zealand, the nurseries S. niveoaureus Cuatrec is the currently further specimens the status of the record holding the remainder of the plants accepted name for this taxon. There are remains inconclusive. The biosecurity were allowed to resume selling them. no synonyms recorded for Senecio as issue was considered low to negligible The overseas supplier of the mislabelled it is a changing genus with numerous and the investigation was closed. plants was instructed by the importers synonyms at both the species and However, PHEL will continue trying to to ensure correct identification was genus level. There are no records of this identify the species. recorded in future on export documents. species being present in New Zealand, An Australian holidaymaker in Kerikeri, so it is probably a new organism under Plant diseases who happened to be a millipede the HSNO Act. Of the 22 000 plants One banana in a bunch purchased from taxonomist, noticed a mature female imported since the beginning of 2016, a supermarket in Whakatane was found millipede that he considered might the nursery had already sold about to have a black centre and red threads be a new to New Zealand species. The 16 000. The remaining 2 394 plants at in the flesh. The notifier suspected that female millipede was found between the source nursery were voluntarily this could be squirter disease, caused by Puketotara Stream and the Kerikeri Golf isolated and prohibited from sale by the the post-harvest pathogen Nigrospora Club in May 2017. Although unable nursery owner. Two other nurseries had sphaerica. This species is present in to conclusively identify it, the notifier 3 000–4 000 plants in stock. Among the New Zealand but not on bananas as thought it might be Solaenodolichopus three nurseries, 22 percent of the original New Zealand does not grow these pruvoti, a species that grows to about plants were accounted for (the rest commercially. The sample was too 30 mm long and is native to the Brisbane having been sold). Most plant material badly decayed on arrival at PHEL for area in Queensland. S. pruvoti has also had been sold by retail outlets up to any diagnostic work to be conducted. been introduced to New Caledonia (from 16 months before MPI was notified, so it No further action was warranted and as where it was first described) and is now was unlikely to be recoverable. N. sphaerica is not considered to pose found in Perth, Western Australia. An S. niveoaureus is a high-altitude (3 100– a biosecurity risk, the investigation earlier reported detection of S. pruvoti 4 600 m) herbaceous daisy (Asteraceae) was closed. (Johns, 1962) in New Zealand had been from Colombia and Ecuador and recorded in the literature under the old requires a cool climate. It forms clusters A commercial grower of kale and swede name Aulacoporus pruvoti. The renamed of rosettes with soft, densely hairy, bright observed symptoms similar to club root species may have arrived in New Zealand silvery white “rabbit ear” leaves and has disease and sought advice from the relatively early in European settlement. a tall inflorescence with bright yellow Incursion Investigator. The causal agent flowers. The nursery owner advised that of club root, Plasmodiaphora brassicae, is MPI Plant Imports (Germplasm) in his experience S. niveoaureus did not already present in New Zealand and not informed an Incursion Investigator that thrive in New Zealand summers. The a notifiable organism. However, a sample a Waikato plant nursery had imported establishment risk of S. niveoaureus as an was requested to determine whether about 22 000 plant tissue cultures that invasive weed is considered low. Initial any biosecurity risk existed. Testing by had been mislabelled by the exporting investigation suggested that X. fastidiosa PHEL was negative for club root and nursery in the Netherlands. The tissue is not an issue as S. niveoaureus is the plant-parasitic nematodes. A second cultures, received in 2016, had been not a host for the bacterium. A risk lot of samples was requested from the labelled Stachys byzantina (under Basic assessment to determine potential for grower, who at this time reported that requirement) but recently it was disclosed establishment was requested from the similar symptoms had been found on that they were Senecio niveoaureus, MPI Risk Analysis Team. After a field swedes a year previously on a neighbour’s a species not listed in the Plants visit in August 2017, samples were farm 6 km away. A second sample of Biosecurity Index (PBI) and considered conclusively identified asS. niveoaureus. kale and swede plant material including a new organism under the Hazardous 30 Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 roots, galls and soil tested positive from purchase to discovery it was highly Reference for Plasmodiaphora brassicae . This likely to be a local infestation. Photos Johns PM (1962). Introduction to the endemic soil-borne pathogen is widespread in were consistent with psocids (booklice), and introduced millipedes of New Zealand. New Zealand and has been reported to which the notifier believed might have New Zealand Entomologist 3, 38–46. cause club root disease on many Brassica come from old books in a recycling bin species. The farmer was informed of the located near the pantry. The sample outcome and advised to contact his crop was identified asLiposcelis sp., thought Carolyn Bleach scout for management advice. to be of local origin, but was too badly Acting Manager damaged to identify to species level. Surveillance & Incursion Investigation A blueberry grower contacted PHEL to (Plant Health) report that her blueberry plants were The notifier reported the presence of Diagnostic and Surveillance Services possibly affected byXylella fastidiosa about 50 strange-looking live weevils Directorate (Pierce’s disease of grapevines) and in a bag of cashew nuts purchased from Ministry for Primary Industries blueberry scorch virus. She had lost a local Indian spice store six months [email protected] about 150 of her 200 plants. The plants earlier. He described them as very small had been purchased about 3 years with a black front and a light brown previously from a commercial grower abdomen. A specimen was submitted who was no longer operating. PHEL to PHEL and identified as the merchant mycologists ruled out X. fastidiosa by grain beetle, Oryzophilus mercator. This analytical testing. In the absence of any species is present in New Zealand and of viruses or pathogens, PHEL attributed no biosecurity risk. the plant death to abiotic factors and the A dozen ants were found in a packet of investigation was closed. Chinese noodles purchased from a local Brown marmorated stink grocer about one month previously. The individual packets of noodles were sealed bug but the package was not insect-proof. The A commercial grower saw what he noodles had been stored in the notifier’s thought was a brown marmorated stink pantry and an inspection of the pantry bug (Halyomorpha halys) on a curtain in revealed no further ants. A photo of the his lounge. He thought he recognised the pest was identified as the rice weevil, multi-coloured antennae from a video Sitophilus oryzae, a common stored- shown at an industry meeting. However, product pest established in New Zealand. the photo received by MPI was examined by PHEL entomologists and identified Seed contamination as the native pittosporum shield bug, A large online retailer was advertising Monteithiella humeralis. Eggling brand growing kits on TradeMe. Each kit consisted of a small porcelain Storage pests egg filled with growing medium and The notifier found several live insects a specified variety of seeds that did in a jar of coconut flour. The insects not meet the Import Health Standard were described as reddish brown and for seeds for sowing (e.g., strawberry 5–10 mm long. Although they were seeds require 6 months in quarantine). likely to be a common stored product Furthermore, no phytosanitary pest the notifier was very interested in certificates were received so the import getting a sample identified. The insects pathway of these seeds was not clear. The were identified by PHEL Tamaki as the E-commerce retailer was contacted and biscuit beetle, Stegobium paniceum, a subsequently removed the kits from sale. common stored-product pest established The retailer was told to review the Import in New Zealand. Health Standard for Seeds for Sowing to ensure they would comply in future, and Upon opening a 6 kg bag of rice to re-ship or destroy any kits held in their purchased last year, brown insects were warehouse. found crawling inside. The rice had been stored in the notifier’s pantry in the original packaging. Given the time

Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 31 PEST WATCH: 8 July – 21 November 2017

Biosecurity is about managing risks: protecting New Zealand from exotic pests and diseases that could harm our natural resources and primary industries. MPI’s Diagnostic and Surveillance Services (DSS) directorate devotes much of its time to ensuring that new organism records come to its attention, and to following up as appropriate. This information was collected from 8 July 2016 – 21 November 2017. The plant information is held in the MPI Plant Pest Information Network (PPIN) database. Wherever possible, common names have been included. Records in this format were previously published in the now discontinued magazine Biosecurity. To report suspect new pests and diseases to MPI phone 0800 80 99 66.

Validated new to New Zealand reports

Type Organism Host Location Submitted by Comments

Insect Liposcelis entomophila Inanimate host Auckland AsureQuality Virtually cosmopolitan in distribution booklouse (General Surveillance)

Insect Platyedra subcinerea Inanimate host Central Otago PHEL Believed to be native to Europe mellow groundling (General Surveillance)

Insect Glycaspis brimblecombei Eucalyptus camaldulensis (river North Canterbury Scion red gum lerp psyllid red gum) (General Surveillance)

Mite Amblyseius lentiginosus Lavandula sp. (lavender) Waikato PHEL Likely to be a predator on small phytoseiid mite (General Surveillance) insects and mites

Cecidophyes rouhollahi PHEL Forms galls on the plant and deforms Mite Galium aparine (cleavers) Auckland eriophyid mite (General Surveillance) the leaves

Beet chlorosis virus PHEL There is potential for this virus to Virus Beta vulgaris (beets) South Canterbury BChV (General Surveillance) reduce the yield of fodder beet.

Plant and Food Research The economic effect of this virus on Virus Grapevine virus G Vitis vinifera (grape) Mid Canterbury (General Surveillance) grapevine is unknown.

Plant and Food Research The economic effect of this virus on Virus Grapevine virus H Vitis vinifera (grape) Mid Canterbury (General Surveillance) grapevine is unknown.

If you have any enquiries regarding this information please contact [email protected]

32 Surveillance 44 (4) 2017 GRIBBLES VETERINARY PATHOLOGY

• AUCKLAND Courier: 37–41 Carbine Road, Mount Wellington, Auckland 1060 Postal: PO Box 12049, Penrose, Auckland 1642 Tel: 09 574 4701 Fax: 09 574 5304

• HAMILTON Courier: 57 Sunshine Ave, Hamilton 3240 Postal: PO Box 195, Hamilton 3240 Tel: 07 850 0777 Fax: 07 850 0770

• PALMERSTON NORTH Courier: 840 Tremaine Avenue, Palmerston North 4440 Postal: PO Box 536, Palmerston North 4440 Tel: 06 356 7100 Fax: 06 357 1904

• CHRISTCHURCH Courier: 7 Halkett Street, Christchurch 8140 Postal: PO Box 3866, Christchurch 8140 Tel: 03 379 9484 Fax: 03 379 9485

• DUNEDIN Courier: Invermay Research Centre, Block A, Puddle Alley, Mosgiel, Dunedin 9053 Postal: PO Box 371, Dunedin 9053 To report suspected exotic land, freshwater and marine Tel: 03 489 4600 Fax: 03 489 8576 pests, or exotic diseases in plants or animals, call:

NEW ZEALAND VETERINARY PATHOLOGY 0800 80 99 66 PLANT HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT LABORATORY • HAMILTON (TAMAKI) Courier: Cnr Anglesea and Knox Streets, Hamilton Diagnostics and Surveillance Services (MPI) Postal: PO Box 944, Hamilton Courier: 231 Morrin Road, St Johns, Auckland 1140 Tel: 07 839 1470 Fax: 07 839 1471 Postal: Freepost 120201, MPI DSS, PO Box 2095, Auckland 1140 • PALMERSTON NORTH Courier: IVABS Building, 1st Floor, Massey University, ANIMAL HEALTH LABORATORY Tennant Drive, Palmerston North Diagnostics and Surveillance Services (MPI) Postal: PO Box 325, Palmerston North Courier: 66 Ward Street, Wallaceville, Upper Hutt 5018 Tel: 06 353 3983 Fax: 06 353 3986 Postal: MPI DSS, PO Box 40742, Upper Hutt 5018

SVS LABORATORY PLANT HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT LABORATORY (CHRISTCHURCH) • HAMILTON Courier: 14 Sir William Pickering Drive, Burnside, Physical Address:524 Te Rapa Road Hamilton 3200 Christchurch 8544 Postal Address:PO Box 10304 Hamilton 3241 Postal: Freepost 120201, MPI DSS, PO Box 14018, Tel: 0800 SVS LABS (0800 787 522) or 07 444 5101 Christchurch 8544 Email: [email protected]