A PUBLICATION OF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND biosecurityISSUE 67, 1 MAY 2006 Better risk management for sea containers

Risk assessment for Btk products

Plant pest list review

End-to-end Biosecurity 5 10 15 editorial

Pre-clearance - the start of the biosecurity continuum Debbie Pearson

Biosecurity magazine t is over a year now since the “We are a small trading For prioritisation of applications, Biosecurity is published six-weekly Inew biosecurity structure was stakeholders now know the by Biosecurity New Zealand, with contents put in place and the Biosecurity nation and we strongly criteria used, the process that regular input from the Department New Zealand Pre-clearance is followed, and the resultant of Conservation, Ministry of Health, advocate the use of Directorate was formed. It’s been annual work plan for the Ministry of Fisheries and regional EDITORIAL sound science and a a year of change and learning. coming year. An outline of councils. It is of special interest to all rules-based approach to those with a stake in the protection Pre-clearance - the start of the biosecurity continuum . . . . . 3 We have changed our approach these processes will be the focus of New Zealand’s economic, from looking at biosecurity on international trade.” of some future articles in this environmental and social assets a sector basis to now working magazine – so watch this space. from the dangers posed by pests and FRONTLINE NEWS diseases. Animal welfare issues are Risk assessment for Btk products being updated ...... 4 across sectors and creating Our emphasis on putting these common processes. We have a broadened mandate, new core processes into action has already taught also covered. The articles in this PAM spray cleared by toxicologist ...... 4 magazine do not necessarily reflect taking account of not just economic, but also us a great deal, and we have identified numerous Plant pest list under review ...... 5 government policy. environmental, human health and social/cultural enhancements that we will build on in the next year. Putting our heads together: BSE surveillance targets ...... 6 For enquiries about specific articles, values. To meet the challenges these changes present, The rigour that was applied to the prioritisation refer to the contact listed at the end of Ruminant protein requirements tightened ...... 7 it has been critical to focus our resources and effort process this year has given us a clear picture of the each article. Quick action over maize disease ...... 8 in the right areas. We have had to learn how to say gulf between the demand for import health standards General enquiries (e.g. circulation Subterranean termites found in Nelson ...... 9 ‘no’ to some work that has not met the priority list. and the resources we have for meeting it. Demand requests or information about MAF–SPCA Memorandum of Understanding ...... 9 A significant challenge is managing the tension exceeds supply by a factor of 10! Biosecurity New Zealand): Composting of poultry carcasses ...... 10 between the dual responsibilities for facilitating trade The flipside of imports is exports. It is critical Biosecurity Magazine, Biosecurity Proposed changes to border clearance fees ...... 11 and protecting New Zealand’s natural advantage to remember that trade is a two-way street, and New Zealand, PO Box 2526, ASB from exotic pests and diseases. People in Biosecurity ...... 11, 12, 14, 17 that our trading partners expect a similar level of PastoralBank House, House, 101-103 25 The The Terrace, Terrace, assurance when it comes to our exported products. Wellington, New Zealand. Aquatic pest weed found in Timaru ...... 12 There is a lot at stake, so striking the right balance is critical. As an island nation we are fortunate to have Successful negotiation with our trading partners Phone: 04 819474 01004100 a very favourable biosecurity status because many of hinges on us ‘playing by the rules’. BIOSECURITY INTERFACE Fax: 04 474474 42574257 the worst global pests and diseases are not present We are a small trading nation and we strongly Email: [email protected] Conference explores alternatives to methyl bromide . . . . . 13 in New Zealand. We have a strong emphasis on advocate the use of sound science and a rules-based Internet: www.biosecurity.govt.nz Trans-Tasman Animal Welfare Working Group ...... 14 agricultural trade, so biosecurity is essential to the approach to international trade. It is important to Animals in Science Advisory Committee ...... 14 continued well-being of our productive sectors. bear this balance in mind in everything we do. Editorial enquiries: In order to ensure we strike the right balance, we Monitoring the integrity of the biosecurity system is Editor: Phil Stewart BIOSECURITY SYSTEMS place a strong emphasis on risk assessment and an important performance measure. With the change Phone: 04 384 4688 risk management. Information is gathered from in the biosecurity structure, a new group was formed Containing risk: Better risk management, less paperwork . . 15 Email: [email protected] around the world to ensure our final decisions are within Pre-clearance. This group has the task of robust and based on the best information available. ISSN 1174 – 4618 monitoring risk on pathways across the biosecurity UPDATES ...... 17 Depending on the complexity of the issue, a risk continuum. Biosecurity New Zealand fax contacts: analysis can take anywhere from four weeks to The group’s work is providing valuable insights Policy and Business: 04 819474 07314257 two years! Communication can be a challenge as into the relative risks across pathways and the stakeholders often hold views at opposite ends of the Animal Welfare: 04 819474 07284196 DIRECTORY ...... 18,19 effectiveness of interventions within pathways. It spectrum, depending on their interests. Pre-clearance: 04 819498 07339888 also provides feedback for improvements in our Cover: An electronic sea container risk profiling system Post-clearance: 04 819470 07362730 Over the last year, a lot of effort has gone in to import health standards, quarantine processes, is helping target biosecurity resources at the most likely Compliance and Enforcement: improving our risk analysis and import health surveillance, awareness campaigns and enforcement sources of trouble among the half million or more containers 09 300 1021 standard processes. One of our key aims was to regimes. that cross our borders each year. Feature page 15. Incursion Investigation and Reference make the processes more transparent and, in doing ■ Debbie Pearson Laboratories: 04 526 5601 so, to give stakeholders more confidence in the Director Pre-clearance system. Biosecurity New Zealand

2 | BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | ISSUE 67 ISSUE 67 | BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | 3 FRONTLINE NEWS Environmental and human health risk assessment for Btk products being updated

Biosecurity New Zealand (BNZ) has started reviewing and updating the environmental and health impact reports for Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) products registered or likely to be registered for aerial application in New Zealand.

an Gear, Manager Eradication Programmes with BNZ, says Ian says that over the last decade five exotic moth incursions Plant pest list under Climbing spindleberry: attractive but a that it is vital to remain confident that the application of Btk have triggered biosecurity responses of varying intensity and rampant pest. Photo: Stacey A Leicht, Iproducts does not cause an unacceptable or irremediable scale. The responses that have included the aerial application of Department of Ecology and Evolutionary harm to the environment or to human health. Foray 48B in their eradication programmes include: review Biology, The University of Connecticut. “We cannot discount the possibility that aerial applications • white spotted tussock moth in the eastern suburbs of of Btk may be necessary to control and/or eradicate future Auckland (October 1996 to April 1997) incursions of exotic pest moth species. We need to continually New suggestions for more than BNZ then began public consultation, Pest plant case study: • Asian gypsy moth in Hamilton (2003), for which eradication review our eradication programmes, take what we have learnt 90 plants to be added to the which resulted in 36 submissions. was officially announced in May last year Climbing spindleberry and apply this to future responses. In this way our biosecurity National Pest Plant Accord have The TAG has reviewed the technical (Celastrus orbiculatus) • painted apple moth – successfully eradicated from West programmes will remain responsive and dynamic,” he says. been received by the accord’s aspects of the submissions and made its Auckland in March 2006. steering group. The climbing spindleberry is a vigorous While Australian toxicologist Dr Peter Di Marco recently found final recommendations to the steering vine which threatens native bush, forestry that the pesticide Foray 48B used in the successful eradication When each of these programmes commenced there was only group. In May, the steering group will and open areas. It climbs over vegetation, of a number of exotic moth incursions is not ‘injurious or one Btk product, Foray 48B, registered for aerial application in he National Pest Plant Accord decide which species are to be added to, smothering and killing underlying plants. offensive to health’, MAF intends to update the Environmental New Zealand. Now there are two, with the possibility of a third prevents the sale, propagation or removed from, the accord list based on The plant has attractive berries and and Human Health Risk Assessment to ensure that it is current, on the horizon. or distribution of specific pest three considerations: T autumn colour and is spread by birds, Ian Gear says. plants. Established in 2001, the Btk products are biological pesticides containing a bacterium • advice from the TAG which makes it rampant and hard to Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki which kills the larvae of accord is a non-statutory agreement To this end, a project group of national and international • regulatory impact control. scientists and public health experts has been engaged to moths and caterpillars that eat foliage. The bacterium does not between organisations with biosecurity • general submissions. The climbing spindleberry is a pest in review and revise the Environmental and Human Health Risk harm other insects. Various strains of Btk are found normally responsibilities. A steering group many regions including Golden Bay, Assessment. Their work will draw upon previous assessments, in the environment. It has been used commercially in microbial governs the accord and is made up of The steering group will then make a Taupo, and the Waikato and a number scientific publications and reports published since the pest control agents for over 30 years worldwide. representatives from regional councils, recommendation to the chief technical of regional councils have control preparation of the painted apple moth and Asian gypsy moth ■ Ian Gear, Manager Eradication Programmes, Biosecurity New Zealand, the Department of Conservation, the officer requesting that the plants be programmes to target the species. programmes. The project group’s report will be independently phone 04 819 0542, [email protected] Nursery and Garden Industry Association determined as unwanted organisms under peer reviewed by specialists, including the Ministry of Health. and Biosecurity New Zealand (BNZ). the Biosecurity Act 1993, legally banning Before it was added to the accord list, The steering group is responsible for their sale, propagation and distribution. the climbing spindleberry was sold in nurseries and plant shops for use in deciding which plants are listed on the Once the review is complete, a marketing domestic gardens. accord, but the risk analysis advice is campaign will be launched to inform PAM spray cleared by toxicologist provided by an independent Technical stakeholders and the public of the Including the species on the accord Advisory Group (TAG). changes. This is expected to begin in July. prevents it from reaching new areas A report commissioned by the the spray in high doses might cause rather than to Foray 48B. Last year, the steering group began and supports regional council and Waitakere City Council has found that some irritation to skin, eyes, and the Enforcement of the accord is undertaken The report also says future aerial reviewing the accord list for the first Department of Conservation programmes the application of Foray 48B during upper respiratory tract, those effects by regional councils who carry out spraying programmes are unlikely to time, and in July 2005 BNZ called for by ensuring that it is not being sold in the aerial spraying in West Auckland were unlikely to be seen in exposed surveillance and enforcement in local constitute a health nuisance which proposals from consultative groups for areas near where it is being controlled. for the eradication of painted apple communities in spray areas, because nurseries. The authorised people who is “injurious or offensive to health”, pest plants to be added to, or removed moth (PAM) did not constitute a of the low concentration of the spray do this work are trained in plant The accord also helps to make people provided the risk management from, the list. identification and advise nursery owners aware that this species is a pest and gives health nuisance. in the air. measures developed and implemented Ninety-two new plant proposals were on whether they have any plants on the gardeners confidence that the plants The independent report by Australian Di Marco says the health concerns to date continue to be applied. received, along with one seeking the accord list that should not be sold. they buy from nurseries are not going to toxicologist Dr Peter Di Marco raised by the West Auckland A copy of the report is available from: removal of a species from the list. The become a problem in their garden. concluded that the ingredients in community were likely to have been For more information on the National ■ TAG completed risk analyses for each of Foray 48B were not injurious or more closely related to the application www.maf.govt.nz/biosecurity/pests- Pest Plant Accord: For a fact sheet on climbing spindleberry: diseases/forests/painted-apple-moth/wcc- the proposed new species and the existing offensive to health. method used, i.e., aerial spraying, and ■ www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pests-diseases/plants/ ■ www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pest-and-disease- final-report.pdf accord list and gave a recommendation the associated adverse media coverage, accord.htm response/pests-and-diseases-watchlist/ While it was noted that exposure to on whether they should be added to, or climbing-spindle-berry ■ Suzanne Main, [email protected] removed from, the list.

4 | BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | ISSUE 67 ISSUE 67 | BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | 5 FRONTLINE NEWS FRONTLINE NEWS Putting our heads Ruminant protein requirements tightened together None of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies of animals, including BSE or mad cow disease, occurs in New MAF and industry join forces to exceed BSE surveillance targets Zealand. Nevertheless, we have in place measures to mitigate any risks. Following a MAF review, animal feed processing practices are to be further tightened to help reduce the risk of these diseases spreading by way of animal feed, should they ever partnership between government While Biosecurity New Zealand’s (BNZ’s) To meet these new guidelines, BNZ’s occur here. and industry has successfully surveillance programme has so far met surveillance programme required Arisen to the challenge of meeting the minimum guidelines set by the OIE, it significant and speedy improvements. The Biosecurity (Ruminant Protein) Regulations 1999 prohibit stringent new international requirements has done so by testing a combination of In April 2005, BNZ convened the BSE the feeding of ruminant protein (RP) in any form to ruminants. for BSE surveillance. cattle on farms as well as so-called “fallen Surveillance Advisory Group (BSE SAG). These regulations were put in place because consumption of ingredients derived from bovine spongiform encephalopathy BSE is a progressive, fatal, non- stock”. These included cattle from pet- The group included representatives (BSE) infected cattle is believed to be the only way the disease is contagious, feedborne nervous disease food slaughtering operations, rendering from MAF and all affected sectors of spread among ruminants. of cattle. The United Kingdom has the operations and meat export premises. the cattle industry. The SAG agreed to highest incidence with just over 184,000 The number of on-farm cases has meet regularly until all the issues facing The regulations require premises that produce feed for cases confirmed since 1988. averaged 89 per annum since 1999. New Zealand to meet the revised OIE ruminants, and which also utilise ruminant protein for other guidelines had been examined. purposes, to prepare, register, and implement Ruminant Protein While New Zealand has never had a Many of the animals that were sampled at slaughterhouses might have been Control Programmes (RPCP). An RPCP is a set of procedures It is essential that there is no opportunity for supplements fed to ruminant animals case of BSE, and has rigorous import in New Zealand to have been contaminated with ruminant protein. sampled on farms if there had not been Series of outcomes outlining how ruminant protein will be kept out of rations safeguards to protect against its a financial disincentive to the farmer, as The group met four times during April intended for ruminants. It is a risk mitigation strategy to prevent introduction, it is vital to our animal of the raw materials through to the premises of buyers of the cash paid by MAF to farmers was not to August 2005, with the following the cycling of the BSE agent through the feed chain were it to products export trade to have a targeted processed animal feed and should include owners’ responsibility sufficient to cover veterinarians’ fees and outcomes: ever occur here. surveillance programme to identify BSE, of providing their ruminant animals with feed that is fit for the cost of carcass disposal. should it occur here. • An agreed interpretation of the 2005 A review last year of the 21 premises with RPCPs registered purpose. In 2005, the OIE surveillance guidelines OIE guidelines for BSE surveillance found that ruminant feeds produced in mills sharing feed The international guidelines for a BSE At a meeting on 9 February 2006, industry representatives became more stringent. New Zealand was developed, which provided clarity transfer lines and processing equipment with non-ruminant surveillance programme are set by the endorsed MAF’s view of implementing, by 1 July 2006, a new was now faced with the challenge of for the range of symptoms, and ages of feeds carried an unacceptably high risk of being contaminated World Organisation for Animal Health requirement for dedicated ruminant feed processing lines. To testing about 600 cattle per annum, and cattle, that should be eligible for BNZ’s with RP. Given the infective dose for BSE could be as little as (OIE). In 1997, the OIE’s annual target mitigate the risk of contamination of the feed at the pre-mill and they all had to be from on farm. There BSE surveillance programme. 0.1 g of infected brain tissue, the aim is therefore to ensure that for New Zealand was to test 200 cattle, post-mill stages, MAF will develop a code of practice for feed was no longer the provision to make up feed intended for ruminants is completely free from ruminant aged two years or older and showing • The amount of the cash incentive transporters that will complement the separate feed line policy. protein. signs of nervous disease. In 1998 this was any shortfall in on-farm cattle numbers payments paid by BNZ to farmers and Biosecurity New Zealand and industry partners have undertaken raised to 300 per annum. with surveillance targeted at fallen stock. veterinarians for submission of samples MAF has concluded that the single-line processing is an extensive communications campaign to ensure feed from suitable cattle was revised. The incompatible with the purposes of the ruminant protein manufacturers, renderers, retailers, transporters, and farmers increased cash payment removed regulations and that the only way forward is to implement are aware of their obligations under the regulations and make the financial disincentive to on-farm dedicated ruminant feed processing lines. This means that there the necessary control programme changes by the 1 July 2006 sampling. For full details of the should be physical separation of feed transfer lines and feed deadline. increased cash incentive visit: processing equipment used for producing feeds for ruminants For more information on BSE and RPCP: www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pests-diseases/ from those used for producing feeds containing RP. A chain is animals/tse/surveillance-incentives.htm only as strong as its weakest link, and in order to ensure that ■ www.biosecurity.govt.nz/tse ruminants have access only to feed that is free of ruminant ■ Nasser Ahmed, Technical Adviser, Biosecurity New Zealand, • An agreed communication strategy was protein, the physical separation must occur from the source developed to launch the revised BNZ phone 04 819 0550, [email protected] surveillance programme. • BNZ sponsored a series of workshops Continued from page 6 for veterinarians on removal of cattle total costs for BSE surveillance reached brains. Increase in BSE about $1.5 million, with projected costs surveillance effort, • A CD on proper brain removal of about $2 million until the end of July 2005–March 2006. technique was posted by BNZ to all June. In view of this, BNZ is currently large animal veterinarians. reconsidering its BSE surveillance strategy for the period July 2006 to June 2007, Excellent results from strategy to see where greater efficiencies can be introduced. The results from these efforts have been quite remarkable (see accompanying BNZ’s BSE surveillance programme is a OIE Target graph). Between July 2005 and March good example of what can be achieved 2006, over 1,880 cattle brains have been when there is a collective effort made by tested, which has well exceeded the new government and industry. The success ■ Roger Poland, Senior recommended annual target of 600. All of the programme, which saw the rate Adviser, Surveillance and Incursion Response, brains tested were negative for BSE. of testing of suitable on-farm cattle rise Biosecurity New Zealand, from an annual average of 89 to 1,880 But this programme is expensive to run. phone 04 819 0546, cattle in a nine-month period, speaks for During this same nine-month period, the [email protected] itself.

6 || BIOSECURITYBIOSECURITY NEWNEW ZEALANDZEALAND || ISSUEISSUE 6767 ISSUE 67 | BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | 7 FRONTLINE NEWS Quick action hoped to nip Subterranean termites smut in the bud found in Nelson Biosecurity New Zealand (BNZ) has been Spores in seed consignment colony of Australian infestation is confined to two investigating and working to eradicate an Tests carried out by the IDC revealed the presence of common subterranean termites, neighbouring properties. outbreak of the maize disease common (or boil) smut spores on seeds from the same consignment as those Coptotermes acinaciformis, No activity has been found planted in the affected field. The affected field was the only one A smut from a field of sweetcorn near Gisborne. was recently reported from a property outside the immediate area in New Zealand planted with the imported seed. All imported in Richmond, Nelson. The species is the where the termites were The disease has not previously been detected in maize seed complied with the relevant import health standard same one that was declared eradicated originally reported. requirements to prevent or mitigate risk of diseases such as New Zealand. in 2005 from sites at Otorohanga, The current response is being common smut from becoming established. BNZ and overseas Morrinsville and Matamata. guided by the experience colleagues are investigating the treatments applied to the Biosecurity New Zealand’s (BNZ’s) gained in eradicating a large affected consignment. initial investigations indicate that the population of termites from Based on this information, the fact that the disease was at an The Australian subterranean termites appear to have termites appear to have arrived in Otorohanga. To date, wooden hitchhiked to New Zealand in some used railway sleepers. early stage of development and that no significant spore release Richmond concealed within imported monitoring stakes and sticky was detected, BNZ decided to put a restricted place notice Australian used railway sleepers more traps have been placed at the on the property and destroy all sweetcorn plants in the field. than 10 years ago. Current MAF border site, and a delimiting survey has been Native termites not a threat All infected plants were carefully placed in plastic bags and control regulations require all imported completed. incinerated. The remaining plants were harvested and placed in railway sleepers to be stopped and New Zealand has three species of To eradicate the termites, BNZ will be specially designed compost heaps and covered with polythene fumigated on arrival at the border. indigenous termites: Kalotermes brouni installing the Sentricon baiting system. sheets to create a high temperature environment to ensure any Frogatt (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae), The railway sleepers at the property have This system was the main response tool spores present were destroyed. Stolotermes ruficeps Brauer (Isoptera: been used for landscaping, and over a used at Otorohanga and is very effective Termopsidae) and S. inopinus Gay 10-year period the termites have entered at eradicating termites. It relies on the No further incidence (Isoptera: Termopsidae) (Milligan the house via the plumbing. Internal use of bait stations containing the active 1984). These are not considered to be BNZ provided industry representatives with information on the damage has been observed to some of the ingredient hexaflumuron, which prevents destructive. Indigenous termites do not disease so that they knew what to look for during crop surveys. untreated internal and external timber termites from moulting. This results in form large colonies and usually affect No further incidences of the disease have been reported. In wall framing. death and the eventual elimination of the only a small portion of any wooden addition, BNZ survey teams and maize crop growers adjacent colony. to the affected field examined their crops for the disease, and, Termites are cryptic insects and BNZ structure. again, no disease was detected. is working very closely with local This incursion is the first time that this ■ Mark Ross, Senior Adviser, Surveillance and homeowners and councils to ensure that species of termite has been found in the Incursion Response, Biosecurity New Zealand, As this fungus can be dispersed by the wind, the field has been any suspect insect activity is investigated. South Island, and currently there are no phone 04 819 0535, [email protected] direct drilled with fast-growing grass seed to stabilise the soil Results of a delimiting survey carried other known active subterranean termite surface over winter. In spring, the infected area of the field and sites in New Zealand. a surrounding buffer area will be covered with polythene sheets out in late March indicate that the so that the soil can be heat treated, an environmentally friendly process called soil solarisation. At the end of this period, the affected area will again be planted in grass and the field retired MAF–SPCA Memorandum of Understanding from maize or sweetcorn production for a period yet to be n 13 January the seed production manager of a maize Barry O’Neil, Assistant Director- • requirements of the SPCA’s inspectors The MAF–SPCA MoU will next be determined. and sweetcorn growing company alerted BNZ to the General (Biosecurity), and Peter Mason, in investigating breaches of the revised in 2008. ■ George Gill, Biosecurity New Zealand, phone 04 819 0100, suspected presence of a new to New Zealand fungus National President of the Society for legislation and taking enforcement ■ Joanna Tuckwell, Policy Adviser Animal [email protected] o the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals action. Welfare, phone 04 819 0369, fax 04 819 0747, (Ustilago maydis) in a single field at Gisborne. The manager [email protected] had observed this disease in the United States and knew that it (SPCA), signed a revised MAF–SPCA SPCA and AWINZ inspectors share was not present in New Zealand, so wasted no time informing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) responsibility with MAF’s own animal BNZ. in March. Barry O’Neil and Peter Mason sign the welfare investigators for enforcing the revised MAF–SPCA Memorandum of BNZ Incursion and Diagnostic Centre (IDC) scientists The SPCA is an ‘approved organisation’ Animal Welfare Act throughout New Understanding. examined the samples submitted and confirmed the presence under the Animal Welfare Act 1999. Zealand. The SPCA assists of Ustilago maydis, the agent that causes common smut. The This enables it to nominate individuals the Government greatly in identification was subsequently validated by mycologists at for appointment as inspectors to carry this regard; in 2005, SPCA Landcare Research. This fungus affects only corn/maize (Zea out investigation and enforcement inspectors investigated 11,842 mays) plants and is present in most of the corn growing areas activities under the Act, and to animal welfare complaints, around the world. nominate auxiliary officers. The Animal resulting in 94 charges being Welfare Institute of New Zealand laid in respect of 56 defendants. Incursion investigators visited the site to determine the spread (AWINZ) also has this status. A total of 48 convictions of the disease and its possible route of arrival into New resulted, with several cases Zealand, as well as assessing any likely future management or The MAF–SPCA MoU defines: adjourned for hearing in 2006. eradication options. The investigation quickly established that • the requirements to be met by both SPCA personnel also attended the infection (see photo above), was confined to a small area of organisations in the selection and more than 4,000 accidents and a single field of maize being grown for seed production. appointment of SPCA inspectors and emergencies throughout the BNZ incursion investigators auxiliary officers under the Act country. searching for common smut.

8 | BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | ISSUE 67 ISSUE 67 | BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | 9 FRONTLINE NEWS

Continued from page 10 Rotocom, IPS and the Gore composting technologies have also been used to compost such wastes at overseas facilities and/or on a trial basis here in New Zealand. PEOPLE All composting facility operators with whom contingency planning for an avian influenza outbreak was discussed during IN BIOSECURITY the course of the study (being the larger, commercial facilities) were open to further discussions with BNZ. In many cases the Three new staff have been appointed in the Post-entry operators are already considering the suitability of their facilities Quarantine team which has been recently set up in the Plant to cater to such events. Health and Environment Laboratory (Investigation and Diagnostic Centre) at Tamaki. These new staff will be developing diagnostic Although the composted material may be considered safe for methods for pests and diseases of high-value crops in post-entry use, any emergency planning should include its management. quarantine. Not all poultry operations have enough land available for use of the finished compost and there may be reluctance for other land Lia Liefting has been appointed as a Level 2 scientist. Lia has excellent owners to accept it for use on their land without validation by experience in the field of plant pathology. MAF that the product is safe for the intended purpose. During her PhD at Auckland University and subsequent work in the University On-site composting Reference of California and AgriGenesis she mainly after 22 days in Composting of Poultry Carcasses: A review of New Zealand capacity to respond focused on phytoplasma diseases Canada, using a to a Biosecurity Emergency – prepared for Biosecurity New Zealand Jan 2006 – URS two-stage composting (including the phytoplasma of New procedure. Reported by ■ Dorothy Geale DVM PhD BSc (Hons), Senior Adviser Surveillance and Zealand flax). She also has experience of working on virus and Incursion Response, Biosecurity New Zealand, phone 04 819 0544, J Lloyd Spencer, Jiewen viroid diseases and previously worked at the MAF National Plant Guan and Bryan [email protected] Rennie, Canadian Food Pest Reference Laboratory during which time she carried out Inspection Agency, disease surveys and was involved in incursion response. Animal Diseases Lisa Ward has also been appointed Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario. as a Level 2 scientist. Lisa has broad experience in the field of plant pathology. She started her career as a mycologist, working on the biocontrol of cereal fungi Composting of poultry carcasses during her PhD at Edinburgh University and subsequent post-doctorate at Review of New Zealand’s capacity to respond to a biosecurity emergency Montana State University. For the last five years she has been employed at the iosecurity New Zealand (BNZ) is finalising a programme An advantage of composting commercial flocks is that it is UK’s Central Science Laboratory (DEFRA) developing molecular of work on contingency planning for emergency disposal feasible to compost infected animals on the farm, thereby techniques for the diagnosis of plant viruses and fungi, e.g., in Bof animal carcasses in the event of an outbreak of a decreasing any risk of disease transmission through movement cereals, sugar beet and potatoes. Most recently she has also communicable animal disease. As part of this programme, BNZ of dead birds, or trucks and people. In the Canadian outbreak, been working closely with the UK’s National Bee Unit developing investigated the suitability of various carcass disposal options carcasses were initially composted in windrows inside sheds, methods to detect exotic bee diseases. including burial, air curtain incineration, composting and where temperatures reached were sufficient to deactivate the Hayley Thompson has been appointed rendering. avian influenza virus. The composted material was then moved as a senior technician. Hayley has The Canadian experience during the 2004 avian influenza out to composting ‘bins’ constructed while the initial process experience in molecular plant virology was being conducted in the sheds. gained through her degree and honours outbreak in British Columbia demonstrated that composting can Canadian Food Inspection Agency veterinarians inspecting contents of serve as a successful disposal method for managing catastrophic an on-farm compost pile one month after birds and litter were moved project at the University of Queensland. poultry mortality. In September 2005, BNZ contracted a review Producer support needed from the poultry shed. Photo: Paul Bingham, IDC – Wallaceville. During her project she characterised and of the potential to use existing – or improved – New Zealand Producer support for composting is needed as their time and developed diagnostic methods for two new viruses of pineapple. Over the past composting technologies to dispose of poultry carcasses in a commitment can be used to manage the process under the five months she has been employed at biosecurity emergency, either as a stand-alone option or in supervision of trained personnel. IDC – Tamaki to assist with the diagnosis of viruses intercepted combination with other methods such as burial, incineration or Centralised composting is also an option. In Canada this was in post-entry quarantine and in the development of novel viral rendering. used for the disposal of non-infected birds that were slaughtered Proposed changes to detection methods. A final report was completed at Christmas. This work will be as part of the control programme. Facilities available in New reported on 16 May at a Waste Management Institute of New Zealand all appear well-suited to the application of composting border clearance fees Zealand workshop at Taupo, for which BNZ is a sponsor. poultry carcasses, including those generated as a result of an Consultation is underway on a review of the screening of import documentation and risk sea containers) to provide for any under- or avian influenza outbreak. Key issues include: Biosecurity (Costs) Regulations 2003 and assessment of imported goods over-recovery of costs to be ‘carried forward’ proposed changes to border clearance fees. into subsequent years and, if necessary, New Zealand composting technologies • In order to prevent cross-contamination/re-infection of • a new method of charging (sea container levy) reflected in higher or lower costs over time. Technologies available in New Zealand and reviewed in the processed material, sufficient plant should be on site so that no MAF has issued a discussion paper and for those sea container clearance processes report for their suitability to process poultry carcasses in the machinery/equipment is in contact with both raw waste and supporting information paper that will be of that are common to all importers arising from For copy of the discussion paper and supporting interest to anyone who ships or imports goods implementation of the recently revised sea information paper: www.biosecurity.govt. event of an outbreak include the: composted product. (including passengers bringing in risk goods container import health standard nz/strategy-and-consultation/consultation/ in their baggage) or anyone who operates a discussion-documents • HotRot™ system (horizontal, in-vessel system) • It may be necessary to intercept trade waste and/or leachate • increases to the MAF hourly rate inspection transitional or containment facility. • VCU™ system (vertical, in-vessel system) discharges so that they may be contained, potentially treated charges and to certain other charges, e.g., Submissions are welcomed on the proposed on site and disposed of in an appropriate manner. The main changes being proposed include: organism identification travel costs incurred changes. The closing date for submissions is 24 by MAF inspectors, to reflect the true cost May 2006. Submissions can be made in writing • Rotocom™ system (horizontal, in-vessel system) • a simpler, streamlined charging regime A number of New Zealand facilities are already involved in to MAF of providing these border clearance to Biosecurity New Zealand: for used vehicles, forest produce and • IPS™ system (enclosed bay/windrow system) services processing poultry mortalities and/or animal by-products, unaccompanied baggage or effects ■ Elizabeth Paterson, Biosecurity New Zealand, • Gore™ system (covered windrow system) including VCU facilities in Tirohia landfill, Paeroa, and • introduction of a system of memorandum of PO Box 2526, Wellington, phone 04 819 0407, • a new method of charging (biosecurity entry Matamata and a windrow composting facility in Ureti. HotRot, accounting for key services (used vehicles and fax 04 819 0730, [email protected] • Ag-Bag™ system (enclosed horizontal bag system). levy) to recover costs relating to the primary Continued on page 11 10 | BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | ISSUE 67 ISSUE 67 | BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | 11 FRONTLINE NEWS INTERFACE

Aquatic pest weed Conference explores alternatives to found in Timaru methyl bromide

Under the Montreal Protocol approved in the United States to control programme by Dow AgroSciences for he invasive weed hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) on Substances that Deplete the microbial contamination on dry and shelled Profume has significantly improved has been confirmed in Timaru’s Centennial Park Lake Ozone Layer, New Zealand is walnuts, cocoa powder and spices. fumigation practices. following a recent delimiting survey. among the developed countries T Ethyl formate Phosphine Hornwort is an invasive aquatic weed, well established in the taking steps to reduce the use North Island. A small number of populations in the South of methyl bromide. While its This gas (trade name Vapourmate) shows The refinement and extension of phosphine Island have been successfully eradicated and Biosecurity New use for soil sterilisation in this promise for fumigating foodstuffs in less fumigation continues with a lot of interest Zealand (BNZ) is working to keep the South Island free of country has been cut significantly than two days, rapidly breaking down into in New Zealand’s fumigation of forest the pest. in the past 15 years, it remains ethanol and formic acid. The addition of produce. The Chileans are using direct CO improves effectiveness and lowers phosphine generation on fresh fruit and Hornwort grows rapidly, forming dense mats that choke important for pre-shipment 2 treatment of some exports, flammability. It has no effect on the grapes at low temperatures. waterways. The plant has no roots and long, dark green stems germination of seeds. with finely divided forked leaves. It either forms submerged especially logs. Metabolic stress disinfestation beds or occasionally can be free floating. Hornwort breaks inding alternatives to methyl Ethanedinitrile (C2N2 ) and disinfection easily, and the fragments form new plants, making it difficult bromide for quarantine and pre- This gas (patented by CSIRO), while still An interesting concept is use of metabolic to eradicate. shipment has been difficult, and for F in trials, shows promise as a replacement stress disinfestation and disinfection this reason it has been exempt for these It was originally propagated as an aquarium and ornamental NIWA diver Rohan Wells surfacing through a bed of hornwort (Photo: for methyl bromide by not only having (MSDD) which is a new process for purposes under the Montreal Protocol pond plant, but has been banned from sale or distribution since Aleki Taumoepeau, NIWA). the same penetration and insect killing agricultural products under development (see Biosecurity 58, 15 March 2005). A 1983. ability but being more effective on fungi. at the University of California. MSDD is range of promising alternatives to methyl A restricted place notice has been issued at the Timaru site, hornwort has been killed. Monitoring of the site will continue Another attribute, which is a disadvantage applied in a closed pressure chamber and bromide for fumigation was presented at closing the lake and stream to all use. This includes activities for some time to ensure there is no recurrence of the plant. for some, is destroying seed viability at low consists of a rapid sequence of alternating a recent conference. such as paddling, fishing, kayaking and swimming. Surveys will also be conducted around the Timaru area to concentrations. It is currently estimated expansion (low pressure) and compression Sessions at the 2005 Alternatives to to be at least another two years before (high pressure) cycles at the end of which BNZ is working with the Timaru District Council and establish whether other waterways are affected. Timaru Methyl Bromide conference in San Diego registration in Australia. The proposed a low concentration of a volatile chemical Environment Canterbury to eradicate hornwort from residents have been asked to call BNZ if they see hornwort in were divided evenly between alternatives threshold level for workplace exposure (ethanol was used) is applied at reduced Centennial Park Lake. Control work is due to start shortly. A other waterways or ponds. to methyl bromide for quarantine and at 10ppm compares favourably with pressure. Results have shown that MSDD further survey of the site will be undertaken in the lake and ■ Victoria Lamb, Senior Adviser, Pest Management, Biosecurity New Zealand, pre-shipment treatments, and alternatives methyl bromide at 5ppm and phosphine at is effective in controlling microbial and stream once the control work is completed to ensure all the phone 04 819 0523, [email protected] to replace methyl bromide in soil 0.3ppm. arthropod pests without detrimental fumigation. effects to the host commodity. Evidence The conference provided a forum to bring Sulphuryl fluoride was shown where infested oranges were together data on potential alternatives This gas has been used for fumigating successfully treated without damage. PEOPLE and enhance the technology transfer structures infested with termites in the needed to economically and commercially United States and is now being registered Heat IN BIOSECURITY implement methyl bromide alternatives. for other uses, including foodstuffs. It has Heat is successfully being used with The conference was well attended by been successfully trialled on artefacts and specialised equipment to disinfest very Diane Cummings Jeejah Khan has reporting system and incursion response researchers, users of methyl bromide and used commercially for disinfesting flour large buildings at comparable costs to joined the Investigation joined the Biosecurity system databases for the IDC’s Plant Health legislators from around the world. mills. It does require higher concentrations fumigation. Radio frequency is being and Diagnostic Centre New Zealand and Environment Laboratory and Animal than methyl bromide at lower temperatures trialled successfully on walnuts using an (IDC) Wallaceville Investigation and Health Laboratory. She is located at Tamaki The following is a brief summary of some for a comparable kill rate. The stewardship in August 2005 as Diagnostic Centre (Auckland) as a member of IDC’s Information of the papers presented on promising in-line conveyor belt system. a receptionist. She (IDC) as Biosecurity Management team. alternatives to methyl bromide. The collaboration, and knowledge gained previously worked Information Officer. Adam Bedford of research being undertaken in other for the Automobile Jeejah came to IDC on joined Biosecurity Carbon dioxide (CO ) countries, will be utilised in developing Association and Telecom for 13 years. a fixed-term contract during late 2004 and 2 New Zealand at New Zealand’s own alternatives research Diane is married with two children and her became permanent recently. The use of controlled atmospheres the end of January programme. Contacts made during the hobbies are walking, shopping, travelling and is proving successful in disinfesting Jeejah has an Honours degree in post- 2006. A Biosecurity spending quality time with friends. products over a sustained time. Using conference have already proved useful in harvest physiology from Massey University Information Officer 95% CO and 1% O over 5 days solving treatment issues and sharing of Shandi Diamond- based at Lincoln, he 2 2 and a BSc in computer science from the information. Reti joined IDC University of Auckland. She has worked in works as part of the achieved 100% mortality of insects in – Wallaceville in both the agriculture/horticulture and IT/ Investigation and dried fruit. Other experiments showed For the conference proceedings: February 2006 as an Diagnostic Centres, on the Information adding nitrogen to the mix also worked. computer science sectors before joining IDC. ■ www.mbao.org/2005/05Proceedings/mbrpro05.html administration officer. Management team. Her role focuses on managing and She had previously The next conference is at the Double Tree maintaining scientific information generated Adam’s background is in IT and he has Propylene oxide (PPO) worked for a large Hotel, Orlando, Florida on 5-8 November by IDC. This involves reporting post-border, extensive experience of analysis, reporting, This is a new fumigant for foodstuffs corporate patent 2006 and would be valuable for both approved transitional facility, new to New development, and maintenance of IT that is quickly converted to non-toxic attorney firm for six years and in the patent researchers and treatment suppliers to Zealand/new host/distribution records systems. He has a BSc in Business and IT. glycols in the human stomach. Use in field for 15 years. She enjoys playing netball New Zealand obtained an exemption under attend. as well as administering the plant pest combination with low pressure reduces and touch rugby and is married with one the Montreal Protocol for sterilisation of ■ information network, specimen tracking and the flammability of this product. It is Ken Glassey, Senior Adviser, Operational Standards, daughter. strawberry fields with methyl bromide. Biosecurity New Zealand, phone 04 819 048

12 | BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | ISSUE 67 ISSUE 67 | BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | 13 INTERFACE INTERFACE BIOSECURITY SYSTEMS Trans-Tasman Animal Welfare Containing Risk Working Group meets in New Zealand Better risk management, less paperwork with new system Biosecurity New Zealand’s Animal Welfare Group played host to the 14th meeting of the Trans-Tasman The more than half a million sea containers arriving at New Animal Welfare Working Group in late February, 2006. Zealand ports each year present a significant pathway for new pests and diseases to cross our borders. But not all risks are equal. By The committee meets face to face (in which a live sheep shipment was • live animal export standards twice a year and holds teleconferences rejected by Saudi Arabian authorities) building an accurate risk profile for containers before they arrive in throughout the year. It is made up of and People for the Ethical Treatment • animal traps New Zealand, biosecurity efforts can be focused on the most likely representatives from all Australian states of Animals’ campaign against mulesing • welfare-friendly labelling of foods sources of trouble. and territories, the Federal Government continue to dominate animal welfare • legislative status of blood harvesting and the Commonwealth Scientific issues in Australia. Goals have now been within Australian states. n December 2004 a new era began for sea container biosecurity container to an approved transitional facility (ATF). and Industrial Research Organisation set in place so that the Australian wool with the advent of ESCRIP. This is an acronym for Electronic Sea Within about three minutes of sending the declaration, the (CSIRO). New Zealand is represented by industry can phase out mulesing by The next face-to-face meeting for the Container RIsk Profiling and represented a cooperative initiative working group will be held in Australia in I response is sent simultaneously (blue lines) to the declarants, the MAF’s Director Animal Welfare, David 2010 as agreed in response to the PETA between Biosecurity New Zealand (BNZ) and the New Zealand port company handling the container and to QuanCargo (green Bayvel. protests in 2004. July 2006. Customs Service (NZCS). box), where it populates data record fields and produces formal ■ David Bayvel, Director Animal Welfare, phone 04 Chaired by Robin Vandegraaff, the Chief Other issues discussed included: The objectives were: 8190368, [email protected] documentation for container release (green lines). Veterinary Officer of South Australia, this • model codes of practice – emu, pigs, • nationally consistent risk profiling of sea containers After inspection by a Quarantine Officer or an accredited person year’s meeting covered a wide range of horse, deer and land transport of sheep (AP) at an ATF (purple box), the inspection result, including details animal welfare issues of direct relevance • electronic profiling for biosecurity risk purposes carried out prior of any biosecurity contaminants found, is sent back to QuanCargo to both New Zealand and Australia. The • national collection of statistics for use to arrival in New Zealand of animals in research, testing and via either website entry or fax. Confirmation of final container gathering helped reinforce strong existing • harmonisation of MAF electronic systems for sea containers with teaching clearance is sent by email (purple lines). bonds and provided a good opportunity those used by NZCS to identify areas for future collaboration. • vertebrate pest control • automatic notification of customs brokers and port companies Consistent risk profiling – nationwide Visits to the Investigation and Diagnostic • European Commission Animal Welfare about the MAF status of containers Centre (IDC) at Wallaceville and Electronic container risk profiling via ESCRIP is designed to Action Plan 2006–2010 Schering-Plough Animal Health Ltd in • automatically created records in MAF’s QuanCargo database provide a nationally consistent result, based on technical, electronic • international activities (OIE animal from data sent by NZCS (one-way data transfer) evaluation of data. All containers meeting a specific set of criteria Upper Hutt were included in a very busy Members of the Trans-Tasman Animal Welfare welfare initiative and World Society for will have the same biosecurity requirements applied to them, agenda. Working Group at their February 2006 Meeting. • a single, on-line, entry point for all container cargo and quarantine the Protection of Animals’ campaigns) regardless of the port of arrival. The 2003 Cormo Express incident declarations via CusMod, the NZCS electronic operations system. (Formerly, MAF handled this process manually via fax and phone. The data for all containers, including their quarantine declarations, Consequently, MAF and NZCS ran two parallel entry systems is entered electronically into MAF’s system, resulting in a substantial requiring broadly similar information.) reduction in data entry and paperwork for MAF Quarantine Animals in Science Advisory Service (MQS). This is estimated at a minimum of three minutes per • an ability to add, remove or modify alerts in real time, Committee PEOPLE container entry. Given that about 550,000 containers per year arrive contributing to an evolving, versatile and ‘quick-on-its-feet’ The Royal New Zealand SPCA has formed an advisory committee in New Zealand, this amounts to around $500,000 saved in data monitoring system. to support the animal welfare representatives it has nominated to IN BIOSECURITY entry work alone. Figure 1 (page 16) shows a schematic layout of the ESCRIP concept animal ethics committees (AECs) throughout the country. These The only paperwork that MQS processes is for risk goods, high-risk appointments are made in accordance with the Animal Welfare Dr Kathy Parton has been elected by the and the internal and external data flows. containers and some manual entries, such as empty containers, not Act 1999. National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee as its deputy chairperson for 2006, under the yet fully compatible with ESCRIP. The purpose of the committee, known as the Animals in Science ESCRIP information flows Animal Welfare Act 1999. Dr Parton is a senior Continued on page 16 Advisory Committee (AISAC), is to communicate effectively with AEC lecturer in pharmacology, toxicology and small ESCRIP starts at the point where a customs broker (red box) enters animal welfare representatives by providing a sounding board for any mammal medicine at Massey University, in the the information needed by NZCS for a concerns they may have and by promoting appropriate and timely Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Customs sea container import declaration. upskilling opportunities to assist them in their roles. AISAC considers Sciences, and an author of the New Zealand book Veterinary This information also includes a MAF all issues pertaining to animal welfare which affect animals being Clinical Toxicology 2nd edition. She is the New Zealand Veterinary container declaration that attests to the used in a scientific setting. Association’s nominee to the National Animal Ethics Advisory cleanliness of the exterior and interior The SPCA is indebted to current nominees serving on AECs, who are Committee. Appointed in 2001, Dr Parton will complete her surfaces of the container, the presence participating in animal welfare discussions and the monitoring of second term on the Committee in late 2007. of wood packaging, and its level of research protocols. A register is currently being compiled of suitable Dr Selwyn Dobbinson has been re-elected treatment. persons with appropriate experience who are prepared to serve on as the National Animal Welfare Advisory The MAF declaration data are validated AECs in the future, both locally and outside their residential area. Committee’s deputy chairperson this year. in CusMod (blue box). At the same time, AISAC comprises National Council representatives and administrative A former president of the Otago SPCA and MAF alert profiles are compared with the staff from the SPCA, as well as a member of the New Zealand member of Otago University’s Animal Ethics brokers’ declaration for the containers’ Veterinary Association. Its present chairperson, Jeanette Crosado, Committee, Dr Dobbinson is a veterinarian shipping details and cargo. CusMod is a National Councillor and previous member of NAEAC (National with specialist knowledge of the pig industry. generates a response to the declarant, He is currently employed as technical manager for New Animal Ethics Advisory Committee) and is currently on the board outlining MAF’s biosecurity requirements of ANZCCART (Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Zealand’s largest pig farming and trading company. Dr Dobbinson in terms of inspection or treatment, Animals in Research and Teaching). has been the New Zealand Veterinary Association’s nominee or providing authority to remove the ■ Jeanette Crosado, Chairperson, Animals in Science Advisory Committee, to the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee since Royal New Zealand SPCA, PO Box 15 349, New Lynn, Auckland 1232, phone November 2002. He is currently serving his second term on the 09 827 6094, [email protected] Committee.

14 | BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | ISSUE 67 ISSUE ISSUE 67 67 | |BIOSECURITY BIOSECURITY NEW NEW ZEALAND ZEALAND | |15 15 BIOSECURITY SYSTEMS

electronic container and cargo information, Continued from page 15 including MAF container declaration Customs Brokers Alert profiling PEOPLE Central to the operation CusMod of ESCRIP is an electronic data validation electronic responses from NZCS: profiles/alerts applied to data to IN BIOSECURITY container risk alert profiling invalid data inspection or determine risk status of container and process. The alert profiles are treatment required, MAF goods select containers for audit Deborah McLennan Fleur Petricevich Laura-Kate Petersen clearance required or authority written and maintained by recently joined the recently joined the has recently joined to remove container from wharf the Biosecurity Monitoring container details and Biosecurity New Zealand Policy Directorate the Policy Directorate Group, and utilise the required actions (BNZ) Pre-clearance of BNZ as a policy of BNZ as an analyst specialised profiling capability Port Companies Directorate as technical analyst. She is there on and will be working of CusMod to identify high- QuanCargo support officer for the a six-month contract in the Biosecurity inspection and audit results, organisms risk loaded sea containers, Operational Standards to assist with the Strategic Unit. Laura- found, clearance documents team in the Biosecurity incursion responses Kate graduated in prior to their arrival at the container profilers evaluate data Authorisation documents emailed to brokers Standards Group. to didymo and sea squirt. Fleur graduated 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of New Zealand border. update profiles/alerts in CusMod and ports for uplift of held/inspected in June 2005 with a Bachelor of Science Commerce in Geography and International She came to BNZ after six months in a A sea container alert profile is containers from wharf (Chemistry) and a Bachelor of Commerce Business from the University of Auckland. container log sheets entered by design and print company, implementing Final container (Economics) from the University of Otago. Before joining BNZ, Laura-Kate worked at a set of instructions encoded AP in QuanCargo via webform a production scheduling system. Prior to clearance issued via She comes to BNZ after seven months in Douglas Pharmaceuticals in Auckland and electronically, using both email this Deborah spent five and a half years Palmerston North working in a rechargeable has recently spent several months living NZCS and MAF sea container Accredited Persons in various quality assurance roles in IRL battery research and development and working in Italy to develop her Italian declaration information, that Biopharm. laboratory. translation skills. can select sea containers fitting Figure 1. Schematic diagram showing the internal and external operation of ESCRI. Richard Gravenor Andrew McVey has Richard Webster a broad range of criteria, such has joined the Policy joined the Policy has joined the Policy as specific ports of loading, Directorate of BNZ appropriate. These draft proposals are reviewed by a group that Directorate of BNZ Directorate of BNZ as shipping vessels, shipping or as the ministerials as a policy analyst. a policy analyst. He receiving firms, contents described by tariff code, country of origin, includes representatives from BNZ and MAF Quarantine Service. coordinator. He has He has moved from recently completed a or MAF container quarantine declaration data. If accepted, the profile is recommended for implementation. If such moved from the New New Zealand Trade & post-graduate Diploma a profile is likely to impact on the activities of specific companies Zealand Qualifications Enterprise where he in Environmental There are nearly 70 data fields on the customs declaration or agents they will be advised. When the procedures are finalised, Authority where worked as a research Studies at Victoria or quarantine declaration that can be used to build profiles. the profile is formally signed off by the Group Manager, Biosecurity he worked as the ministerial and chief analyst working University of Wellington. Richard has Combinations of criteria serve to narrow down groups of high-risk Standards Group. It is then entered into CusMod for a defined executive’s correspondence writer. Richard primarily with the Food & Beverage and previously worked for the Bank of New containers, to make the most efficient use of available quarantine recently returned to New Zealand after a lifetime, or defined number of hits, before an effectiveness review Education sector teams. Andrew did his Zealand and as an auditor for KPMG, London. inspection personnel. Alert profiles can be written to target all, or seven-year stint in Australia. Prior to that, takes place. MA at the University of Auckland majoring He will be working on a variety of policy just a percentage, of containers meeting the criteria. he worked in the education, training and in political studies and is interested in issues, including the biosecurity decisions employment field, as a trainer in the private all aspects of policy development in project. The alert profiles result in one or more actions being required Current alert profiles sector and later as an adviser in Skill New government. for containers, including external or internal examination by Alert profiles can be targeted at specific high-risk organisms when Zealand and Te Puni Kokiri. MAF, mandatory fumigation or washing, holding for risk goods these are known to travel in association with sea containers, but are inspection or audit. Containers that do not trigger any alert profiles more often targeted at contamination of various types. Currently are authorised to be moved to transitional facilities for biosecurity active sea container alert profiles include: checking by accredited persons. • Asian gypsy moth: The larvae of this and related species from At present, electronic alert profiling cannot be used for imported eastern Russia are capable of defoliating commercial forest tree UPDATES empty containers, so these are still manually profiled. species, and are a major threat to New Zealand silviculture. All containers originating from a Russian far-east port, or with goods Sources of data for alert profiles of Russian origin and shipped through an east Asian port, are A wide range of sources are used to construct profiles. These include targeted. Codes of ethical conduct – approvals, • Fonterra Innovation (to use Estendart Ltd’s code of ethical searches of data that have accumulated over time in QuanCargo, • Giant African snail: This fast-breeding, crop-damaging snail is notifications and revocations since the last conduct) intelligence that has been acquired by MQS and NZCS, the results abundant in tropical and sub-tropical parts of southeast Asia and issue of Biosecurity • Impian Technologies Ltd (to use Estendart Ltd’s code of ethical of the 2001–2002 MAF sea container survey and, in the near future, the western Pacific. All containers from Wallis and Futuna, Papua conduct) All organisations involved in the use of live animals for research, testing data from sea containers randomly profiled for audit inspection. • PGG Wrightson Consulting (to use Estendart Ltd’s code of ethical New Guinea and Vanuatu are targeted. or teaching are required to adhere to an approved code of ethical conduct) Quarantine Officers’ personal experiences have been a valuable • Bricks, roofing and masonry from Australia: Palletised cargoes conduct. • PGG Wrightson Seeds (to use Lincoln University’s code of ethical source of practical knowledge, and the BNZ risk profilers conducted of this type, often stored outdoors prior to shipment, provide Codes of ethical conduct approved: a series of interviews in early 2005 to document this background conduct). a tempting home for spiders, ants and the occasional lizard. • Estendart Ltd. information. International information is regularly sourced from the Containers with contents matching various tariff codes for these Codes of ethical conduct revoked or expired or Transfers of code of ethical conduct approved: Nil arrangements terminated: websites of the North American Plant Protection Organisation, the products are targeted. Shipments of these items from Brisbane, European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation, the site of a recent red imported fire ant incursion, receive special Code holder name changes: Nil • Pyne Gould Guinness Ltd Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, the USDA Animal attention. Amendments to codes of ethical conduct approved: • Wrightson Ltd and Plant Health Inspection Service and search engines such as Nil • Wrightson Research. Google. • Cable reels from China: These are often made from low-grade wood and can harbour wood-boring beetles and fungus. These are Notifications to MAF of minor amendments to Approvals by the Director-General of MAF for the Many specialists within BNZ, Crown research institutes and identified by the targeting of the appropriate tariff code and the codes of ethical conduct: use of non-human hominids: Nil university departments are also available for opinions and country of origin and/or port of export, to pick up consignments • New Zealand Forest Research Institute Ltd. Approvals by the Minister of Agriculture of consultation. of cable drums from China exported via South Korea. Notifications to MAF of arrangements to use an research or testing in the national interest: Nil ■ existing code of ethical conduct: Setting up an alert profile Grant Knight, Container Data Analyst, Biosecurity Monitoring Group, Biosecurity ■ Linda Carsons, Senior Policy Adviser, Animal Welfare, phone 04 819 0370, New Zealand, phone 09 368 0290, [email protected] • Chemeq Ltd (to use Estendart Ltd’s code of ethical conduct) fax 04 819 0728, [email protected] Draft alert proposals are prepared with an evaluation of available ■ Tariro Mavengere, Container Data Analyst, Biosecurity Monitoring Group, data, including changes in organism distributions overseas, if Biosecurity New Zealand, phone 09 368 0292, [email protected]

16 | BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | ISSUE 67 ISSUE 67 | BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | 17 UPDATES DIRECTORY

PLANT KINGDOM RECORDS 07/02/2006 – 17/03/2006 Validated new to New Zealand reports Codes of welfare – update on development, New import health standards Organism Host Location Submitted by Synchytrium endobioticum Solanum tuberosum Southland IDC issue and consultation since the last issue of Horses from Hong Kong (HORANIIC.HK) Biosecurity (potato wart) (potato) (general surveillance) Horses from Japan (HORANIIC.JP) Carlavirus Verbena latent virus (proposed name) Tropaeolum majus Auckland IDC Codes of welfare issued: Nil After undergoing consultation in late 2005, the two new import health (Verbena latent virus (proposed name), VeLV) (garden nasturtium) (general surveillance) Consultation on codes of welfare: standards (IHSs) dated 14 March 2006 have been issued for trade. Both Paratrichodorus allius Rubus fruticosus Wellington IDC import health standards fully comply with the New Zealand Import (no common name) (blackberry) (general surveillance) • Deer code: final code anticipated to be presented to Minister of Risk Analysis: Horses and horse semen, 20 January 2000, and the Ustilago maydis Zea mays Gisborne IDC Agriculture in the second quarter of 2006. recommendations in the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code. (Common smut, Boil smut) (sweetcorn, maize) (general surveillance) • Cat code: final code anticipated to be presented to Minister of Phytophthora kernoviae Annona cherimola Northland Ensis Dog semen from Australia (DOGSEMIC.AUS) Agriculture in the second quarter of 2006. (no common name) (cherimoya, custard apple) (general surveillance) A minor clarification has been made to specify that, for semen collected • Commercial slaughter code: second consultation period closed Tritimovirus Wheat streak mosaic virus Triticum aestivum Mid Canterbury IDC in a third country, the consignment must meet the requirements of the 27 February 2006. (wheat streak mosaic virus, WSMV) (wheat) (General surveillance) IHS for semen from the country of origin into New Zealand. Semen from New host reports Codes of welfare under development: countries of origin for which there is no IHS into New Zealand is not Organism Host Location Submitted by eligible for import via Australia. • Dogs Puccinia graminis Agrostis capillaries Mid Canterbury IDC This standard is now dated 6 March 2006 and replaces that dated 21 (stem rust) (brown top) (general surveillance) • Dairy cattle November 2005. Cryptosporiopsis edgertonii Betula pendula Nelson Ensis • Transport of animals by land. (No common name) (silver birch) (ad hoc collection) ■ Animal Imports, Biosecurity New Zealand, PO Box 2526, Wellington, phone ■ Cheryl O’Connor, Programme Manager Animal Welfare, 04 819 0459, fax 04 819 0662, [email protected] Epichloe typhina Agrostis stolonifera North IDC phone 04 819 0371, fax 04 819 0747, cheryl.o’[email protected] (choke) (no common name) Canterbury (general surveillance) Revised import health standard for Botryotinia fuckeliana Hypericum sp. Auckland IDC Commercial slaughter code of welfare consultation (Botrytis blight, bunch rot, dry eye rot, grey mould, stem blight) (Hypericum) (general surveillance) A further period for public consultation on the draft Animal Welfare Nursery stock from all countries Fusarium oxysporum (Commercial Slaughter) Code of Welfare ran from 12 January to 27 (basal rot, black root rot complex, crown canker, crown rot, dry rot, February 2006. This code is intended for all persons responsible for A revision to this import health standard is under consultation until 28 fusarium root rot, fusarium rot, fusarium stem rot, fusarium wilt, root rot) the welfare of animals being commercially slaughtered, except where April 2006 and your input is invited. Fusarium anthophilum their killing is excluded under the Animal Welfare Act 1999. Commercial Nursery stock imported into New Zealand must meet the requirements (Fusarium) slaughter involves the killing of animals to produce animal products of the MAF import health standard 155.02.06 Importation of Nursery Hemiberlesia rapax Vaccinium ashei Hawke’s Bay Landcare Research (blueberry where a business transaction takes place. Stock. All nursery stock must meet the basic conditions (section 2) (greedy scale) (blueberry, rabbit eye blueberry) crop grown for export) This final round of submissions has been collated for further review while some species, for which specific associated pests have been Fusarium oxysporum Cordyline baueri Northland IDC (directed general by the National Animal Welfare Advisory (NAWAC) subcommittee identified, have further requirements as outlined in the schedule of (basal rot, black root rot complex, crown canker, crown rot, dry rot, (no common name) surveillance) established for the formulation of this complex code. The subcommittee special conditions (section 3). This recommendation proposes changes fusarium root rot, fusarium rot, fusarium stem rot, fusarium wilt, root rot) will meet mid-May to discuss the submissions. It is anticipated that the to: Phoma glomerata Guzmania sp. Northland IDC (directed general code will be submitted to the Minister in November. • the risk mitigation measures and host list for Phytophthora ramorum (stem blight) (Bromeliad) surveillance) ■ Strepsicrates macropetana Eucalyptus crebra Wanganui Ensis Cheryl O’Connor, Programme Manager Animal Welfare, • the risk mitigation measures for Xylella fastidiosa phone 04 819 0371, cheryl.o’[email protected] (Eucalyptus leafroller) (no common name) (exotic forest survey) • the risk mitigation measures and host list expansion for Guava rust Cardiaspina fiscella Eucalyptus gomphocephala Wanganui Ensis Import risk analysis (Puccinia psidii); and (brown lace lerp) (exotic forest survey) Eriococcus coriaceus Eucalyptus diversicolor Wanganui Ensis Live freshwater prawns (MACROBRACHIUM ROSENBERGII) • a review of the Caladium schedule. (gum tree scale) (exotic forest survey) This risk analysis considers the importation of adult freshwater prawns, The draft documents can be viewed online at: Lindingaspis rossi Acacia rubida Wanganui Ensis Macrobrachium rosenbergii, sourced from Hawaii for use as brood ■ www.biosecurity.govt.nz/strategy-and-consultation/consultation/ihs (circular black scale, Ross’s black scale) (no common name) (exotic forest survey) stock. The risk analysis is now out for public consultation. Lindingaspis rossi Acacia mucronata Wanganui Ensis Please provide comments by 28 April 2006 to: The risk analysis can be viewed online at: (Ross’s black scale) (no common name) (exotic forest survey) ■ [email protected] Acrocercops laciniella Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wanganui Ensis www.biosecurity.govt.nz/strategy-and-consultation/consultation/risk-analysis (black butt leaf miner) (exotic forest survey) Submissions and comments are invited until 19 May 2006. For a copy of the risk analysis: Dicranosterna semipunctata Acacia implexa Northland Ensis (leaf beetle) (no common name) (ad hoc collection) ■ Martin Van Ginkel, Biosecurity New Zealand, PO Box 2526, Wellington, Peltoschema sp. Acacia deanei Wanganui Ensis (exotic forest survey) phone 04 819 0504, [email protected] (no common name) (Deane’s wattle, green wattle) Phylacteophaga froggatti Eucalyptus quadrangulata Nelson Ensis (exotic forest survey) (Eucalyptus sawfly, leaf blister sawfly) (no common name) Pest watch: 07/02/2006 – 17/03/2006 Nectria radicicola Agathis australis Auckland IDC Biosecurity is about managing risks – protecting the New Zealand environment and economy from exotic pests and diseases. Biosecurity New Zealand (Cylindrocarpon root rot) (kauri) (general surveillance) devotes much of its time to ensuring that new organism records come to its attention, to follow up as appropriate. The tables below list new organisms Gastrosarus nigricollis Alnus glutinosa Mid Canterbury Ensis that have become established, new hosts for existing pests and extension to distribution for existing pests. The information was collated during (no common name) (alder) (high risk site surveillance) 07/02/2006 – 17/03/2006, and held in the Plant Pest Information Network (PPIN) database. Wherever possible, common names have been included. Extension to distribution reports Organism Host Location Submitted by ANIMAL KINGDOM RECORDS 07/02/2006 – 17/03/2006 Sitona lepidus Pheromone trap Mid Canterbury AgResearch Validated new to New Zealand reports (clover root curculio, yellow clover curculio) Organism Host Location Submitted by Creiis liturata Eucalyptus botryoides Waikato Ensis No new to New Zealand records during this period. (jumping plant lice, lerp insect) (ad hoc collection) New host reports Anarsia dryinopa Acacia longifolia Bay of Plenty Ensis Organism Host Location Submitted by (no common name) (Sydney golden wattle) (high risk site survey) No new host records during this period. Peltoschema sp. Acacia deanei Wanganui Ensis (exotic forest survey) (no common name) (Deane’s wattle, green wattle) Extension to distribution reports Valsaria rubricosa Pinus radiata Waikato Ensis (exotic collection) Organism Host Location Submitted by (no common name) (Monterey pine, radiata pine) Linepithema humile Inanimate host Gisborne IDC Widely distributed throughout northern Nambouria xanthops Eucalyptus cinerea Gisborne Ensis (Argentine ant) (general surveillance) North Island. Also present in most major (no common name) (silver dollar tree) (high risk site surveillance) cities. Pseudocercospora nogalesii Chamaecytisus palmensis Gisborne Ensis Pheidole rugosula Dead beetle Gisborne IDC Currently concentrated in Auckland, but (no common name) (tree lucerne) (high risk site surveillance) (big headed ant) (general surveillance) found in cities as far south as Christchurch. ■ Eleanor Morrison, Technical Support Officer, Biosecurity New Zealand, ph 04 819 0551, [email protected] ■ Nasser Ahmed, Technical Adviser, Biosecurity New Zealand, ph 04 819 0550, [email protected] 18 | BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | ISSUE 67 ISSUE 67 | BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | 19 Exotic disease and pest emergency hotline: 0800 809 966 Animal welfare complaint hotline: 0800 327 027 www.biosecurity.govt.nz