Issue 43 • 1 May 2003 A publication of MAF Biosecurity Authority

FallFall webwormwebworm foundfound inin Auckland:Auckland: p4p4 Also in this issue Waikato biodiversity project Biosecurity risk from international yachts Animal biosecurity surveillance

Use of equivalences in animal trade security Australian quarantine review Quarantine clearances for East Timor forces Embryo transfer conference Requirements for experimental seed imports Plum pox ruled out How to contact us: Everyone listed at the end of an article as a contact point, unless otherwise indicated, is Contents part of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Biosecurity Authority. All MAF staff can be contacted by e-mail, and the standard format for all addresses is [email protected] 3 Government targeting continuous improvement for biosecurity For example Ralph Hopcroft would be 4 Moths galore: A testing time for Forest Biosecurity [email protected] (There are slight exceptions for people with similar names, but 6Waikato regional biodiversity project shows the way these addresses are given where necessary.) 7 Establishing biosecurity risk predictors for international yachts PO Box 2526, Wellington 8 Casting the animal biosecurity surveillance net wider New Zealand 9 Equivalences when importing and exporting animals or animal products (+64) 4 474 4100 (switchboard) 9 No further discoveries after single Sydney huntsman spider found most staff have direct dial lines which 10 South-east Asian countries coordinate efforts to beat FMD are listed where available 11 Keeping pests and diseases out: Australia is in the same boat! (+64) 4 474 4133 12 Seeds, snakes and scorpions netted in East Timor inspections • Animal Biosecurity Group 13 Biosecurity awareness good among Antarctic travellers (+64) 4 470 2730 14 Animal biotechnology under microscope at conference • Biosecurity Coordination Group – Policy Team 15 Humane vertebrate pest control discussed – Indigenous Flora & Fauna Team 15 First meeting of new Trans-Tasman Animal Welfare Working Group – Contracts Management Team 16 New requirements for experimental seed imports – International Team 17 Plum pox ruled out • Border Management Group 17 Plant Imports web site updated (+64) 4 498 9888 17 Seed health workshop invaluable for knowledge sharing • Group Director and Business 18 Instant fines: lessons from the first 12 months Services Manager, Biosecurity 18 Border Bites Authority • Director, Animal Biosecurity • Director, Plants Biosecurity • Director, Forest Biosecurity 19 New and amended import health standards • Director, Biosecurity Coordination 19 Draft import health standards for consultation • Animal Welfare Group 19 Animal exotic disease response standards revised (+64) 4 474 4257 20 Honey bee genetic material • Plants Biosecurity Group 20 Belovo egg powders (+64) 4 470 2741 • Forest Biosecurity Group 20 Empty liquid nitrogen containers from all countries 21 Proposal to remove post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) ASB Bank House, requirement from pig semen IHS 101 The Terrace, Wellington 21 Codes of ethical conduct – approvals, notifications and revocations since the last Biosecurity is published 6-weekly by MAF issue of Biosecurity Biosecurity Authority. It covers biosecurity 23 Eight new import health standards for forest produce and animal health, animal welfare, plant health and forest health issues. It is of special interest to all those with a stake in New Zealand’s agriculture, horticulture, forestry, 22 New organism records: 8/02/03 – 21/03/03 animal welfare and environment. 23 Accredited reviewers for organisations with a code of ethical conduct 24 Codes of Animal Welfare – Animal Welfare Act Update Enquiries about specific articles: Refer to contact listed at the end of the relevant article. General enquiries (eg, circulation requests or information about MAF's biosecurity work): Biosecurity Magazine MAF Biosecurity Authority PO Box 2526, Wellington Phone: 04 474 4100 Fax: 04 498 9888 Email: [email protected] Cover: The distinctive communal “web” containing about 15 fall webworm caterpillars found in the Auckland suburb of Mt Wellington after a public call to MAF in late March. Editorial enquiries: Editor: Phil Stewart Phone: 04 384 4688 Email: editor_biosecurity@ maf.govt.nz ISSN 1174 – 4618 www.maf.govt.nz/biosecurity Government targeting continuous improvement for biosecurity

Hon Jim Sutton There is no room for complacency. Minister for Biosecurity With ever-increasing traveller and Our biosecurity measures are under freight flows, risks are increasing. the microscope again as we have had Our response has been one of a flurry of incursions by moths, continuous improvement, which must ants, and mosquitoes during the continue relentlessly. past month. The Labour-Alliance Government, and All of these incursions are serious. now the Labour-Progressive Particularly worrying is the latest Government, is more committed to incursion, that of a gypsy moth biosecurity than any previous in Hamilton. Government. According to the Auditor-General in a recent I can assure you that Agriculture and report on biosecurity, the Government is Forestry Ministry officials are doing spending an extra $50 million a year on everything possible to eradicate that biosecurity baseline funding. moth, and I will be doing everything to ensure they have the resources to do so. When foot and mouth disease was raging through Britain, we spent What do these latest incursions tell us significant amounts of money to install about our biosecurity system? for sea containers by the end of soft-tissue x-ray machines at all Firstly, it indicates there are still areas this year. international airports and to provide for improvement. extra detector dog teams. We are in a process of continual That lifted screening of air crew and That’s not a surprise. improvement in biosecurity. passengers from about 80 percent to 100 The Biosecurity Strategy is an Sea containers percent. In addition, all mail is screened. significant risk extremely significant development in New Zealand. We are still the only country in the We have already identified sea world to do that. containers as a significant risk area. All too often, governments lack planning A $1 million research and instead resort to There is still a need to address sea study has recently series of ad hoc container biosecurity. We are not completed an intensive measures that may or complacent about this. We are working to fix it. investigation into sea Responsibility“ may not be the right freight risks and its way to go in the Energetic response report has been long-term. for In the meantime, we are responding published, along with a Biosecurity is too energetically to the latest finds. Asian discussion document biosecurity important for New gypsy moth is a very serious incursion proposing options for Zealand to be treated indeed – this is a very serious pest with tighter controls. rests not in that way. the potential to cause incredible damage This work is important. just with With the throughout the country. There will be a rational combination of all It is some consolation that we appear to and considered Government my portfolios – have found it early, but it is a clear sign response to that coming biosecurity, that we need to be constantly vigilant not too far down or MAF agriculture, rural and to maintain our surveillance. the track. affairs, forestry, and officials, Again, it is a timely reminder that I can give you a trade – I realise how

responsibility for biosecurity rests not personal commitment but with important it is for the

just with Government or MAF officials, that the Government is primary production “ but with all citizens. We all need to not complacent in this all citizens sector not to be watch out for unusual-looking or new area, and that we intend constantly battling diseases, insects or animals, and then to have tightened up new pests report them to MAF. biosecurity measures and diseases.

Biosecurity Issue 43 • 1 May 2003 3 Moths galore: A testing time for Forest Biosecurity In addition to their ongoing work programmes, MAF Forest Both detections occurred in March, following closely on the Biosecurity staff are now fully engaged in major responses heightened response MAF launched after surveillance to what could be described as the ‘season of the moth’. confirmed the spread of the gum leaf skeletoniser moth over a wide area of southern Auckland in February. As noted in the last issue of Biosecurity this is a peak time of year for surveillance results, the paradox being that while no “While this is obviously a testing time for our surveillance and news (zero finds) is good news, it doesn’t make the headlines response systems, they are, as one component of our overall (Biosecurity 42:13). biosecurity system, holding up extremely well,” says Peter Thomson, Director of Forest Biosecurity. However, new detections certainly do grab headlines – as with the single group of fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea) In this feature we update the situation with four responses caterpillars found in the Auckland suburb of Mt Wellington, currently underway: painted apple moth, gypsy moth (gypsy and the single gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar ssp.) trapped moth), fall webworm and gumleaf skeletoniser. in Hamilton.

Painted apple moth (Teia anartoides) The core painted apple moth (PAM) zone has been progressively reduced from an area of 8,500 hectares and is currently (at mid-April) about 6,600 hectares. There has been only one hotspot identified outside of the core zone, at Hobsonville. Recent trapping results for the first time have indicated no moth trap catches at Waikumete Cemetery, an area of persistent infestation, where extensive vegetation removal has been required to complement the aerial spraying. Between 19 February and 4 April more than 18,000 sterile male Gotcha! The single male gypsy moth trapped in Hamilton during March. moths have been released. These releases occurred at Waikumete Cemetery, Hobsonville Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) and Ranui. A single male gypsy moth was caught in Hamilton in late March, demonstrating the value of MAF’s gypsy moth About 15 percent of the sterile moths were recaptured in the trapping programme. trapping programme. Some sterile male moths have been captured up to 9.5 kilometres from the site of their release. The catch was the first made since the trapping grid was Current monitoring indicates that 90 sterile male moths are put in place 10 years ago as an early warning system, and present in the wild for every one wild male moth. immediately triggered a ‘full alert’. As at the first week of April no further gypsy moths had been found, either through daily trap inspections or ground searches, and an intensified trapping programme was in full swing. More than 400 traps had been placed out to a 7 km radius of the catch site. In addition, 75 traps had been placed at distances up to 30 km away on main arterial routes as a precautionary measure, and 1200 new traps and pheromone lures had arrived from Canada for contingency purposes. Painted apple moth larva: eradication zone has been reduced. A technical advisory group was scheduled to meet in Hamilton on 30 April and good support for MAF’s response was being received from the Hamilton City Council, the regional council, Environment Waikato and stakeholder groups.

4 Biosecurity Issue 43 • 1 May 2003 Fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea) An isolated find of a communal ‘web’ containing about 15 fall webworm caterpillars was made in the Auckland suburb of Mt Wellington after a public call to MAF in late March. Aucklanders were asked to remain on the lookout for unusual caterpillars. A noticeable feature of fall webworm is that newly hatched larvae spin a silken web over the foliage on which they feed, resulting in large unsightly ‘webs’. The fall webworm belongs to the tiger moth family of which there are approximately 11,000 species worldwide. It is native to North America and Mexico and is known to feed on a large range of plant species. The communally minded fall webworm leaves an insightly mess. All collected specimens were transferred followed by a 5 km survey. In April up to 200 traps with to Forest Research’s quarantine facility in an attempt to form pheromone lures sourced from Japan were positioned to a colony for native host species trials. confirm whether the moth had spread: 25 traps within a 100 m radius of the infested tree; 64 traps out to the next 2 km; Due to this insect’s seasonal breeding pattern, no 36 traps out to 5 km and 75 traps around this area out to 10 developments on this are expected until later in the year, km. Traps were being checked twice a week. from the onset of spring. MAF immediately undertook a delimiting survey for the A technical advisory group was scheduled to meet in distinctive ‘webs’ to a 400 m radius around the infestation Hamilton on 30 April and good support for MAF’s response and a further 1.5 km ground survey targeting industrial, programme was being received from Auckland territorial devanning and imported car yard sites and surrounds, local authorities and stakeholder groups.

Gum leaf skeletoniser (Uraba lugens) Since launching a heightened response to A consultative meeting of major affected gum leaf skeletoniser in southern landowners and science experts was held Auckland three months ago, MAF has in Auckland on 7 March. made significant progress towards A follow-up meeting was held with local establishing an “area of containment”.A authority staff from Manukau City decision on whether eradication is Council, Auckland City Council, feasible is still some months away. Auckland Regional Council, Waitakere To be on the safe side, a delimiting survey City Council and Franklin District was carried out to a range of 100km and Council to agree on ways to ensure a no further infested sites were found constant flow of information about MAF outside of the affected area of biosecurity activity in Auckland. approximately 11,000 hectares. The last Biosecurity managers at all local new site within the affected area was authorities in the Auckland region have reported on 7 March. A large-scale trapping programme using been sent a Participation Survey by MAF to build on the a synthetic pheromone got underway in April. The setting of positive support MAF has received for its biosecurity between 1200 and 2000 traps has coincided with the peak incursion responses. emergence of adults and results will be published in Biosecurity Peter Thomson, 44 on 15 June. Director MAF Forest Biosecurity, AgriQuality is the main contractor and has established an phone 04 498 9639, fax 498 9888, interim operational headquarters at its Lynfield base. [email protected] Requirements for host removal and vegetation movement controls will be coordinated from this base. www.maf.govt.nz/biosecurity/pests-diseases/forests

Biosecurity Issue 43 • 1 May 2003 5 Waikato regional biodiversity project shows the way Regional and district councils project, the assessment process also set realistic targets and carry out pest throughout the country are increasingly yielded important information on the control to a consistently high standard. taking leadership in managing range of perspectives held by Currently, KES relies heavily on Waikato landowners on biodiversity. For many councils this is professional ecological and pest ecological restoration work. a marked change in emphasis from management operators. Professional traditional, species-led pest Communication and contractors carry out ecological management, to the ecological collaboration assessments and most of the initial pest restoration of whole sites. Two of the larger KES-funded projects control work. The Waikato experience shows that, to are in the Northern Coromandel and Environment Waikato has also be successful, these site-led projects Whenuakite areas. In each area, coastal contracted professionals to provide require collaborative effort amongst forest stretches from mountain to sea feasibility studies, project design and landowners, agencies and industry, providing habitat for resident kiwi and training for ongoing projects. Other sound technical and practical numerous native plants and animals. councils have used contractors to knowledge, financial backing and The land tenure is a mix of DOC estate provide the communications link committed motivated people. and private or communal ownership. between the landowners and the agency. Waikato’s key ecological sites DOC operates pest control programmes In for the long haul on conservation land and provides In the Waikato Region only 2 percent of Without the opportunity of eradication, support for mustelid trapping on private our wetlands and 25 percent of our pest control will be an ongoing task. lands. The council fully funds initial indigenous vegetation remain. A large Thus projects aimed at ecological possum control and contributes proportion of this is on privately restoration through comprehensive pest owned land. control will also be ongoing.

Environment Waikato has a range of A current review of the Waikato KES biodiversity initiatives across the agency. project suggests that, for the future, One initiative is the Key Ecological Sites community groups and landowners (KES) project that delivers resources for will need: protecting biodiversity on the ground. •continued financial backing and The project comes under the Waikato incentives regional pest management strategy and •support from dedicated liaison and is managed by the council’s biosecurity technical staff or contractors team. Environment Waikato placed In each of the KES-funded areas, coastal forest greater emphasis on environmental pests stretches from mountain to sea, providing •access to good information (e.g. pest when it last renewed its strategic habitat for native flora and fauna. control methods and options) mandate for regional pest management materials for maintenance work on •access to ecological monitoring in 2002. private lands. Landowners contribute by data; and patrolling trap and bait station lines, The KES project was focused on the •a profile for their work. and by talking with neighbouring North Waikato and Coromandel on the Environment Waikato is committed to landowners about the work. basis of two reports that identified and continuing this project and improving it ranked sites of ecological significance in This collaboration enables consistent in light of these needs, and new the context of planned pest control pest control to be sustained over a wider opportunities. We are looking to bring operations for 1999-2002. The reports area of continuous habitat. Open together staff of other agencies to talk were prepared by ecological and pest communication among the partners is through KES-style projects and the management consultants with the basis for sharing information, setting direct involvement of biosecurity considerable input from the Department realistic expectations, proactive planning workers in protecting biodiversity. of Conservation (DOC). of annual work and broaching new John Simmons, issues, such as emerging pest species. KES is a voluntary partnership of Group Manager Biosecurity, Environment Waikato, landowners, council and other agencies, Technical and practical inputs phone 0800 800 401, so the shared understanding and As a rate-payer based organisation, it is fax 07 856 0551, involvement of these groups is crucial to important that Environment Waikato [email protected] success. While the consultants’ reports uses resources efficiently and effectively. provided the ecological basis for the For the KES project, this means we must

6 Biosecurity Issue 43 • 1 May 2003 Establishing biosecurity risk predictors for international yachts Keep the anti-fouling paint fresh, keep on the move and scrub your hull before sailing here. A National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) survey or hull fouling on international yachts indicates that A large number of owners who follow some or all of international yachts these practices will present the moor alongside least biosecurity risk to our domestic boats in marine environment. New Zealand’s numerous marinas. MAF Quarantine Service is helping NIWA collect data that will be used to predict the risk to marine biosecurity of international small craft. Most yacht hulls assessed in 2002-03 were clean. abundance (0 – 5), and obtained recent Vessels that pose low or no risk Sampling will resume for the 2003-04 travel and hull maintenance histories to biosecurity: boating season. from the owners by means of a •had antifouling paint less than 10.5 Exotic marine organisms questionnaire. Dr Floerl calibrated the months old; and fouling scores by sampling the hitch-hike here •had spent 2.5 weeks or less at one abundance and diversity of fouling anchorage; or Most of our 130-plus non-indigenous organisms over the entire hulls of 95 marine species reached New Zealand vessels soon after their arrival. • their owners had manually scrubbed waters in the ballast water of large ships fouling organisms off their hulls or in association with the organisms Most visitors have before sailing to New Zealand. clean bottoms that colonise hulls of every size. In Boats arriving with moderate or recent years, private yachts and cabin From October 2002 to February 2003, extensive fouling cover were cruisers have been implicated in marine quarantine officers in Opua, Whangarei, predominantly those that had old pest incursions such as the Japanese Auckland and Tauranga collected antifouling paint (> 14.5 months), had seaweed Undaria pinnatifida in New information on 65 percent (360) of all spent long periods at anchor, and had Zealand and North Atlantic Europe, and overseas yachts that entered New not been scrubbed. the blackstriped mussel (Mytilopsis Zealand waters. Interestingly, 85 percent To be continued… sallei) in Australia. of these boats arrived with clean hulls The results from one season are Between 400 and 500 overseas yachts (ranks 0 and 1); 13 percent carried low promising, but there is great variability visit New Zealand each year – even or moderate amounts of fouling in hull fouling and the vast majority of more during America’s Cup years. Some (ranks 2 and 3) and 2 percent had hulls vessels sampled this year were devoid of of these boats may carry potential with extensive fouling (rank 4). fouling. The researchers need a larger problem species. No vessels qualified for rank 5 (very heavy fouling). sample of yachts to act as calibration Which boats? sets and to reliably model fouling risk. Statistical analyses so far indicate that NIWA scientist Oliver Floerl has started NIWA plans to extend the data set the vessels’ country of registration or a project to determine the risk factors during the 2003-04 boating season and previous ports-of-call do not determine associated with fouling organisms on then expects to produce robust tools to the abundance of fouling organisms. the hulls of overseas yachts, and the predict risk. Instead, the boats’ maintenance history number of yachts that are high risk and sailing activity explained most of NIWA thanks all MAF staff involved in carriers. To develop a model, Dr Floerl the variation in fouling cover. Of this research, in particular the needs a representative sample of particular importance were the age of Quarantine staff in Opua, Whangarei, overseas boats. MAF Quarantine Service the antifouling paint on the yachts’ Auckland and Tauranga. is helping Dr Floerl by collecting data hulls, whether or not the owners had Oliver Floerl, during their routine inspections of all scrubbed or brushed the hulls since the National Institute of Water and incoming vessels. Atmospheric Research, last painting, and the longest period for phone 03 348 8987, which the boats had been continuously Quarantine officers scored the fouling fax 03 348 5548, visible at the waterline on a rank scale of moored in one place. [email protected]

Biosecurity Issue 43 • 1 May 2003 7 Casting the animal biosecurity surveillance net wider Surveillance is the eyes and ears of practices. This network could then help appropriate techniques and appropriate biosecurity. The more sources of improve the level of surveillance field activities can be designed. information, the more precisely information MAF currently obtains Also important is the ability to MAF can define New Zealand’s from some of the more remote locations evaluate patterns of border and post- animal disease and pest status. The in New Zealand. border interceptions. better New Zealand's status can be This project began in December 2002 Technical experts will evaluate several defined, the better the risks to our and will run for the next three years. criteria of pest invasiveness in a fauna can be managed. MAF is transparent and logical manner to Wildlife working to improve surveillance assign an overall invasiveness score and systems to maximise the return on our A 2-year research project about disease recommend action should a specific pest surveillance investment. surveillance in New Zealand wildlife is be detected. The process is analogous to about to begin. This project is expected Internet based data capture for conducting a qualitative risk assessment. to enable analysis and measurement of sheep disease surveillance the risks posed to human and animal Two other exotic animal active For the past 2 years, MAF has been health from wildlife sources, as well as surveillance projects await funding. An researching an internet-based facilitating the ability to protect native ant pest risk assessment will contribute surveillance module for sheep farmers fauna from disease risks. to the prioritisation process and and veterinarians to record disease field activities. The project will identify methods for information. At the end of this project, Another project will analyse exotic MAF anticipates having a completed prioritising wildlife diseases and their surveillance, and then prioritise animal post border detection data, to and field-tested sheep disease module evaluate and analyse information about that can be linked to, or integrated the diseases, sites and species for surveillance. risk pathways and to identify existing with, veterinary practice web sites to information gaps. collect previously untapped The project will also develop a wildlife surveillance information. disease surveillance framework, Animal exotic diseases For animal exotic diseases, the first step An analysis of the trial survey results including recommendations for is to prioritise a list of diseases for active will also be conducted, and prioritising new initiatives and surveillance. Prioritisation needs to be recommendations will be made for the enhancements to existing systems. transparent and logical so that it can be broader implementation and ongoing Improvements to active peer reviewed. operation of this programme. This two- surveillance Field activities are likely to be complex year pilot research programme will There will be two components to and potentially expensive. Traditional finish in April 2003 and the results will Animal Biosecurity’s active (or targeted) survey methods have already been be summarised in Biosecurity. surveillance: animal exotic disease proven unsatisfactory and MAF is Palmtop data capture by vets surveillance and exotic animal working with Massey University’s surveillance. Key objectives for both are Another research project is investigating EpiCentre to develop new methods and early detection of incursions and post the use of hand-held electronic devices software to make active surveillance response surveillance should an by veterinarians to capture health efficient and statistically valid. information about our cattle, sheep and incursion be detected. The aim is to deer populations. The data would be have rolling surveillance activities Roger Poland, Programme Coordinator, downloaded from the palmtop to a that meet MAF’s strategic and operational needs. Surveillance, database in each participating practice. phone 04 498 9820, The information in the database could Exotic animals fax 04 474 4133, then, in turn, be used for centralised Prioritisation is particularly important [email protected] analysis and reporting of disease events for exotic animal surveillance. This is Ron Thornton, in a region over a period of time. because there are literally thousands of Programme Coordinator, If it is successful, this method of pests that could enter New Zealand and Active Surveillance, collecting disease information could be we have to be clear about which ones phone 04 474 4156, fax 04 474 4133, employed in the establishment of a might be significant. Potential entry [email protected] national network of sentinel veterinary pathways can then be monitored using

8 Biosecurity Issue 43 • 1 May 2003 Equivalences when importing and exporting animals or animal products

Equivalences are the means by which minimise the level of risk, for example, a The exporting country must present the countries vary their import conditions different laboratory test that is just as technical arguments for a case for for a specific shipment. The alternative effective in finding infected animals, or a equivalence, which the importing must provide at least the same level of longer period in quarantine. country must then accept if the prescribed level of protection is protection as required by the usual The concept of equivalence is part of the adequately achieved. import condition. World Trade Organization Agreement on Whether importing or exporting, there the Application of Sanitary and Cases for equivalence may be considered is a set of conditions that an animal or Phytosanitary Measures (the SPS for both imports and exports of animals animal product must meet. Agreement). The Agreement includes a and animal products. requirement on the importing country These conditions are determined by the Kerry Mulqueen/Sally Aitken, to accept cases for equivalence if ‘the Import Management, importing country on the basis of risk exporting Member objectively phone 04 498 9624, and describe how the risks will be demonstrates to the importing Member fax 04 474 4132, reduced to an acceptable level. A case for that its measures achieve the importing [email protected], equivalence is used to request means Member’s appropriate level of sanitary [email protected] other than those in the conditions to or phytosanitary protection’. No further discoveries after single Sydney huntsman spider found

On 15 January 2003 an adult female Sydney huntsman spider (Holconia immanis) was found on a residential property in Auckland. There was no obvious link to recently imported goods or returned travellers and the property was not in the vicinity of a port or container unloading or storage site.

MAF National Plant Pest Reference Laboratory (NPPRL) staff visited the property to search for further sign of the spiders. None were found. A fact sheet was developed and mailed to all 71 households within a 100m radius of the find.

By the end of March, NPPRL had received about 40 calls from members of Female huntsman spider. the public reporting suspect Sydney on wattle trees, predates the introduced evidence comes to light, this decision huntsman spiders, but none of these peacock moths and hasn’t shown any will be reviewed. sign of establishing elsewhere. calls resulted in the discovery of Amelia Pascoe, further specimens. Taking into account what is known Programnme Coordinator, The Department of Conservation and about the Sydney huntsman spider, the Exotic Animal Response, other spider experts advised that they behaviour of the Avondale spider and phone 04 470 2785, expect the Sydney huntsman spider to the fact that was a single detection, fax 04 474 4133, behave similarly to a close relative MAF has decided to take no [email protected] further action. (Delena cancerides) which has been in www.maf.govt.nz/huntsman-spider Avondale for 40-50 years, lives mainly If further specimens are detected or new

Biosecurity Issue 43 • 1 May 2003 9 South-east Asian countries coordinate efforts to beat FMD New Zealand stands to benefit from a campaign to eradicate foot and mouth disease (FMD) from the south-east Asia region. The campaign to eradicate FMD from south-east Asia (SEAFMD) involves Cambodia, Indonesia, the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Collaboration needed to achieve FMD eradication SEAFMD recognises that the whole region must collaborate to achieve FMD eradication. Each country has its own FMD campaign and has nominated a person to be responsible for it. A regional coordinating unit and regional FMD reference laboratory are based in Thailand. The annual meeting of the OIE Sub-Commission for FMD in south-east Asia provides a strategic overview and a forum for all the interested parties to meet. The first phase of the campaign was to ensure that all the countries involved, and the region as a whole, had the components for a coordinated control campaign in place. Each country needed to reach a minimum standard and all the parties involved had to have a common understanding of the control scheduled to begin late in 2004. The opportunities for New Zealanders strategies and tools. The objective of this phase is a well- to assist SEAFMD countries with this Campaign to reduce prevalence protected and internationally verified programme provide us with valuable The second phase of the campaign, the FMD-free zone in the region. Continued insights and first-hand knowledge of control phase, is now approaching its freedom from FMD will require FMD control issues that strengthen our mid-term review. The objective of this participating countries to prevent re- disease response capability. phase is to progressively reduce the introduction of the disease and develop Finally, participation of candidates from prevalence of FMD in the region. One regionally based contingency plans. SEAFMD countries in the advanced example of the work in Phase Two has New Zealand benefits veterinary epidemiology training been the Malaysia-Thailand-Myanmar New Zealand supports the objectives of programmes available at the EpiCentre Peninsular Campaign for FMD the SEAFMD programme and stands to at Massey University has great potential Freedom. These three countries have set benefit from it in many ways. to strengthen the veterinary up a joint commission to control FMD Programmes that reduce the incidence infrastructure of our region. in their area because of the animal of, and ultimately eradicate, FMD from Derek Belton, movement patterns. Another country south-east Asia reduce the chances of Director Animal Biosecurity, grouping that appears to have strong the disease reaching New Zealand. The phone 04 474 4155, linkages is Vietnam, Cambodia and the establishment of the regional reference fax 04 498 9888, Lao Peoples Democratic Republic. laboratory in Thailand significantly [email protected] The third phase of the campaign, increases our regional base of diagnostic eradication and consolidation, is skills for FMD.

10 Biosecurity Issue 43 • 1 May 2003 Keeping pests and diseases out: Australia is in the same boat! The latest review of Australia’s Raw numbers don’t tell the whole story quarantine function has recommended new standards for external and internal Australia’s highest placed auditing body has been told that data on the rate of inspection of international cargo biosecurity incursions in Australia is, at best, “lumpy”. containers – at the same time as MAF A review presented to the Australian Parliament in March by the Joint Committee Biosecurity’s Border Management of Public Accounts and Audit (JCPAA) reports there is no detectable change in the group has put a process in place to rate of incursions over the last 20-25 years. Some years had 10-15 incidents change measures for container classified as incursions, whereas other years had only two or three. A contributing inspection in New Zealand. reason for this fluctuation is that a pest may take some years to detect. Information from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – Australia Overall, the Australian review of (AFFA) for 2000-01 showed 12 new ‘establishments’, compared to 21 and 26 for quarantine function – a term used in 1998-99 and 1999-2000. place of the term biosecurity – found the same range of concerns as those The JCPAA agreed with AFFA that determining the mode of entry of a new pest or being addressed in New Zealand. It was disease is extremely difficult. Its report commented that the rate of incursions is a tabled to the Australian Parliament in misplaced performance measure and that “it is likely that few incursions could be March by its highest placed auditing directly attributable to lapses in biosecurity policy”. body, the Joint Committee of Public Notwithstanding comments that Australia is “well prepared to meet existing and Accounts and Audit (JCPAA). future quarantine threats”, the JCPAA received evidence of a long term decline in the level of scientific expertise available to assist in identifying disease incursions. A major focus of the JCPAA’s review was It was also concerned at a lack of capacity for systematically dealing with marine to assess how achievable high levels of incursions, especially of biofouling organisms. quarantine border intervention are, following a funding windfall of almost interventions (varying levels of by the Australian Government A$600 million in May 2001 for inspection and seizures). After 12 were achievable. increased intervention after the UK’s months, effectiveness of quarantine for Science-based risk analysis was foot and mouth outbreak. Within a year, high risk items at airports had reached identified as an area where Australia has the Australian Quarantine and 70 percent, against an initial target of 87 slipped behind New Zealand, and where Inspection Service had recruited and percent, and effectiveness for clearance it has the same problem with backlogs started training more than 1200 of ship vessels had reached 87 percent as experienced by MAF. additional staff. against a target of 96 percent. Quality of inspections a concern Part of the remedy the JCPAA review Another condition was to increase base proposed is to set up a centre of Despite the sharp increase in quarantine levels of intervention. Between 2001 and excellence in Australia for undertaking activity in Australia, the review 2002 intervention rates for sea import risk analysis research. expressed concern about the “quality containers, air containers and high- and depth of quarantine inspections”. volume low-value airfreight documents In addition, MAF’s Australian equivalent, AFFA, had just completed a The review examined relations with increased markedly – sea containers up memorandum of understanding with other agencies and regional government, 95 percent, air containers up 96 percent Environment Australia to integrate pre-border offshore operations and and airfreight documents up 80 percent. advice on environmental issues into Australia’s “quarantine gateways” – Upgrading needed risk analyses and to ensure ongoing international air passengers, shipping The JCPAA found most gateway consultation on quarantine and ship-borne passengers, international facilities were in need of upgrading and matters generally. cargo and international mail. that intervention levels might not be For the JCPAA review report: A condition of additional funding to sustainable when put under pressure border operations was to gain an during peak periods. However it was www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/ increase in the effectiveness of confident the targets that had been set jpaa/aqis/contents.htm

Biosecurity Issue 43 • 1 May 2003 11 Seeds, snakes and scorpions netted in East Timor inspections Long working hours and harsh working conditions were part of the job for MAF Quarantine Officers working in East Timor, pre-shipment inspecting New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) staff and equipment returning to New Zealand – the largest ever quarantine Quarantine Officer Jamie Baird (centre) conducts operation of its kind. inspections at 3 Squadron Camp in Suai. For two and a half years, every six months a team of four MAF Quarantine Officers from around New Zealand was sent to East Timor to conduct baggage inspections on soldiers returning to New Zealand after their 6-month tours Tough conditions Their task was to ensure the Indonesian of duty. In total, MAF Quarantine The MAFQS staff involved in the early army-backed militia withdrew from Service (MAFQS) staff spent about 2000 stages of the East Timor programme had occupied East Timor in an orderly and hours inspecting nearly 4000 personnel to put up with harsh conditions, says timely fashion. returning to New Zealand from Brian. “They lived in army tents with Intervention phase completed East Timor. river rock floors, army stretchers with By March 2000, the intervention phase mosquito nets, oppressive heat and Invasive weeds was completed and the NZDF asked humidity with no fans to move the air MAFQS to send Quarantine Officers to Weed seeds were the most common around and, during the monsoon East Timor to inspect the INTERFET interception, with MAFQS inspectors season, afternoon rain storms that could staff coming home. Two Quarantine finding them in the clothes or gear of create rivers through your tent in a Officers formed the first MAFQS team every third returning NZDF matter of minutes.” to East Timor, and began the largest staff member. Later staff rotations were completed at a personnel pre-shipment inspection “Many of the weeds in East Timor, such clearance facility at Hera, on the programme undertaken by MAFQS. as the mile-a-minute vine and Siam Northern Coast of East Timor, also used Following the withdrawal of the weed are very invasive,” says Brian by the Australian Defence Force for INTERFET force from East Timor, Whimp, MAFQS Programme AQIS clearances. “This made the NZDF committed a full battalion to Coordinator for East Timor. “Siam weed inspection process for MAFQS staff a contribute to the new administration produces huge numbers of seeds, which little easier as they were housed in air- under UN guidance. This was known as stick to everything. We also intercepted conditioned 20-foot containers, and UNTAET (United Nations Temporary scorpions, snakes and giant African inspection facilities were excellent,” Administration – East Timor). snail, but these were not so common.” says Brian. The Royal New Zealand Airforce began NZDF personnel the rotation of their staff home on a had been part of a regular basis and MAFQS staff regularly UN-backed visited East Timor to inspect these multinational personnel, together with helicopters that intervention force in were rotated back to New Zealand for East Timor since servicing. September 1999. This multinational The first NZ Army personnel rotation force (INTERFET – was completed in May 2000, followed by International Force regular six monthly rotations of about – East Timor) was 600 NZDF personnel. made up primarily The NZDF responded to the of Australian and introduction of MAFQS into the New Zealand withdrawal process with enthusiasm and Quarantine Officer Yvonne Fletcher and Fergus Small, MAFQS General soldiers and a desire to ensure that their staff could Manager, aboard the Clipper Chepstow on arrival in Wellington. helicopter crews. not be held responsible for introducing

12 Biosecurity Issue 43 • 1 May 2003 exotic pests and/or diseases into New containers were loaded, Zealand, according to Brian Whimp. under MAFQS Purpose-built facility supervision, aboard a vessel chartered by the “They contributed a purpose-built United Nations, and inspection facility with concrete floor, shipped home to lighting, ceiling fans and inspection Wellington for tables at their battalion HQ in Suai and “reconstitution” back provided every assistance possible to into the NZDF MAFQS staff conducting inspections in supply chain. East Timor.” The final phase of the In August 2002 the New Zealand programme was to Government decided (in consultation Canvas city at 3 Squadron camp – Suai airfield. supervise the unloading with UNTAET) that the New Zealand Hot work, day in, day out of the vessel in New Zealand, check forces in East Timor would be container seals to ensure they were permanently withdrawn, and so The NZDF and MAFQS staff operating intact on arrival, and randomly check followed a major planning and logistical this cleaning and inspection process the equipment again for any programme in order to bring staff and worked eight hour days, 6.5 days per recontamination. MAF Quarantine Staff equipment home. One associated task week, with only Sunday afternoon off. who served in East Timor have been for the NZDF was the construction of a This was during the hottest time of the awarded two NZDF medals – the East decontamination facility. year with temperatures regularly over Timor Service medal and the New 40°C and occasionally in to the 50s. For nearly three months, two Zealand Operational medal. Following cleaning and inspection, the Quarantine Officers based at the Brian Whimp, battalion headquarters in Suai inspected equipment was transported to the beach East Timor Programme Coordinator, a vast array of equipment ranging from area at Suai where a secure compound MAF Quarantine Service, D6 bulldozers to night vision goggles. As had been set up and ringed with salt phone 09 430 7848, the items were inspected and passed trails to ensure giant African snail could fax 09 430 7849, they were loaded directly into 120 sea not recontaminate the cleaned [email protected] freight containers. machinery. The equipment and Biosecurity awareness good among Antarctic travellers

MAF Quarantine Service inspectors flights that were delayed. Of the total issued only three infringement notices 112 flights by the RNZAF, USAF and the to passengers returning to South African Air Force, 28 were Christchurch from Antarctica during delayed in Antarctica by bad weather, the 2002/03 season. and seven for maintenance reasons. Seven aircraft were turned back to The almost 3,000 passengers who Christchurch due to weather conditions, returned to New Zealand from the ice US Base workers unload a DASI telescope from and one flight was forced to return are subject to normal arrival formalities a C-17 aircraft. The telescope will be used for astrophysical research at the NSF Amundsen- because of mechanical difficulties. and MAFQS inspection. Scott South Pole station. (Photo: Kerry Chuck, Raytheon Polar Services). Altogether 2,932 passengers were Towards the end of the season, moved, and 1,225 tonnes of passengers often bring back biological A USAF C-17 aircraft lands cargo was transported south. samples that are covered by permits, but at McMurdo Station, the Major cargo loads included United States Antarctic base. the infringements were all for (Photo: Kerry Chuck, 10 tonnes of explosives for undeclared fruit and food items. Raytheon Polar Services) new road construction and 25 tonnes of liquid helium. All crews arriving from the United States are informed of our quarantine Each aircraft that arrives from the Rob Mulholland, requirements and are reminded again at United States is sprayed on arrival, and Group Leader Christchurch Airport, MAF Quarantine Service, the start of each mission by the US Air the interior is inspected. phone 03 358 0457, Force authorities, explains Rob The season went well from the MAFQS fax 03 358 0458, Mulholland, Group Leader. point of view, says Rob, except for some [email protected]

Biosecurity Issue 43 • 1 May 2003 13 Animal biotechnology under microscope at conference With a “toolbox” containing artificial insemination, embryo transfer, in vitro fertilisation, sex determination, nuclear transfer, genetic modification and genomics, animal biotechnology and its contribution to medical and life sciences was the focus of the 29th Annual Conference of the International Embryo Transfer Society. Held in Auckland in January this year, the conference covered four main areas: Nuclear transfer (photo: Roslin Institute.) • the fundamental aspects of Technology for sexing sperm emotional rather than the economic embryo transfer On the male side, the technology for value attached to these animals. • assisted reproductive technologies sexing sperm is used in the United (ARTs) and their commercialisation A New Zealand paper looked at species- States, allowing preselection of specific methodology in embryo transfer •transgenic technology; and offspring, although economic in deer, including a media system for • the current status of embryo considerations will most likely preclude culture of Red deer embryos to the technologies in various species. its use in New Zealand. Although in vitro blastocyst stage, and a limited annual Cloning focus spermatogenesis (creation of sperm period of activity based around the cells) has so far been unsuccessful, A major focus for investigation remains 4-month breeding season, which has investigation continues as it has the cloning technology, where there greatly improved the success rate. potential for direct genetic modification continue to be difficulties in most Semen and embryo of the male germ line as well as the species. The efficiency of cloning technologies for cattle treatment of male factor infertility. depends on a number of factors but one, A symposium, “Implementation known as aberrant epigenetic New technologies presented in the Challenges of Smart Semen and Embryo reprogramming, was suggested as a production of transgenic animals Technologies in Cattle”,following the possible explanation for the high level of included the use of sperm as the vector conference. Points of interest included: abnormalities in cloned pregnancies of foreign genes instead of the •many of the ART technologies are and offspring. traditional nuclear transfer method, while artificial chromosome vectors have not presently applicable to the New A number of papers covered the been used to insert entire human Zealand environment because of sourcing of oocytes (egg cells), the sequences into cattle. The use of somatic economics, although they could be availability of which is often a limiting cells rather than oocytes for nuclear used in niche markets such as with factor in ART. Developments in this area transfer is also under investigation. high value stud animals are showing potential for genetic •future developments in liquid semen material to be gathered from dams past ART in companion animals is mostly technology, in which New Zealand the stage of infertility, or from high confined to artificial insemination at leads the world, include the performance animals such as horses, in this time. However, with gene banking encapsulating of sperm to increase which a pregnancy may be undesirable. and cloning research continuing, there is their survivability within the cow the potential for cloning pets as well as Increasing rate of from the present 12-40 hours up to the development of transgenic pets – genetic progress 96 hours, thus reducing the demand novelty pets, allergen-free cats and, once In the same vein, Juvenile In Vitro for accuracy in terms of timing and gene identification has occurred, Embryo Transfer (JIVET), which heat detection correctional transgenics, for example. involves the production of embryos •because of BSE, there is increasing from extremely young animals – 5 to 9 Concerns about cloned hostility in Europe to the use of week-old lambs for example – is a companion animals hormones, particularly pituitary procedure that aims to reduce the Concerns about the cloning of extracts such as FSH. generation interval and increase the rate companion animals included animal Dr Virginia Williams, of genetic progress in breeding schemes. welfare problems, questions about how Animal Welfare Coordinator, NZVA, This procedure is also performed recipient animals would be managed phone 09 630 1197, in calves. and societal worries related to the [email protected]

14 Biosecurity Issue 43 • 1 May 2003 Humane vertebrate pest control discussed

The RSPCA Australia Scientific comprehensive, rigorous and Symposium, “Solutions for achieving ongoing action to reduce it. humane vertebrate pest control”, held • Humaneness of control methods – in Canberra in February, brought ranking current methods, improving together people from diverse current methods and developing backgrounds with an interest in new more humane methods, which this subject. are also practical, effective, safe and affordable, must be undertaken to Four sessions covered community needs Professor David Mellor making a presentation reduce suffering; promising results and expectations in pest-animal control, at the symposium in Australia. are already evident. ethics of controlling vertebrate pests, a with efficacy and human safety with re-examination of current strategies, no requirement to consider animal •Guidelines for control programmes and developing innovative and practical welfare, although opportunities are – a list of guidelines to maximise the solutions to pest-animal control. The being sought to include it. humaneness and success of control programmes should be formulated; following perspectives emerged: • Australian legal framework – whatever examples were provided. the other perspectives, there are • RSPCAA – killing animals is legal obligations to control This symposium successfully established acceptable provided that it is vertebrate pests. common ground between stakeholder done humanely and for a groups and stimulated thought and • Diversity of views – a range of views, reasonable purpose. discussion on practical and innovative interests, fears and concerns attend ways of achieving humane vertebrate • Landholder – ongoing pest control is discussions of the welfare aspects of pest control. The paper summaries and essential because without it there pest-animal control, and this is the proceedings will be made available would be huge production losses and heightened in some quarters by a on the RSPCA Australia website at: land management problems. shift in thinking towards considering www.rspca.org.au • Environmental – without ongoing the welfare of pest animals. pest control, environmental • Ethics – the welfare of pest animals Professor David Mellor, Director, degradation would occur and deserves the same consideration as biodiversity would be threatened. Animal Welfare Science and that of farm, companion, Bioethics Centre, Massey University, • National Regulatory Authority – experimental and other animals. The phone 06 350 4807, agrochemical and veterinary drug suffering caused by most control fax 06 350 5657, regulation is primarily concerned methods therefore demands [email protected] First meeting of new Trans-Tasman Animal Welfare Working Group New Zealand participated in this new Animal Health Committee (AHC). •Regulatory issues arising from the Trans-Tasman group, which met in use of animals in biotechnology AWWG composition remains the same, Adelaide during March. Discussions with members representing all states and •Vertebrate pest control and covered a broad range of farm animal territories, the Federal Government, the relationships with the Trans-Tasman welfare issues, vertebrate pest control Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Vertebrate Pest Control Committee and ethical and welfare issues arising Research Organisation (CSIRO) and •The OIE animal welfare initiative. from the use of animals in gene New Zealand. The committee continues In addition to its lead role in developing technology research. to be chaired by Dr Mike Rickard of Model Codes of Practice, it has been the CSIRO. As a result of the replacement of the agreed that the group should also Agriculture and Resource Management Discussions at the Adelaide meeting address animal welfare issues of Council of Australia and New Zealand included the following topics: strategic importance. (ARMCANZ) by the Primary Industries A major agenda item for the next •Australian Model Codes of Practice Ministerial Council (PIMC), there has meeting to be held in August 2003 will, been a review of the supporting •Options to reduce animal use in the thus, be identifying and discussing committee structure. regulatory testing of veterinary strategic issues of strategic significance biologicals The previous Trans-Tasman Animal to both Australia and New Zealand. Welfare Committee has now become an •The future modus operandi of David Bayvel, Director Animal Welfare, Animal Welfare Working Group the AWWG phone 04 474 4251, (AWWG), providing operational •Animal welfare and fax 04 498 9888, [email protected] support and strategic advice for the international trade

Biosecurity Issue 43 • 1 May 2003 15 New requirements for experimental seed imports MAF Biosecurity has concluded that group 1 pests which cannot be detected •seed of any species with special Level 1 (open ground) post-entry by visual inspections at the point of conditions (section 3, 155.02.05 quarantine is generally insufficient to entry and are highly unlikely to be Importation of seed for sowing) may prevent the entry of pests associated spread by wind, water, insects or be imported into post-entry with seed. Regulated pests have been other vectors”. quarantine; identified in Level 1 quarantine, Proposed revisions of post-entry •seed of these species may be e.g. aphid-transmitted viruses. quarantine requirements imported from any country; and MAF inspectors have also frequently MAF Biosecurity has reviewed the •importers will no longer be required observed non-regulated pests, import requirements for to be “registered operators”,provided e.g. fungi, on such crops. This experimental/breeding seed and, in that quarantine facilities are demonstrates the potential for pests to particular, whether Level 1 quarantine is registered and operated according to move in from surrounding crops and by appropriate. Seed of the species standard PBC-NZ-TRA-PQCON. implication to move out from the imported under these provisions may be Consultation quarantine area. infected with regulated pests that can be Many of these changes will facilitate spread by wind or water (e.g. downy Current import requirements seed importation but some revisions mildew and Karnal bunt), or insects Seed imported for sowing must fulfil the may affect the activities of the eight (e.g. Pea enation mosaic virus). Level 1 requirements of standard 155.02.05 companies which currently import seed quarantine is not sufficient to contain Importation of seed for sowing. All seed for experimental/breeding purposes. these pests if imported in association must meet the basic conditions (section with seed. MAF Biosecurity is aware that some 2) while some species (for which specific seed has been imported into post-entry pests have been identified) have further quarantine because it has proved requirements designed to prevent the difficult to obtain phytosanitary entry of pests into New Zealand certificates overseas, in particular the (section 3 of the standard). United Kingdom. Discussions with the Seed for experimental/breeding UK Department of Environment, Food purposes may be imported into post- and Rural Affairs have now resolved this entry quarantine by registered operators problem and such seed will no longer without meeting the requirements of require post-entry quarantine.” section 3. This includes seed imported Formal submissions on these proposed for breeding and multiplication (using Some of the proposed revisions may affect the activities of companies which import seed for changes closed on 25 April 2003. New Zealand as a contra season to the experimental or breeding purposes. However, MAF Biosecurity will consider northern hemisphere), and new varieties Simultaneously, MAF Biosecurity has submissions made after this date imported for trialing purposes. reviewed the pests associated with the if possible. Currently eight companies import seed most important species imported for of up to nine species and 18 genera, MAF Biosecurity will consider experimental/breeding purposes (e.g. from up to 27 countries. alternative ways to prevent the entry of barley, beans, oats, peas and wheat). seed-associated pests, e.g. testing for Such seed is currently grown in Level 1 From this review, it is clear that there are regulated pests or increased field quarantine, mainly around many more regulated pests associated isolation. Depending on the results of Christchurch. Level 1 quarantine with seeds of these species than consultation (submissions closed on 25 facilities are registered and inspected by previously realised. April), it is anticipated that a final MAF according to standard PBC-NZ- decision on the future arrangements for TRA-PQCON Specification for the MAF Biosecurity is proposing the post-entry quarantine for seeds will be Registration of a Plant Quarantine or following changes to the import made in June-July 2003. Containment Facility, and Operator. requirements for seed which requires These facilities are open fields in which post-entry quarantine: Plant Imports – the seed is grown isolated from plants of Consultation on experimental seeds, • the level of post-entry quarantine MAF Plants Biosecurity, the same genus by 50 metres (less must be sufficient to contain any PO Box 2526, isolation is required from other genera). associated pests (e.g. seed of the Wellington, New Zealand, Level 1 facilities are meant to be used experimental/breeding species phone 04 498 9843, only “for plant propagating material currently imported will require at fax 04 474 4257, [email protected] which may be infected/infested with risk least Level 2 quarantine);

16 Biosecurity Issue 43 • 1 May 2003 Plum pox ruled out A suspected case of Plum pox investigated by MAF is most extremely useful test of our response system,” he says. likely to be Apple chlorotic leafspot virus (ACLSV) and There are four strains of the plum pox potyvirus, which is a Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) – both common notifiable disease under the Biosecurity Act 1993. In infected viruses present in New Zealand. countries it is commonly spread by grafting and by aphids. It MAF was alerted to the incident in March this year when a can devastate fruit-bearing varieties from the Prunus family single non-commercial plum tree in the Waikato exhibited including peaches, apricots, plums, nectarines, almonds and symptoms remarkably similar to plum pox. Samples from the cherries, causing fruit to be unmarketable and decreasing tree were sent to the United States Department of Agriculture the yield. for further verification after initial results in New Zealand Background information on plum pox is available at: were negative. www.maf.govt.nz/plum-pox Barney Stephenson of MAF’s Plant Biosecurity group, who led www.summerfruitnz.co.nz the response, is relieved by the findings Philippa White, “I am very appreciative of way industry worked alongside MAF MAF Communications Adviser, in managing the scare,” he says. “Summerfruit New Zealand 04 498 9948 or 027 223 1875 was a crucial part of our response and it has been an Plant Imports web site updated After receiving feedback that some information on its is located under import health standards for: website was difficult to understand or out-of-date, MAF ‘Nursery Stock’. Biosecurity Authority Plant Imports has updated several •Addition of a new table describing the current IHSs under areas of the site. All of the changes are accessed from the development and review in response to requests for this Plant Imports homepage through the URL (unchanged) information. This is located under: ‘Plant Imports mentioned below. Health Standards Under Development/Review: 1 July 2002 – 30 June 2003’. Changes to the website are: •Addition of new information regarding the Convention on •Modification of the overview that describes import health International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and standards (IHSs), the Biosecurity Act 1993, relevance to provision of links to the appropriate commodity groups international agreements and the role of the Plant Imports viz. Fresh Cut Flowers/Foliage, Nursery Stock and Seed for Team. This is located under ‘Importation of plants and plant Sowing. This is located under: ‘Cites Agreement’. products into New Zealand’. Laraine Jackett, •Addition of an explanation and link to the Unwanted Technical Adviser – Plant Imports, Plants Biosecurity, Organisms Register. This is located under ‘Lists of phone 04 474 4126, fax 04 474 4257, Quarantine Organisms’. [email protected]

•Reformat of the nursery stock page to improve clarity. This www.maf.govt.nz/plant-imports

Seed health workshop invaluable for knowledge sharing In the week following International Assessment). Scientists coming from knowledge and experience by the wide Congress of Plant Pathology (2-7 different parts of the world gave oral spectrum of scientists was invaluable February 2003, Christchurch), a seed and laboratory presentations for seed and MAF Plants Biosecurity (Imports) health-testing workshop was organised pathogens, in particular Xanthomonas will be seeking to incorporate the by the Plant Disease Committee (PDC) campestris pv. campestris, Phoma lingum, information and techniques into import of the International Seed Testing Fusarium spp., Pea seed-borne mosaic seed requirements as appropriate. Association (ISTA). virus, Lettuce mosaic virus, and Afreen Rahman, Aschochyta spp. Technical Adviser – The workshop concentrated on seed- Pest Risk Assessment, The positive and negative aspects of health testing of vegetable and cereal Plants Biosecurity, crops of interest to the Asia/Pacific seed-health testing techniques, phone 04 470 2766, region. MAF Biosecurity (Plant including the quarantine aspects of seed fax 04 474 4257, Imports) was represented by Afreen testing, were discussed and [email protected] Rahman, (Technical Adviser – Pest Risk demonstrated. The sharing of

Biosecurity Issue 43 • 1 May 2003 17 Instant fines: lessons from the first 12 months

In June 2001, the Government introduced a system of instant $200 Infringement facts and figures fines for travellers to New Zealand For the second half of 2002: who make erroneous biosecurity • 31 travellers in every thousand (3.1 percent) had biosecurity risk goods seized declarations (Biosecurity 29:4). MAF has reviewed the first year’s operation • about a quarter of seizures were of undeclared items of this programme. • 2.5 infringement notices were issued per thousand travellers for a total of 4,965 fines The review examined the policy objectives underlying the instant fine • half of all fines were for failing to correctly declare fresh produce considered to be programme, the appropriateness of the fruit fly host material; contaminated equipment was the next biggest category, relevant enforcement standards, and followed by bee products and meat products various operational issues. communicate the infringement would be enhanced by some Although the seizure rate for undeclared notice programme more effectively redirection of current capability. biosecurity risk goods has declined • infringement should remain a strict In response, MAF is forming slightly since the programme began, the liability offence (one that may be project teams to tackle specific enforcement rate is less than excused only if the defendant can recommendations. MAF will also report anticipated. The main reason is the show that the breach occurred to the Government on the performance number of passengers apprehended who despite reasonable steps having been of the instant fine programme in do not understand English and cannot taken to prevent it) but some achieving biosecurity outcomes. complete a valid declaration. The discretion should continue to be language barrier is the most pressing Neil Shaw, used in issuing infringement notices issue to be addressed. Legal Coordinator, •training should ensure that staff are Biosecurity Coordination, The review’s most prominent fully competent to perform phone 04 470 2771, recommendations are that: enforcement functions; and fax 04 470 2730, [email protected] •declaration forms and signs at • staff deployment should be reviewed airports should be revised to to determine whether biosecurity

Border Bites Dangerous harvest A prototype forage harvester, being sent around the world for trials in different countries, was heavily contaminated when it arrived at the Port of Auckland. MAF Quarantine Service Officers required the harvester to be stripped by an engineer for inspection, as contaminants commonly lie hidden Telling porcies inside rollers or behind cover plates on this type of machinery. When this had These are dried porcupine stomachs, been done, large amounts of debris, seized by MAF Quarantine Officers at including soil and plant material, Auckland International Airport. They were were evident. found during a full search of the luggage of a family from Cambodia. The family They were removed by steam cleaning. was asked what kind of animal they The photo above right shows came from but had very limited English. contamination discovered when the Eventually, however, a drawing of a cutter cover plates were removed; the porcupine was produced. The porcupine photo at right shows contaminants stomachs were destroyed. behind the light fittings.

18 Biosecurity Issue 43 • 1 May 2003 Camel meat and meat products for human consumption from Australia This is a new import health standard dated 13 March 2003 It only applies to muscle tissue (not offal). The camel meat New and amended import health standards must come from animals slaughtered and processed in Cervine semen and cervine embryos from Great Britain government-licensed premises under official supervision and be Bovine tuberculosis subject to ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection. The standard also requires the camel meat and camel meat New Zealand has accepted a Department of Environment, Food products to be commercially packaged and sealed with an & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) request for increased flexibility in the official government or company seal. bovine tuberculosis safeguards to allow export of embryos from donor deer that do not belong to DEFRA’s deer health scheme. Draft import health standards Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and chronic for consultation wasting disease (CWD) Equine viral arteritis Little is known about the possible transmission of CWD via • Horses from Australia, the European Union, Canada and the germplasm and there is minimal surveillance of transmissible United States spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) in deer in Great Britain. • Horse Semen from Australia, the European Union and the Therefore MAF has included a requirement that there has not United States been any introduction of genetic material from North America, Comments are invited on an addendum to the horse risk in the form of live deer or cervine germplasm, onto the farm of analysis and subsequent change to the horse import health origin since 1998, the year when New Zealand suspended standards for the importation of ‘cleared’ shedder stallions, or importation of cervids from Canada. semen from ‘cleared’ shedder stallions. Because deer in Great Britain were fed similar rations to cattle The closing date for receipt of submissons is prior to BSE being identified and there has been no work done Friday 23 May 2003. in deer to determine the distribution of the BSE agent, it is now Aquaculture food containing poultry by-products required that donor animals have been born after the date from Comments are invited on a change to the Import health which the ban on the feeding of ruminants with meat and bone standard for fish food, fish bait, Artemia salina and Artemia meal and greaves derived from ruminants has been effectively fransiscana from all countries. enforced, 1 August 1996. The proposed change allows the importation of specific Brucella abortus aquaculture products containing poultry meal (0-15%), poultry A testing requirement has been added because Great Britain oil (0-25%) and poultry blood meal (0-10%). The products are can no longer certify freedom from Brucella abortus after an Pacific, Orient, Vitalis, Nutra and Nova aquaculture feed for the outbreak in Scotland in February 2003. Brucella abortus can be salmon and trout industry manufactured by Gibsons Ltd T/A transmitted in the semen of cattle and possibly also in deer. Skretting Australia. The standards are now dated 20 February 2003 and replace the The product must be accompanied by an AQIS Certificate that previous ones dated 10 February 2002. certifies that poultry meal and poultry oil in the product has Horses from the European Union, Australia, Canada been rendered at 110 degrees Celsius for at least 1 hour, and and the United States of America the poultry blood meal in the product has been subjected to a These standards have been updated for equine herpesvirus 1, in temperature of 90 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes during accordance with the MAF Biosecurity risk analysis and OIE processing. Code. The new standards are dated 13 March 2003 and replace The closing date receipt of submissions is 9 June 2003. those dated 13 November 2001 (EU), 12 August 2002 All submissions should be sent in writing, attention: (Australia) and 15 December 2001 (Canada and United States). Paul Berentson, Technical Adviser, International Animal Trade, Laboratory animals from all countries fax 04 474 4227, This import health standard has been amended for [email protected] identification purposes. An original certificate that identifies the www.maf.govt.nz/biosecurity/consulation.htm#draft-ihs species of laboratory animal and any associated biota must Animal exotic disease response accompany each consignment. The certificate must be signed standards revised by the Director/Manager of the institution from which the animals originate. This IHS is dated 13 March 2003 and The revised draft animal exotic disease response standards are replaces the one dated 18 July 2002. available for public comment. MAF Biosecurity specifies standards for the delivery of New

Biosecurity Issue 43 • 1 May 2003 19 Zealand’s response capability for animal exotic disease The risk analysis was done by an external consultant and has outbreaks in documents known as the 153 series of standards: been subjected to MAF’s internal scientific review process and Exotic Disease Programmes of Animals (including honey bees to international expert review. The Director Animal Biosecurity and fish). The standards define the organisational structure for is satisfied that it is technically sound and sufficiently robust to investigations and responses, the requirements for suppliers base an import health standard on. and the biosecurity responsibilities of processing and The closing date for comments is the 30 May 2003. production industries. Paul Berentson, Technical Adviser, International Animal Trade, Many of the approaches described in the first issue of the phone 04 498 9897 fax 04 474 4227, standards were, and remain, appropriate for the investigation [email protected] and response to suspected foot and mouth disease. The revised www.maf.govt.nz/biosecurity/consultation.htm draft standards attempt to balance this scenario with the full range of other possible scenarios, describing systems generically Belovo egg powders and avoiding prescriptions that may not be appropriate in all circumstances. The draft import risk analysis for three types of Belovo (brand The first issue of the standards was developed at a time when name) egg powders from Belgium is now available for public the annual number of investigations per year was in the order of consultation. The risk analysis considers the heat stability of a tens, and most of the investigations were for suspected number of bacteria and viruses that have the potential to be vesicular disease (for example foot and mouth disease). present on or in eggs. It is concluded that due to the processing involved in the preparation of these egg powders In recent years there have been upwards of 100 investigations a (prolonged times at high temperatures), they do not pose a year. This increase has been largely due to increased awareness biosecurity risk and therefore no safeguards are required. of the threat of exotic animal diseases, and greater use of the 0800 reporting system, rather than to higher incidence of At present there are import health standards for dried egg disease. In addition, much has been learned during the albumen, egg yolk powder and whole egg powder from a responses to Varroa destructor, Mycoplasma mycoides mycoides number of countries. Should there be no changes required to (large colony) and Brucella suis, diseases that behave quite the draft risk management measures, Belovo egg products will differently from the vesicular diseases and require a different be added to the Import health standard for the importation into response approach. New Zealand of specified products for human consumption containing dairy products, eggs or meat. Jeffrey Stewart, Executive Coordinator, Animal Biosecurity, phone 04 498 9937, fax 04 498 9888, [email protected] The closing date for receipt of submissions is 12 June 2003. www.maf.govt.nz/biosecurity/consultation.htm Martin Van Ginkel, Technical Adviser, Risk Analysis, phone 04 470 2781, fax 04 474 4133, [email protected] Honey bee genetic material For the risk analysis: The honey bee (Apis mellifera) genetic material import risk www.maf.govt.nz/biosecurity/consultation.htm analysis and a draft import health standard for Carniolan honey For the existing import health standard: bee semen (Apis mellifera carnica) from Germany are now www.maf.govt.nz/ediproic.all.htm available for public comment. The risk analysis considers four forms of honey bee genetic Empty liquid nitrogen containers material – queens, queen cells, eggs laid by queen bees and from all countries semen – and discusses 38 potential hazards. For the importation of semen, the major risks are Africanised honey Comments are invited on the draft import health standard for bees (Apis mellifera scutellato), which would affect people’s the importation into New Zealand of empty used liquid nitrogen enjoyment of the environment, and the Cape honey bee (Apis containers. This includes any container that is designed to mellifera capensis), a production issue. Semen is not contain liquid nitrogen such as those frequently used for the considered a risk good for the importation of European transport of animal semen or embryos. foulbrood (Melissococus pluton). It is proposed that an official inspector authorised by the Safe importation of honey bee semen will enable the genetic competent authority of the exporting country must certify that base of New Zealand’s bee population to be broadened. This the containers have been cleaned inside and outside using a may assist in developing New Zealand honey bee populations detergent and then sterilised or disinfected using one of the with a range of characteristics not presently found, such as following methods: bees with increased varroa tolerance. This would benefit • autoclaving at a pressure at 120ºC for 15 minutes; or beekeepers struggling to live with varroa. •dry heat at 140ºC for 30 minutes; or

20 Biosecurity Issue 43 • 1 May 2003 • disinfection by filling the whole of the container with one of Since MAF is opposed to imposing certification requirements the following solutions: 10% formaldehyde; a hypochlorite that cannot be objectively verified, MAF is proposing to remove solution containing 2% available chlorine, Virkon (trade the current PMWS requirement for herd of origin freedom from name) at the concentration recommended by the clinical PMWS from the import health standards for porcine manufacturers. The solution shall be left in the container for at least 1 hour. semen. Submissions should be sent in writing before 9 June 2003. Alternatively, dirty or unsterilised containers will be cleaned and disinfected at the owner’s expense by a MAF inspector at the Paul Berentson, Technical Adviser International Animal Trade, port of entry. phone 04 498 9897, fax 04 474 4227, [email protected] Submissions must be received in writing by 9 June 2003. www.maf.govt.nz/biosecurity/consultation.htm Paul Berentson, Technical Adviser International Animal Trade, 04 498 9897, fax 04 474 4227, [email protected] www.maf.govt.nz/biosecurity/consultation.htm Codes of ethical conduct – approvals, notifications and revocations since the last issue of Biosecurity

Proposal to remove post-weaning All organisations involved in the use of live animals for multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) research, testing or teaching are required to adhere to an requirement from pig semen IHS approved code of ethical conduct.

Comment is invited on MAF’s proposal to remove from pig Codes of ethical conduct approved: Nil semen import health standards the current requirement for the Amendments to codes of ethical conduct approved: Nil herd of origin to be certified free of evidence of the clinical Notifications to MAF of minor amendments to codes of condition of PMWS for the three months prior to entry of the ethical conduct: Nil donor animals onto the collection centre. Notifications to MAF of arrangements to use an existing code When PMWS first appeared as an emerging issue for pigs in of ethical conduct 1997, the epidemiology of the disease was unclear. As a • Ancrum Consultancies (to use Lincoln University’s code) precautionary measure for imported semen, early in 1999 MAF (renewal – code expired) introduced the requirement that the herd of origin had to be • Feral R & D Ltd (to use the University of Auckland’s code) certified free of evidence of the clinical condition during the 3 • ImmunoEthical Associates (NZ) Ltd (to use Lincoln months before donor animals entered the collection centre. University’s code) (renewal – code expired) • Pest Control Research Ltd (to use Lincoln University’s code) As a result of concerns expressed by the pork industry about (renewal – code expired) the possible transmission of PMWS in the international trade of • Pest-Tech Ltd (to use Lincoln University’s code) (renewal – pig material, advice was commissioned from the Massey code expired) University EpiCentre on the aetiology of this disease. • Pyne Gould Guinness Ltd (to use Lincoln University’s code) Specific aetiological agents that have been linked to PMWS (renewal – code expired) include porcine parvovirus (PPV), porcine circovirus type 2 •Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand (Inc) (to use (PCV2) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome Lincoln University’s code) (renewal – code expired) (PRRS) virus. PPV and PCV2 are endemic to this country and •Wrightson Research (to use Lincoln University’s code) measures are already in place to manage the risk of (renewal – code expired) introduction of the PRRS virus in semen and pig meat. Codes of ethical conduct revoked or expired or MAF therefore proposed that no additional restrictions be arrangements terminated imposed However, MAF recommends that New Zealand pig • Bayer NZ Ltd (to use AgVet Consultants Ltd’s code) farmers receiving semen from countries where PMWS occurs • Caledonian Holdings Ltd (to use AgVet Consultants adopt generic biosecurity and quarantine measures to contain Ltd’s code) any hitherto unrecognised agent that may be in the semen. Approvals by the Director-General of MAF for the use of non-human hominids Moreover, the value of the existing certification for imported • Melanie Vivian (to conduct environmental enrichment semen has recently been questioned. While it is presumably research on zoo-held chimpanzees) possible for the competent veterinary authority to certify that Approvals by the Minister of Agriculture of research or testing in the owner of any particular herd has reported that there has the national interest: Nil been no evidence of clinical PMWS during the 3 months prior to entry of the donor animals onto the collection centre, the Linda Carsons, Senior Policy Adviser, Animal Welfare, level of assurance that this delivers for subclinical infections by phone 04 470 2746, fax 04 498 9888, [email protected] unspecified micro-organisms is considered to be negligible. Updates continued on page 23

Biosecurity Issue 43 • 1 May 2003 21 New organism records: 8/02/03 – 21/03/03

Biosecurity is about managing risks – protecting the New Zealand environment and economy from exotic pests and diseases. MAF Biosecurity Authority 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 that have become established, new hosts for existing pests and extension to distribution for existing pests. The information was collated by MAF Forest Biosecurity and MAF Plants Biosecurity during 08/02/03 – 21/03/03, and held in the Plant Pest Information Network (PPIN) database. Wherever possible, common names have been included.

PLANTS BIOSECURITY RECORDS 08/02/03 – 21/03/03 Validated new to New Zealand reports Organism Host Location Submitted by Comment Septoria sisyrinchii Sisyrinchium sp. Auckland National Plant Pest This obscure fungus produces a small leaf spot on an obscure plant. (septoria leaf spot)t California Sky Reference Laboratory DoC has been informed of this detection. (NPPRL) Peronospora lamii Salvia officinalis Auckland NPPRL The infected plants have been destroyed and MAF is investigating the (sage downy mildew) (sage) circumstances of this incursion. New host reports Organism Host Location Submitted by Comment Fusarium oxysporum Crocus sativus North Canterbury NPPRL This species has a very wide host range. (fusarium rot) (saffron) Ammi visnaga North Canterbury NPPRL (Fern leaf Bishop's flower) Pythium sp. Ammi visnaga North Canterbury NPPRL This species has a very wide host range. (cavity spot, damping-off) (Fern leaf Bishop's flower) Ammi majus North Canterbury NPPRL (bullwort) Pseudomonas syringae Secale cereale Mid Canterbury NPPRL This species has a very wide host range. (bacterial blast) (rye) Ammi majus North Canterbury NPPRL (bullwort) Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Ammi majus North Canterbury NPPRL This species has a very wide host range. (sclerotinia rot) (bullwort) Gibberella avenacea Crocus sativus North Canterbury NPPRL This species has a very wide host range. (foot rot, root rot) (saffron) Nepovirus arabis mosaic Rosmarinus officinalis Auckland NPPRL Other PPIN hosts include tamarillo and rose. virus (ArMV) (rosemary) Pseudomonas cichorii Hydrangea sp. Mid Canterbury NPPRL Other PPIN hosts include tomato, capsicum, tamarillo, and (bacterial rot) (hydrangea) chrysanthenum. Pleospora allii Alchemilla mollis Mid Canterbury NPPRL This species has a very wide host range. (stemphylium leaf spot (lady's mantle) Botryosphaeria parva Alchemilla mollis Mid Canterbury NPPRL Other PPIN hosts include apple, grape, feijoa, pear, kiwifruit, blueberry, (botrysophaeria rot) (lady's mantle) puka, broadleaf, peach and Japanese plum. Extension to distribution reports: No extension to distribution reports during this period.

Plants records: George Gill, Technical Adviser, Pest Management, MAF Plants Biosecurity, phone 04 470 2742, fax 04 474 4257, [email protected] ANIMAL BIOSECURITY RECORDS 08/02/03 – 21/03/03 No validated new to New Zealand records during this period. FOREST BIOSECURITY RECORDS 08/02/03 – 21/03/03 Validated new to New Zealand reports Organism Host Location Submitted by Comment Sarcostroma hakeae Grevillea glabrata Auckland National Plant Pest The related fungus Sarcostoma grevilleae is common and causes similar (no common name) (grevillea) Reference Laboratory symptoms on Grevillea spp. in New Zealand, S. hakeae could have been confused with S. grevilleae in the past. No evidence suggests the fungus is a recent introduction. New host reports Organism Host Location Submitted by Comment Uraba lugens Eucalyptus cladocalyx Auckland Forest Research This Australian insect was first recorded in Mt Maunganui area in June (gum leaf skeletoniser) (sugar gum) 1997, and within the Onehunga area in August 2001. It is a defoliator of Eucalyptus brookeriana Auckland Forest Research many eucalypt species, including: E. cinerea, E. crenulata, E. leucoxylon, (eucalyptus) E. macarthurii, E. maidenii, E. saligna, E. viminalis, E. fastigata, E. leucoxylon ssp. Megalocarpa, E. robusta, Eucalyptus bosistoana Auckland Forest Research E. coccifera, Lophostemon confertus (Bosisto’s box) Eucalyptus botryoides Auckland Forest Research (Southern mahogany) Continued next page

22 Biosecurity Issue 43 • 1 May 2003 FOREST BIOSECURITY RECORDS 08/02/03 – 21/03/03 continued Extension to distribution reports Organism Host Location Submitted by Comment Glycaspis granulata Eucalyptus botryoides Nelson Forest Research Other PPIN distributions include Auckland and Wanganui. (psyllid) (Southern mahogany) Nematus oligospilus Salix sp. Nelson Forest Research Other PPIN distributions include Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, (european sawfly, willow (willow) Mid Canterbury, Waikato and Dunedin. sawfly) Dicranosterna Paraserianthes lophantha Northland Forest Research Other PPIN distributions include Bay of Plenty. Other Forest Health semipunctata (brush wattle) Database distributions include Auckland and the Coromandel. (leaf beetle) Ochrosopsis subfasciatus Eucalyptus nitens Taupo Forest Research Other Forest Health Database distributions include Auckland, Bay (chrysomelid beetle) (shining gum, silvertop) of Plenty, Waikato, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay.

Forest records: Peter Thomson, Director MAF Forest Biosecurity, phone 04 498 9639, fax 04 498 9888, [email protected]

Accredited reviewers for organisations with a code of ethical conduct Organisations with a code of ethical conduct are required to undergo a review from time to time. Reviews must be carried out by independent reviewers accredited by MAF for the purpose in accordance with section 109 of the Animal Welfare Act 1999. The following people have been accredited to carry out independent reviews: Title and Name Address Phone Fax Email Date of Expiry date of approval accreditation Dr Howard AgriQuality NZ Ltd 06 351 7935 06 351 7919 [email protected] 05.02.03 04.02.08 Vernon Brooks PO Box 585 Palmerston North Dr Kenneth John 61 Amapur Drive 04 479 5092 01.07.02 30.06.07 Patrick Cooper Khandallah Wellington Dr Angenita AgriQuality NZ Ltd 07 834 1777 07 838 5846 [email protected] 29.05.02 28.05.07 Blanche Harding Private Bag 3080 Hamilton

Mr David Landcare Research 03 325 6700 03 325 6705 [email protected] 11.10.02 10.10.07 Rowland Morgan NZ Ltd PO Box 69 Lincoln

Dr Keith AgriQuality NZ Ltd 07 345 8720 07 345 8729 [email protected] 17.03.03 16.03.08 Douglas Paterson PO Box 951, Rotorua

Dr Virginia 15 Tongariro Street 09 630 1197 09 630 1197 [email protected] 23.01.03 22.01.08 Margaret Williams Mt Eden Auckland

Eight new import health standards for The first three import health standards (Nos. 1-3: wood forest produce packaging material; sawn wood; and poles, piles, rounds, and sleepers) have a number of new import requirements recently Forest Biosecurity has recently issued the following eight import introduced to combat newly identified biosecurity risks and to health standards for forest produce: comply with international standards. 1. Wood packaging material from all countries The other five import health standards (Nos. 4-8: wooden panels; 2. Sawn wood from all countries woodware; bamboo, cane, willow and rattan; sawdust, wood 3. Poles, piles, rounds, and sleepers from all countries chips, wood shavings, and wood wool; and bark) clarify the 4. Wooden panels from all countries current import requirements for these commodities. 5. Woodware from all countries Dr Michael Ormsby, National Adviser Import Health 6. Bamboo, cane, willow and rattan from all countries Standards, Forest Biosecurity, 7. Sawdust, wood chips, wood shavings, and wood wool from all phone 04 474 4100, fax 04 470 2741, countries [email protected] 8. Bark from all countries. www.maf.govt.nz/forest-imports

Biosecurity Issue 43 • 1 May 2003 23 CODES OF WELFARE – Animal Welfare Act Update This part of the Directory section of Biosecurity is a new, regular feature. The table below is a quick guide as to the status of the various codes of welfare as they are developed under the Animal Welfare Act 1999. Code Status Broiler Code Final Code presented to Minister of Agriculture on 15 November 2002 Pig Code Final Code to be presented to Minister of Agriculture mid May 2003 Rodeo Code Public consultation completed. Final Code to be presented to Minister of Agriculture late July 2003 Layer Hen Code Public consultation completed. Final Code to be presented to Minister of Agriculture late June 2003 Zoo Code Under development. Final Code to be presented to Minister of Agriculture mid September 2003 Circus Code Under development. Final Code to be presented to Minister of Agriculture mid August 2003 Commercial Slaughter Code Public consultation completed. Final code to be presented to Minister of Agriculture late June 2003

Exotic disease and pest emergency hotline: 0800 809 966 Animal welfare complaint hotline: 0800 327 027 www.maf.govt.nz/biosecurity