MPI introduces new requirements for livestock exports after independent review

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has introduced new requirements for the safe transport of livestock by sea.

The new rules follow an independent review into the animal welfare assurances MPI receives from exporters, led by Mike Heron QC and supported by Rear Admiral Tony Parr (retired).

The review was launched after the tragic loss of Gulf Livestock 1 in early September.

MPI Director-General Ray Smith says the ministry will introduce several additional requirements for the export of livestock until the incoming government can make decisions about a wider policy review of the trade.

MPI chief welcomes findings from passenger and mail biosecurity review

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has welcomed the findings of an independent review of its biosecurity passenger and mail controls at the border, saying they support its current direction.

The review was commissioned by MPI director-general Ray Smith after fruit fly was detected in Auckland earlier this year. It was conducted by leading Australian biosecurity expert Rob Delane.

Mr Delane has since been appointed to the role of inspector-general of biosecurity in Australia.

The report says the reviewer, overall

 “… is in no doubt that New Zealand’s border biosecurity services in the targeted areas are world-class, and well-protect New Zealand.”

Queensland fruit fly detected in new area on Auckland’s North Shore

Surveillance activity in Auckland will be stepped up following the discovery of a second Queensland fruit fly on the North Shore.

The solitary male fly was collected from a fruit fly trap and formally identified on February 20. It’s the second Queensland fruit fly found in the past week. The first was detected in a surveillance trap in Devonport on 14 February.

The Ministry for Primary Industries director general Ray Smith says while there have now been 2 finds, it does not mean New Zealand has an outbreak of fruit fly.

Facialis fruit fly response in Otara – situation update

A large field operation is under way in the Auckland suburb of Otara following the discovery of a single male facialis fruit fly in a surveillance trap in the area. This is not related to the current Devonport situation.

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says the main focus immediately is to determine if the fly is a solitary find, or if it is part of a breeding population in the area.

The Biosecurity New Zealand response field teams are busy today setting further traps in the affected area. If any fruit flies are around, these traps will find them.