Pests & Diseases News
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) will this week be looking at what’s living in Picton Harbour (including local marinas and the Havelock Marina) as part of a nationwide surveillance programme targeted at detecting a range of different marine pests.
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) has lifted the Restricted Place notice placed on Centennial Park Lake, Timaru after the latest survey revealed no visible signs of the highly invasive freshwater weed hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum).
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) will next week be looking at what’s living in Tauranga Harbour as part of a nationwide surveillance programme targeted at detecting a range of unwanted marine pests.
Cabinet has approved funding of $3.6 million for a five-year local elimination programme to rid Lyttelton Port of the marine pest Mediterranean fanworm. More... 
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) is releasing 3000 grass carp into Lakes Tutira, Waikopiro, and Opouahi today as part of its programme to eradicate the invasive aquatic weed hydrilla from the lakes. Hydrilla has not been found anywhere else in New Zealand.
Kauri dieback (Phytophthora taxon Agathis or PTA), the newly-identified disease attacking kauri trees, is being addressed by six agencies working together as one response team.
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) investigations after last week’s find of varroa bee mite outside of the current South Island Controlled Area have confirmed further reports in North Canterbury.
A surveillance programme researching the presence of avian influenza in New Zealand has found low pathogenic (LPAI) H5N1 virus in two samples taken from mallard ducks. Tests indicate that the virus is closely related to viruses found in the past and has been here for some time.
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) has confirmed varroa bee mite in hives outside of the current South Island Controlled Area.
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) has successfully eliminated the Southern salt marsh mosquito (SSM) from the Kaipara area, ending some six years of treatment and surveillance activity.