Frequently Asked Questions

Could didymo spread to lakes throughout New Zealand?

Yes. Although didymo prefers a river environment with clear water flowing over stable substrate at depths sufficient for light penetration to drive photosynthesis, blooms have been found in South Island Lakes. Lake Wakatipu, for example, contains visible didymo on some parts of the lake shore.

What are the costs to New Zealand of implementing the GM testing protocol?

The key cost is that of the test itself.  Testing costs between $340 and $560 NZD depending on which laboratory conducts the test. Importers are likely to pass any increased costs from testing on to their consumers, so lucerne hay and alfalfa sprouts may cost slightly more as a result.

How long does the varroa mite survive away from bees?

Up to five and a half days, but usually much less.

Why are horses allowed to be whipped in races?

This falls under a specific provision controlled by the New Zealand Racing Conference or New Zealand Harness Racing Conference. For other horse users the provisions for use of the whip are spelt out in the Whips and spurs section of the code of minimum standards and recommendations for horses.

What is MAF Biosecurity New Zealand and the Ministry of Health doing about Asian tiger mosquito?

The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) are working together with Auckland Regional Public Health Service, the Ports of Auckland, and the Auckland City Council to determine if an Asian Tiger Mosquito population is present.

An enhanced surveillance programme is currently seeking to identify, and if necessary contain, control and eliminate any Asian Tiger Mosquitoes found in the area before they can spread further. This programme includes the placement of additional traps and the identification and elimination or treatment of all potential habitats in the port area.

How does Foot and Mouth Disease affect animals? What are the signs?

Although death from Foot and Mouth Disease is unusual in adult animals, it causes serious production losses and can kill young animals. The clinical signs are fever, followed by the appearance of vesicles (fluid-filled blisters) between the toes and on the heels, on mammary glands and especially on the lips, tongue and palate. These vesicles often combine to form large, swollen blisters that erupt to leave raw, painful ulcers that take up to 10 days to heal. Foot lesions leave animals lame and unable to walk to feed or water. Mouth lesions are highly painful and cause animals to stop eating. Adults usually begin eating again after a few days, but young animals may weaken and die, especially if the virus has caused lesions on heart muscles, or be left with foot deformities or damage to the mammary glands.

Should all potting mix product be considered contaminated with exotic weeds?

No. The source of the contamination has been traced to two contaminated consignments of coco peat (coir or coconut husk fibre), imported from Sri Lanka in October 2007. Only one company received this contaminated material and we are working with them to trace this product through their customer database.

Hydrilla - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions: PDF Link to PDF document (354 KB)

For more information please see Hydrilla page.

Who do I contact for further information about importing wood packaging?

You can contact the National Programme Manager

Are there any avian influenza viruses in New Zealand?

Over 5000 samples have been taken from wild birds (migrating and resident species) in New Zealand since 1976. A small number of low pathogenic notifiable avian influenza viruses (H5 or H7 subtypes) have been found in healthy mallard ducks.