Response

Current Responses

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand maintains capability to respond to suspect exotic pests and diseases 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. When MAFBNZ is notified of a potential exotic disease or pest through either our hotline (0800 80 99 66), or other MAFBNZ reporting channels (such as Surveillance), the find is investigated and (depending on the degree of risk identified), a response team may be formed.

Response teams work in conjunction with staff from MAF Biosecurity New Zealand's Investigation and Diagnostic Centres (IDC). These Centres assist with field investigation, laboratory screening and diagnosis of suspect exotic pests and diseases.

Find our more about how MAF Biosecurity New Zealand is improving the way we manage biosecurity responses.

There are a wide variety of ways to classify pests and diseases as both animals and plants can be affected In addition, some types of plants and animals can themselves be considered to be pests (eg. weeds and some insects, reptiles, mammals, birds).

Pests and Diseases Affecting

  • Environmental Health
  • Animal Health
  • Plant Health
  • Marine Environment
  • Freshwater Environment and Aquaculture Establishments
  • Human Health

Or

Organisms that are:

  • Pest Animals
  • Pest Plants
  • Pest Marine (Saltwater) or Aquatic (Freshwater) Organisms

Page last updated: 4 August 2009