Plants infected with myrtle rust have been found in Havelock and Renwick, Marlborough. This follows it being found for the first time in the South Island in Tasman District in April.

Myrtle rust is a serious fungal disease that affects plants in the myrtle family, including mānuka, rātā, ramarama and lilly pilly.

Due to its windblown nature containment has not proven possible. Marlborough District Council’s Biosecurity team is working with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) as they eliminate the new myrtle rust finds. MPI has removed the infected trees in Havelock and Renwick and will follow up with surveillance in the coming weeks.

Advice for members of the public: If you think you've seen myrtle rust, don't touch it, take a photo, and call 0800 80 99 66.

Further information is available at: www.mpi.govt.nz/protection-and-response/responding/alerts/myrtle-rust

ENDS

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