Decisive action on Brown Marmorated Stink Bug necessary

Decisive action on Brown Marmorated Stink Bug necessary

New Zealand Winegrowers applauds the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) decisive action in turning back three cargo vessels contaminated with Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB).

BMSB is one of the wine industry’s most significant biosecurity risks due to the insects’ potential to impact on both the production and quality of processed red wine.

New Zealand Winegrowers CEO Philip Gregan says a BMSB incursion would significantly affect the wine industry’s ongoing export success.

“We don’t want them in New Zealand. A large number of bugs have been discovered on vessels carrying vehicles from overseas, and because they seek out nooks, cavities and enclosed spaces, heat treatments and fumigants are not necessarily effective in destroying them.”

Mr Gregan says New Zealand Winegrowers understands the impact turning the vessels away from New Zealand is having on vehicle importers, however it is necessary to protect New Zealand’s biosecurity.

“We are working with MPI to help develop a sustainable solution. It’s vital we get this right as these most recent events show the vehicle-import pathway is particularly high risk,” Mr Gregan says.

New Zealand Winegrowers is also working with MPI and other horticultural industry organisations on readiness plan should BMSB successfully establish in New Zealand.

-ENDS-

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