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No Further Gypsy Moth Finds
7 May 2003
No Further Gypsy Moth Finds
The MAF Biosecurity Authority’s plans to deal with the recent gypsy moth find in Hamilton are progressing well, Director Forest Biosecurity Peter Thomson said today.
A lone male gypsy moth was discovered by MAF’s early warning surveillance trapping programme in March.
MAF immediately launched an intensive response to establish if there were any more moths but to date the original moth is the only one trapped.
“Last week in Hamilton, MAF utilised the resources of the top gypsy moth experts within New Zealand and overseas to establish the best response to the moth find.”
“Despite the trapping of only one moth, this pest is such a serious risk to the ecology and economy of New Zealand that MAF considers an aggressive approach to its containment and eradication is the best option. This view was supported by the majority of the gypsy moth experts.
“The eradication tools that could be used include ground spraying, mass trapping and host tree removal. MAF is not discounting the possibility that aerial spraying will be used as well.
“Ground searches for any sign of the moth will also be carried out during the winter,“ Mr Thomson said.
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