“The new measure is a response to the increasing number of stink bug detections MPI officers are making at the border in cargo from Italy,” MPI biosecurity and environment manager Paul Hallett said.
“We want to reduce the chance of this nasty bug getting into New Zealand.”
Imported containers from Italy had previously been audited and inspected by biosecurity officers, but did not require treatment unless they carried vehicles or machinery, or there was evidence of contamination.
“Extending the treatment requirement to all shipping containers from Italy will add another layer of biosecurity protection,” Hallett said.
So far this season, MPI officers have intercepted more stink bugs from Italy than any other country (39 out of 80 interceptions). The largest single find involved 118 dead bugs in a container of machinery and parts.
The treatment requirements will last until the end February and will be reviewed prior to the start of next season in September.
Brown marmorated stink bug is a significant agricultural pest and household nuisance in the United States. It has recently established in Italy and appears to be spreading through Europe, causing losses for commercial growers.
