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Media Release |
Thursday 19 December 2002
Rapid Action Necessary to Wipe out "Hot Spots"
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) has confirmed a painted apple moth "hot spot" has been identified following larval finds yesterday in an area around the Auckland suburb of Hobsonville.
"Our response to this type of isolated detection is built into our planning. Tomorrow we will commence an aerial and intensive ground spraying operation commencing tomorrow where the larvae have been found to wipe them out," said Project Director Ian Gear.
MAF's painted apple moth eradication plan anticipates, and provides funding for, the rapid treatment of hot spots outside the current 8,500 hectare painted apple moth zone.
"The key is to have effective monitoring systems in place that alert us to a problem early and provide us with the information we need to develop a well-targeted response. We have an extensive trapping grid for painted apple moths which includes regular screening of more than 1250 traps. This provides us with an early warning system that allows us to refine the areas we target," said Mr Gear.
"We appreciate the significant inconvenience an aerial operation can cause the community. Our experience with the pest tells us aerial treatment is necessary," he said.
A helicopter will begin work within the hot spot area tomorrow. Landowner permission has been sought and given to treat this area. An additional Movement Control Area will be publicly notified, covering adjoining parts of Hobsonville, Greenhithe, Beachaven and the inland area known as Herald Island.
For further information please contact:
Ian Gear, Painted Apple Moth Project Director Phone: 0-4-474 4275 or 0-25-223
1748 Email: geari@maf.govt.nz Web: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pests/painted-apple-moth
