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Situation and Outlook for New Zealand Agriculture and Forestry (August 2008)

8 Biosecurity

Improving post-border interventions

The growth in trade and travel has increased the probability of pests and diseases entering New Zealand and now climate change is extending the range of organisms that pose a biosecurity risk.

The pressure this puts on staff and resources means a better, smarter response system is needed. Recognising this, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand has designed a new way of managing responses to risk organisms that get through the border.

This approach focuses on effective and efficient decision making and ensures sufficient capacity and skills. One of the biggest changes is the move to a single, generic response management approach for all sectors. This replaces the animal, plant, forestry and marine approaches used previously. Both new and existing risk organisms are covered and the response management structure can be scaled up or down, depending on the situation.

Improving interventions at the border

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand is working with other border agencies to manage risks offshore where possible, maximise voluntary compliance with biosecurity requirements, respond quickly to emerging risks and opportunities, and make decisions based on the right information. Project teams involving MAF Biosecurity New Zealand and industry are developing options for future risk management approaches for the sea container and used vehicles pathways, as well as considering the use of appropriate treatments.

Already, visits to inbound vessels are co-ordinated among border agencies so that vessels are met once by “government”, instead of having separate visits for health, customs or biosecurity purposes. The co-location of MAF Biosecurity New Zealand and New Zealand Customs Service officials at a number of sites around the country also provides a “one-stop shop” for people interested in bringing goods into the country. Together with trans-Tasman border agencies, MAF is working with airports and airlines to consider how technology and better integration can streamline the processing of passengers.

Higher volumes of crafts, people and goods entering New Zealand mean we have to have effective measures for preventing the entry of pests and diseases. Controls already in place to reduce the risk of ballast water discharges from ships are being strengthened and now New Zealand is taking a leading role in the development of international measures to minimise the transfer of harmful marine organisms in biofouling. This work is occurring under the regulations of the International Maritime Organization, the United Nations agency responsible for regulating international shipping. Various types of media are being used to educate boat owners and operators about prevention. This includes regular cleaning of hulls and making sure antifouling paint remains in good condition.

Current projects

Animal identification

MAF is involved in the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) project. This aims to provide a single, integrated electronic recording system for all cattle and deer, with the ability to adapt to other species over time.

Having timely and quality information on the current location and movement history of livestock has several advantages. While current systems are adequate, changes are needed to maintain commercial market access opportunities, as trade and consumers demand traceability of animals. It also allows us to better manage a disease outbreak and improves on-farm and processor management.

NAIT is in the latter part of the design phase. A pilot programme running in the Waikato across 15 farms has helped road test the concept. Public consultation will also play a part in shaping NAIT. It’s expected to be used nationwide by 2011.

Tb strategy review

The five-yearly review of the National Bovine Tuberculosis Pest Management Strategy is underway and the Minister of Agriculture will release a new strategy proposal in 2009. Bovine Tb is a production disease of cattle and deer that is not present in some of our export market destinations. The strategy is close to achieving its primary objective of a prevalence of infection of two herds per thousand herds. At this level of infection, most of the market access and on-farm production benefits have been realised. Government and industry (who in partnership fund the strategy) need to now consider what level of insurance they are willing to pay to maintain the gains that have been made. Options for the future management of bovine Tb in New Zealand are being explored.

Equine influenza

The outbreak of Equine Influenza in Australia in August 2007 caused concern for MAF Biosecurity New Zealand and other interest groups. Equine Influenza is a major viral respiratory disease causing serious illness in horses. The disease has a 100 percent infection rate in horse populations that have never been exposed to the virus. New Zealand is one of the few countries in the world that does not have Equine Influenza. If the virus did come here and there was no intervention to stop it spreading, it’s estimated there would be a net cost of some $170 million over the next 10 years in today’s dollars.

Staying free of Equine Influenza has been achieved through effective pre-and post-border interventions, such as halting and inspecting all horses coming into the country and, in the case of an outbreak elsewhere, tracing imported horses from Australia. Working together, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand and the horse industry have devised a comprehensive response plan in case the virus is found here.

Contact for Enquiries

Monitoring and Evaluation
PO Box 2526
Wellington
New Zealand

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