Rethink of biosecurity needed

The revelation that the Psa crisis may have been caused by allowing imports of kiwifruit pollen sends another clear message that our Biosecurity system is substandard, says Labour’s Biosecurity spokesperson Damien OConnor.

“The real danger is that lessons have not been learned and New Zealand is now threatened by the possible importation of the pork disease PRRS and the bee disease European Foulbrood,” Damien O’Connor said.

“Current government proposals to lower the import health standards for raw pork imports and to allow the importation of Australian honey could introduce another two devastating diseases to industries that play a large part in our vital primary sector.

“We must learn from our mistakes, but so far the Minister for Biosecurity refuses to intervene and safeguard our borders from these current biological enemies,” Damien O’Connor said.

“The dairy industry also continues to be exposed to risks from the importation and feeding of Palm Kernal Extract (PKE) while relying on safety assurances from Biosecurity NZ, the same government agency that allowed the importation of high risk Psa kiwifruit pollen.

“There is urgent need for a total review of our Biosecurity risk management before we destroy our primary economy, and the National Government must take responsibility,” Damien OConnor said.