Australia and New Zealand have revised their biosecurity requirements and seasonal measures ahead of the 2020/21 Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs risk season. The regulatory requirements primarily target importers of goods and cover their responsibility to ensure that certain types of cargoes are properly treated and certified prior to arriving in Australia or New Zealand.
Still, as ships infested by stink bugs may be refused entry into the two countries, it is also important that ship operators and their crews are familiar with the BMSB seasonal measures applicable at any given time. Crews must stay vigilant to the presence of BMSB and other exotic insects onboard and report any onboard detections to the relevant quarantine authorities at the ship’s destination.
Like the Asian Gypsy Moth, the BMSB is considered a ‘hitchhiker pest’ that can spread via ships in international trade. BMSB adults seeking shelter from cold weather during winter months tend to find their way into vehicles, machinery, and other types of cargo.
Source: hellenicshippingnews.com
