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Unusual symptoms

Unusual symptoms

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Unusual symptoms


When information about unusual symptoms is reported to KVH (by growers, contractors, pack-house staff and others visiting orchards) it is then looked into to be sure that any biosecurity risk is identified, managed and the growers involved are well supported if any further action needs to be taken.

KVH prepares full reports on every investigation which you can read about by clicking on the link below. This information is provided to help growers, and others in the kiwifruit industry, identify similar symptoms they may be seeing on their own properties and to increase general awareness of how growers need to be reporting unusual symptoms that they may be seeing.

Reporting the unusual is a good thing – it shows that as an industry we are all on the lookout and aware of the need to report potential biosecurity threats that could be significant risks to the industry.

Growers, contractors, and anyone else on-orchard are the best people to spot anything unusual early on. If it's a pest or bug you're reporting, catch it if you can and take a photo. If it's a disease symptom on a plant, tree, or vine, take some clear photos but try not to touch it. Remember, the sooner a report is made and looked into, the more we can do to slow the spread and limit impacts.


Stay vigilant, be on the lookout, and report anything you notice to KVH online; on 0800 665 825; or call the Biosecurity New Zealand pest and disease hotline 24/7 on 0800 80 99 66.

You can also make reports online by submitting images to Biosecurity New Zealand here or by using the free Find-A-Pest app here to help ID pests of concern.


detailed reports on unusual symptoms


what happens next

The potential benefit to our industry of making a report cannot be overestimated, and the earlier something is reported the greater chance we have of eradicating it.

Although generic and only slightly different for each report and case, there is a process for what happens next that you can be assured of, and that will always include ongoing support and contact with KVH.

After reporting

Description

Actions I can take to ensure smooth-running

Identification, assessment and response

The suspicious find is identified. In most instances it is found to not be of concern with no further action required, or not new to New Zealand and managed on-orchard.

If the organism is found to be new to New Zealand, Biosecurity New Zealand will undertake an investigation to determine risk of the organism and feasibility of undertaking action. Biosecurity New Zealand will contain the pest/pathogen to understand more about it and the impact it may have.

Biosecurity New Zealand, KVH and any other affected groups then work together to decide whether to formally respond and if so, set goals such as eradication or containment. Sometimes a response then moves into long-term management (as is the case with Psa currently).

Timeframes from notification to a response decision vary. For pests with serious impacts that we know a lot about (like fruit fly) it can be immediate, but for others the investigation may take weeks.

After reporting you need to be prepared to access and provide records and information when requested (traceability information of plant material movements on and off the property is critical for a successful response); follow directions to manage the pest/pathogen; respect confidentiality to avoid unnecessary market reaction.

Effect on OGR

Most reports of unusual symptoms turn out to not be a biosecurity threat and there are no implications for growers. However, if a response is activated and losses are incurred because of response activities, you will be eligible for compensation under the Biosecurity Act (subject to some conditions).


Losses must be verifiable, so good production and business records are essential for compensation claims. Make sure you note where your records can be found in your absence.

Who to talk to

KVH provides regular information advice about managing identified pests/pathogens and how a response is unfolding.

NZKGI provides advice and support information to growers.

Post-harvest operators help with operations and advice.

Ensure you have stored or noted phone numbers and contact details for KVH, NZKGI and your post-harvest operator, and make sure they can be found in your absence.

 

SEEN SOMETHING UNUSUAL?

KVH investigates reports of unusual symptoms to identify and manage any biosecurity risks.

Make A report

LATEST NEWS

23 Sep 2024

Most unwanted time of the year

Exotic fruit flies and the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) are considered two of the biggest biosecurity threats to the kiwifruit industry and from now they are both in their highest-risk period for entry into New Zealand. A quick reminder of the damage these unwanted pests can do and what to look out for: Fruit flies: High likelihood of entry – have crossed our borders many times. Production impacts for a range of horticultural crops but considered low for kiwifruit. Severe market access restrictions, particularly for Queensland Fruit Fly which is not present in most major kiwifruit markets. Highly effective surveillance system with around 8000 traps nationwide. BMSB: Pierces kiwifruit resulting in fruit drop and rot. Fruit loss is typically 5-10% but up to 30% on worst blocks. Extremely difficult to eradicate – early detection is essential. Major nuisance pest overwintering inside homes in huge numbers. High likelihood of entry as a hitchhiker on shipping containers, cars, machinery, and luggage. National surveillance system and kiwifruit industry surveillance system, but this pest is not as strongly attracted to traps, so we also rely on public reporting. Please keep an eye out for this pest especially! For more information on these and other biosecurity threats to the kiwifruit industry, see our Kiwifruit’s Most Unwanted list on the KVH website and contact us on 0800 665 825 if you would like posters or leaflets about these pests sent out to you.

Read more

25 Sep 2024

Save the date: industry response support during emergencies

A reminder to RSVP and join our upcoming industry event showcasing the planning, capability building, and training underway as the industry builds its new Emergency Response Management (ERM) framework. With KVH at the helm, operational capability across the industry is being identified and trained, aimed at ensuring there is expertise ready to jump in, in the event of a significant adverse event that affects vine health on-orchard. Taking place Wednesday 30 October at Club Mount, Mount Maunganui, all are welcome to join our interactive scenario, learning more about how we would all work together to respond to a fictional summer extreme weather event that will take place in Northland. You’ll learn about the response framework and see how the response team works together in their different functions, with the opportunity to provide input into activities. All your questions about who does what, how, when, and why, will all be answered. When: 9.00am - 3.00pm, Wednesday 30 October Where: Club Mount, 45 Kawaka Street, Mount Maunganui RSVP: Online here If you have any questions, please get in touch.

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23 Sep 2024

Why do we have the Kiwifruit Plant Certification Scheme?

The kiwifruit industry has introduced biosecurity controls to reduce the risk of pests and diseases being spread through the movement of nursery plants and shelter plants. The Kiwifruit Plant Certification Scheme (KPCS) is a major component of this and ensures all nurseries selling kiwifruit plants and shelter plants are managing biosecurity risk. The movement of plant material is considered a high-risk pathway for transporting pests and pathogens over long distances. This includes known threats such as Cherry Leaf Roll Virus and Psa, but also other threats that may be present in New Zealand but not yet detected, such as Ceratocystis fimbriata. Without biosecurity controls on internal pathways, a new pest or pathogen is likely to be widespread by the time it is detected and the window for eradication may have been missed. Because of this, all nurseries and growers must meet their biosecurity responsibilities and maintain traceability. What you need to know Growers can grow plants on the property they are to be used on without any KVH controls.Growers can also move plants between KPINs under the same ownership (but only to a maximum of 1000 plants per year). Traceability records must be maintained but there are no registration or certification requirements.If more than 1000 plants per year are moved between a grower’s properties or plants are moved to another grower, then the grower must become a KPCS nursery. Growers purchasing plants must source them from KPCS certified nurseries, you can find a full list of certified nurseries here. Avoid complacency Know your responsibilities. Plan Rule 6: safe movement of nursery plants and shelter belt plants is within the industry Pathway Management Plan to protect individual growers and the industry from unnecessary risk. A breach of this rule is an offence under the Biosecurity Act 1993, and the penalty for this is: (a) in the case of an individual person, a fine not exceeding $5,000;(b) in the case of a corporation, a fine not exceeding $15,000.

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