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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

05 Jun 2025

Strengthening connections between industry and Biosecurity New Zealand

Recently KVH travelled to Pukekohe and linked with the Punchbowl team to host a workshop for members of Biosecurity New Zealand (BNZ), to connect, network, and share an understanding of the industry’s infrastructure and past and potential forward impacts of biosecurity responses. The visiting group included principal scientists from New Zealand’s Plant Health and Environmental Laboratory (PHEL) and Incursion Investigation Plant Health teams; BNZ response managers, including members involved in the fruit fly responses earlier this this year and who also played a role through the Psa response; and relationship managers who hold a vital role in fostering ongoing connectivity between BNZ and industry in the readiness and response space. Rob Craig shared the history of Punchbowl and provided an insightful history of kiwifruit industry impacts related to economic and market challenges, and business impacts following the Psa incursion. He noted the heightened industry awareness of the very real implications of a fruit fly incursion, especially for businesses close to ports and airports. Rob also emphasised the willingness to support the industry KiwiNet network which coordinates the deployment of kiwifruit industry personnel into biosecurity responses. KVH highlighted the value, expansion, regionality and seasonality of the kiwifruit industry and reflected on industry’s keen awareness of the potential impacts of our most unwanted pest threats. The unusual symptoms surveillance programme was described and clearly showed the connectivity and support of the PHEL team in this space. Lalith Kumarasinghe, manager of the PHEL lab described the wide-ranging analytical roles of his team which provide ongoing support to New Zealand’s biosecurity processes. The visit wrapped up with a guided tour of the Punchbowl pack-house and cool stores, and an opportunity to get out in the sunshine and under a kiwifruit canopy to hear more about the growing side of our industry. This opportunity for BNZ/ PHEL and the kiwifruit industry/ KVH to connect was considered immensely valuable by all parties. KVH would like to sincerely thank the visitors for taking time away from their busy schedules, and the Punchbowl team for warmly opening their doors to share the industry story.

Read more

05 Jun 2025

Biosecurity top of agribusiness priority list again

In the 2025 Agribusiness Leaders Priority Survey, biosecurity was once again ranked top (for the 16th year in a row) by leaders from across the food and fibre sector, who provided insights into the importance of peacetime planning, and putting the time and effort into regularly using and testing systems before a biosecurity crisis hits so that we can optimise response outcomes. This is a key priority for KVH, and we’ve got another response exercise coming up later in the year that we’ll share in more detail in upcoming Bulletins. The importance of good communication about biosecurity risks and response procedures was another noted insight and point made by leaders. Engagement with growers and those managing orchards is something the KVH team in sharply focused on – we do a huge amount of work in this space already and we’re ramping it up. We’ll be working with growers, post-harvest and orchard management teams (via Zespri and GAP audits, or sometimes directly) to provide everything needed for those managing orchards to meet regulatory requirements under the National Kiwifruit Pathway Management Plan, including having an on-orchard biosecurity plan. As the KPMG report states, “most people (in the sector and beyond) don’t have deep knowledge of biosecurity risks and response procedures” – this makes it critical that as a dedicated biosecurity organisation we provide helpful, concise, timely communication and tools, so people are clear on what they need to do and why. Biosecurity plans can be created online via the KVH website here. View the biosecurity page from the report here, or see the full report on the KPMG website here.

Read more

05 Jun 2025

“It only takes one” goes wider

New Zealand’s border biosecurity campaign is reaching further afield, with targeted ads now running in the UK and soon in the US. The campaign reminds travellers that it only takes one risk item to do serious harm to New Zealand. It aims to get travellers thinking about biosecurity before they even pack – especially high-risk items for our industry like soiled boots, and food. In the UK, digital ads are now playing in the major airports of London, Manchester, and Birmingham, as well as online for people searching for travel to New Zealand. Advertising in the US will begin shortly and the campaign will then expand to China and India. Know someone visiting from overseas or visiting our orchards? KVH also has a specially designed poster for best biosecurity practice and what to expect at border control.

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USE THE WEATHER & DISEASE PORTAL

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