Veterinary forensics glassy-winged sharpshooter in Cook Islands ...

A PUBLICATION OF MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALANDISSUE 85, 1 August 2008DiagnosticsVeterinary forensicsGlassy-winged sharpshooter in Cook IslandsAnimal welfare disaster management

612 28Biosecurity magazineBiosecurity is published six-weekly byMAF Biosecurity New Zealand, withregular input from the Departmentof Conservation, Ministry of Health,Ministry of Fisheries and regionalcouncils. It is of special interest to allthose with a stake in the protection ofNew Zealand’s economic, environmentaland social assets from the dangers posedby pests and diseases. Animal welfareissues arealso covered. The articles in thismagazine do not necessarily reflectgovernment policy.For enquiries about specific articles, referto the contact listed at the end of eacharticle.General enquiries (e.g. circulationrequests or information aboutMAF Biosecurity New Zealand):Biosecurity Magazine,MAF BiosecurityNew Zealand, PO Box 2526,Pastoral House, 25 The Terrace,Wellington, New Zealand.Phone: 04 894 0100Fax: 04 894 0720Email: biosecurity@maf.govt.nzInternet: www.biosecurity.govt.nzEditorial enquiries:Editor: Phil StewartPhone: 04 384 4688Email: biosecurity@wordpict.co.nzISSN 1174 – 4618MAF Biosecurity New Zealand faxcontacts:Policy and Risk: 04 894 0731Animal Welfare: 04 894 0728Border Standards: 04 894 0733Post Border: 04 894 0736Enforcement and Audit:09 300 1021Investigation and Diagnostic Centres:04 526 5601contentsEDITORIALGood diagnostics demands good science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3FRONTLINE NEWSPlant pest and disease focus for laboratories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Insects working ‘leg-in-hand’ with gardeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Diagnostic training for Fiji Quarantine and Inspection Service . . . . . . . . . . . .6Trade pathway for table grapes from Mexico reinstated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Simulations to improve MAFBNZ capabilities and effectiveness . . . . . . . . . . .9Veterinary forensics a tool in animal cruelty cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Cutting didymo off at the pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Bio-control for glassy-winged sharpshooter in Cook Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Survey uncovers new viruses in New Zealand’s Allium crops . . . . . . . . . . . . .14New Zealander leads international animal welfare efforts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Quality fruit exports ensured through pre-inspection programme . . . . . . .15Lessons learnt from emergency medical evacuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16BIOSECURITY SCIENCEDNA fingerprinting lifted lid on bovine Tb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Marine Invasive Taxonomic Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Learning what ails New Zealand trees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20New ‘Candidatus Liberibacter’ species affecting crops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Remote microscopy connects us to experts through internet . . . . . . . . . . . .22BIOSECURITY SYSTEMSLaboratory accreditation enhances international credibility . . . . . . . . . . . . .24Lincoln diagnostic lab moves to new facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24Animal care: Many benefits from voluntary lab accreditation . . . . . . . . . . . .26BIOSECURITY INTERFACEAnimal welfare disaster management course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27Avian influenza remains in spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Jubilee conference celebrates SPCA’s achievements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29UPDATESImport health standards for consultation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Amended import health standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30Reissued import health standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30NAEAC annual report available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30Codes of ethical conduct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30Codes of welfare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30DIRECTORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | ISSUE 85Cover: Dr Lia Liefting, Scientist, Investigation and Diagnostic Centre, Plant Healthand Environment Laboratory, analyses PCR products during a survey to assess thedistribution of the new liberibacter species in solanaceous crops in New Zealand (seepage 21).

editorialHugh DaviesGood diagnostics demands goodscienceThe Pest Watch tables publishedin every issue of Biosecurityare a tangible reminder of theessential diagnostic work thatunderpins our biosecuritysystem. These summarise thenew organisms identified withinNew Zealand, as well as thediscovery of existing pests onnew hosts or in places wherethey have not been foundbefore.Diagnostics is a rapidly evolving field.It incorporates traditional disciplinessuch as taxonomy, new technologysuch as digital image capture and theinternet to provide access to expertise notavailable within New Zealand, and cuttingedge technologies that use DNA sequencingand polymerase chain reaction (PCR) todetect new organisms (see articles on pages4 and 21).For biosecurity, diagnostics encompassesinvestigation of affected plants and animalsin the field as well as laboratory testing. Itrequires routine testing from surveillancemonitoring, as well as investigationsinto reports of suspicious organisms orsymptoms, from growers, veterinarians,scientists and members of the public.MAF Biosecurity NewZealand’s (MAFBNZ’s)Investigation andDiagnostic Centres(IDC) provide thebackbone of NewZealand’s biosecuritydiagnostic services,including securecontainmentfacilities for both plant and animal pestsand diseases. This network of facilities – at“We must develop standardsand methods that properlysupport our biosecuritydefences.”Tamaki, Wallaceville and Christchurch – iscomplemented by services from Crownresearch institutes, universities, privatediagnostic laboratories, veterinarians andindustry experts.The proliferation of diagnostic services andtechnologies strengthens our ability toapply science to biosecurity – but it mustbe good science.No diagnostic test is 100 percent accurate,either in terms of sensitivity or specificity.It is a fact of life that there will be falsenegatives and false positives. By adheringto international quality standards,validating test results and providingscientifically justifiable interpretations oftest results, we can develop a measuredand appropriate response to what we see.One recent example illustrates the point.An independent organisation sent samplesof livestock ticks to an overseas laboratoryfor testing. The results indicated that theticks were carrying Q fever, a significantexotic disease of livestock never beforedetected in New Zealand. This had seriousimplications. Yet a simple precautionhad been overlooked: no sample hadbeen retained to allow IDC to undertakeadditional testing to validate the overseasresult. An expensive programme of testingsamples collected from animals in the areawhere the ticks came from was thereforerequired. Fortunately, no disease was everdetected and New Zealand’s disease-freestatus was protected, but the experienceshows how important it is to considerwider biosecurity implications whenresearching exoticdiseases.Achieving excellencein diagnostics requiresan investment notonly in technology,but also in peopleand relationships.New Zealand is asmall country withfinite resources, and our access to overseasexpertise is important to us. One exampleof this is a MAFBNZ-led interdepartmentalproject to assess the ability of nativemosquitoes to be vectors for human andanimal diseases. The science for this isbeing carried out in collaboration withcontractors in New York, improving ourlinkages to world-leading expertise.There are plenty of challenges for IDC andour partners. Growing volumes of tourismand trade from increasingly diverse placesare bringing more potential pests anddiseases to our doorstep. Minute organismsare much harder to detect and identify atthe border than minute traces of other riskgoods such as illegal drugs, yet the publicexpectation that we will intercept everyinvader remains high.As with any diagnostic protocol, we mustdevelop standards and methods thatproperly support our biosecurity defences.Our diagnostic work must also enable usto provide valid assurances that will enablesafe trade in plants, animals and theirproducts.In a perfect world, every incursion by a pestor disease would be detected, analysedand reported. While that perfection maynever be reached, we can be confidentthat our diagnostics system is capable ofinvestigating and identifying the samplesthat reach our labs.We depend on all New Zealanders– travellers, growers, importers andexporters and those involved in their owndiagnostic work – to report promptly anysuspicious organism or symptoms theymight encounter. If the find is genuinelynew, it will be added to our Pest Watch list,and we will be that much better equippedto deal with the risk it presents.■■Hugh DaviesDirector, Investigation and Diagnostic Centres,MAFBNZExotic pest and disease hotline: 0800 809 966ISSUE 85 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND |

FRONTLINE NEWSPlant pest and disease focus for laboratoriesThe Investigation and DiagnosticCentres (IDC) are an integralpart of MAF Biosecurity NewZealand (MAFBNZ). IDC’s primaryfunction is to protect NewZealand’s primary production,and the aquatic and terrestrialenvironments by investigatingand diagnosing suspectedincursions of exotic pests anddiseases.The Plant Health and EnvironmentLaboratory (PHEL) has specificresponsibility for identifying andvalidating all suspected new pests anddiseases affecting plants and the terrestrialenvironment. The laboratory is based attwo sites, in Auckland and Christchurch.The Auckland laboratory is located on theUniversity of Auckland’s Tamaki Campus,sharing a building with Landcare Research.In the South Island, our lab is at Lincoln but,during September 2008, this laboratory willmove to a site near Christchurch airport(see article on page 24).PHEL is accredited to ISO 17025 Generalrequirements for the competence of testingand calibration laboratories (see articleon page 24). The laboratory’s specialistfacilities include containment laboratoriesand glasshouses, equipment for molecularand serological procedures, electronand light microscopes, and referencecollections for viruses and arthropods.Fungal and bacterial collections aremaintained as part of Landcare Research’sinternational collection of micro-organismsfrom plants.PHEL employs more than 35 scientists andtechnical staff in three teams:• Entomology• Mycology and Bacteriology• Virology and Post-Entry Quarantine.Expansion of quarantine capabilitiesNew Zealand’s primary industriesdepend on introduced agriculturaland horticultural plants. Allimported plants must meet certainrequirements to ensure that pests anddiseases are not inadvertently introduced.Requirements include inspection, testingor treatment of the plants, prior to export,upon arrival at the border or in post-entryquarantine (PEQ).Most important crops (e.g., applebudwood, potato tissue culture andraspberry canes) must be imported intothe most contained level of PEQ (Level 3).Some private companies have developedLevel 3 PEQ capacity for a few crops suchas avocados, kiwifruit and grapevines.Where these services are not offered byprivate industry, PHEL provides Level 3PEQ space for imported tissue culture ona cost-recovered basis. For example, PHELis currently holding sweet potato plantsin PEQ; this is the first importation of thisspecies for more than 10 years.Plants in Level 3 PEQ must undergo apre-determined testing regime prior toclearance and therefore PEQ facilitiesmust have access to a MAF-approvedlaboratory. There are two privatelaboratories that have approval for alimited range of tests, e.g., for grapevines.PHEL provides a cost-recovered testingservice for all tests required in PEQ, wheresuch services are not offered by privateindustry. In some instances, e.g., recentimportations of kiwifruit, private industrymay do some tests; the remainder aredone by PHEL.■Gerard Clover, Team Manager (Virology and Postentryquarantine), Investigation and DiagnosticCentre, Plant Health and Environment Laboratory,MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, gerard.clover@maf.govt.nzBrian Quinn, Glasshouse Supervisor, inspects biologicalindicators for virussymptoms at the IDC – PHEL greenhouse.Within IDC, PHEL works in closecollaboration with the IncursionInvestigation, and Investigation andLaboratory Support Groups.Laboratory activities1.Diagnosis of pests and diseases in plantsamples collected from:• surveillance programmes, e.g., forfruit flies and pests of honey bees• submissions of suspected exoticpests and diseases from membersof the public, regional councils,crop consultants and the scientificcommunityDr Wellcome Ho, Scientist (Mycology), examining afungal culture isolated from a border specimen. | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | ISSUE 85

1.1.• responses, e.g., red imported fireant, varroa bee mite and mostrecently Candidatus Liberibacter sp.(see article on page 21).These activities are all funded by theNew Zealand government.Testing imported and exported plantsfor freedom from regulated pests anddiseasesSome crop plants require specificpre-determined testing to ensure thatthey are free from damaging pestsand diseases. For plants imported intoNew Zealand, the tests are specifiedin MAF’s import health standards. Thetests are mandatory and must be doneirrespective of whether the plantsappear diseased. PHEL offers thisservice on a cost-recovered basis (seelink at end of article for price list).Diagnosis of pests and diseases onplants and plant products interceptedat the border (e.g., fresh fruit) or inquarantine (e.g., ornamental and cropplants)1.PHEL is responsible for diagnosingthe cause of pest and diseasesymptoms that are observed duringMAF’s inspections of plants andplant products at the border or inquarantine (unlike pre-determinedtests, diagnostic tests are only requiredif symptoms are observed). Diagnostictesting is generally more expensivebecause a broad range of tests isrequired to identify the cause of thesymptoms and more than one pestmay be identified. This service is costrecovered(see link at end of article forprice list).Research and development to underpinincursion response, surveillance andtesting activities:• Test methods for serious pestsand diseases not present in NewZealand, e.g., fruit flies, Plum poxvirus and Pierce’s diseases (Xylellafastidiosa).• Post-entry quarantine (PEQ) testingmanuals (materials and methodsused to test crops for pests anddiseases in PEQ, e.g., kiwifruit,potatoes, and so on).1.Technical advice on biosecurity issues,e.g., MAF standards, test procedures,pest management/eradication,presence of pests and diseases inNew Zealand, risk analysis and pestepidemiologyIf you have found a pest or disease that youthink is a biosecurity risk, call:■■Shaun Bennett, Scientist (Entomology), examiningspecimens for the IDC – PHEL insect collection.0800 809 966Veronica Herrera, Manager, Investigation andDiagnostic Centre, Plant Health and EnvironmentLaboratory, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, veronica.herrera@maf.govt.nzInsects working ‘leg-in-hand’with gardenersThere’s a microscopicbattle raging among thestately lime trees in theworld-renowned gardensat Chateau de Villandry in France’s Loire Valley.The 1,200 lime trees are regularly attacked by a small(0.5 mm) spider mite (Eotetranychus tiliarium). The attacks,which cause the leaves to fall early, are worse when the trees arestressed by moisture deficit in summer.The nine full-time garden managers have unleashed three speciesof predator mites in the lime trees at Villandry, and are hoping thepredators will make themselves at home in their new environment.The same predators are already used as biological control agents inFrance’s vineyards and orchards.This type of integrated pest management requires a cessation ofchemical spraying, in order to let the predator mites do their job.Practices, such as improved irrigation, are also being introduced tohelp the trees better defend themselves against the spider mites.This is not the only kind of biological control being used in France.Parasitic trichograma wasps are used to control corn borer on tensof thousands of hectares of corn crops, and the bacterial biologicalcontrol, Bacillus thurengiensis, is used against leaf-eating caterpillarsand against the pine processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoeapityocampa).■Words and pictures: Phil StewartISSUE 85 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND |

FRONTLINE NEWSWorking together to make a difference at the border:Diagnostic training for Fiji Quarantine and Inspection ServiceFiji relies heavily on itsagricultural exports, particularlyon non-traditional freshproduce such as tropicalfruits, root crops, ginger andvegetables. Export of thesecommodities has been impededby quarantine constraints ofimporting countries, includingNew Zealand and Australia. Atthe same time, Fiji is becomingincreasingly aware of risks to itsown biosecurity from incomingplants and animal products.In response to a request from the FijiMinistry of Agriculture, Sugar and LandResettlement, the New Zealand Agencyfor International Development (NZAID)has approved a three-year assistanceprogramme with the view of tighteningFiji’s border security and quarantineprovisions. This Fiji Quarantine SupportProject is managed by MAF BiosecurityNew Zealand (MAFBNZ).The NZAID programme recognised thatdevelopment of a quarantine arthropodidentification system in Fiji is an importantpart of this quarantine support project. ThePlant Health and Environment Laboratory(PHEL), Investigation and DiagnosticCentre, MAFBNZ, has accepted thechallenge of assisting the Fiji Quarantineand Inspection Service (FQIS) in developinga quarantine arthropod identificationsystem in collaboration with the MAFBNZCargo directorate. To achieve this goal,PHEL developed a pest identificationmanual and organised three weeks ofdiagnostic training programmes for FQIS.Pest identification manualFQIS has had limited access to literature ora reference collection for the identificationof arthropod specimens intercepted atthe border. In order to overcome thishandicap, a pest identification manual hasbeen developed by PHEL for the trainingprogramme. The manual consists of twoparts.Manual 1: Crop-based taxonomic keySimple, easy-to-use, commodity-baseddiagnostic keys were developed tofacilitate quick recognition of commoninvertebrate interceptions. The selectionof organisms was based on past borderinterception data from New Zealand freshproduce imports, and on high-risk pestspotentially associated with each crop asidentified in New Zealand import healthstandards. Since some fresh produceimports into Fiji are similar to our imports– and imports into New Zealand covera range of fresh produce from all overthe world – these manuals help withrecognition of common interceptions onimported produce as well as economicallysignificant pests associated with frequentlyexported Fijian fresh produce.Manual 2: Organism order descriptionParticipants attending one of the presentation sessionsas part of the training programme.This part provides detailed informationon insect, mite and spider orders. Theinformation includes morphologicalcharacters of commonly interceptedfamilies in these orders, with simplefield keys for some major groups. It alsoincludes separate keys to the adult andimmature stages of organisms commonlyencountered at the New Zealand border.The keys can be used for recognition oforganisms not associated with any specificcrop. The manual is a good source ofinformation for keen learners who want totake insect identification a step further.The two parts of the manual, with variouscommodity keys and photographs, areexpected to provide:• basic identification tools forrecognising frequently intercepted andeconomically significant arthropodsassociated with Fijian fresh produceimports, exports and timber products• information for identifyingeconomically significant arthropodspecimens intercepted on containersand used cars• information on processing and curationtechniques for arthropod specimens tobe identified.The manual is expected to assist withrecognition of pests while handlingconsignments, and therefore in decidingon appropriate actions, i.e., to release,fumigate or destroy.Diagnostic training programmefor FQIS | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | ISSUE 85

The second part of the project consists ofthree one-week diagnostic workshops inFiji for FQIS. Ten selected FQIS officers willbe trained as master trainers.The first two workshops, with a focus onborder interceptions, were completed inJune 2008. The third workshop will featurerecognition of common pre-clearancequarantine arthropods associated withFijian agricultural exports.In addition to the pest identificationmanual, other materials were prepared.These included a facilitator guide withlearning activities and resources, a traineework book including assessment sections,PowerPoint presentations and interactivesessions.For FQIS officers dealing with arthropodspecimens intercepted at the border and inFijian export fresh produce, this diagnostictraining programme is expected to:• enhance officers’ understanding of thebasic morphological characters of awide range of arthropod specimens,and their ability to identify thesespecimens to order level using the pestidentification manual• enhance officers’ identification skillsthrough interaction with scientistsfrom PHEL to enable officers to identifyfrequently intercepted arthropodspecimens to family level using thebasic taxonomic keys provided in themanual• enable the officers to learn majoreconomically significant arthropodpests and to recognise these specimenswith the help of the pest identificationmanual• pass on the knowledge, skills andcourse materials necessary to trainother FQIS personnel in identificationof frequently intercepted arthropodspecimens• assist in the development of a referencecollection.Diagnostic workshops in FijiThe Fiji Quarantine Officers embraced thetraining opportunities presented in thefirst two workshops held in June. All tenhad basic qualifications in entomologyand had many years of service in FQIS.The officers worked hard, challenging thefacilitators with questions and keying outas many specimens as possible within theallocated time using the manual. Most ofthem worked extra hours to cover morespecimens. There was good support fortheir efforts from the higher authorities inQuarantine, including the director.The third workshops were scheduled from28 July to 1 August.Benefits of the trainingprogrammePHEL Scientist Dave Voice (seated) explaining specimen curation technique to participants during one of theinteractive sessions.FQIS participants Viliame Nawaidranu and Ana Turaganitabua identifying specimens using PHEL-developed pestidentification manuals during a practical session.The training programme is expected tohelp facilitate both imports and exports ofagricultural produce for Fiji.By being able to recognise the commoninvertebrates associated with exportcommodities and passing this informationto exporters, phytosanitary status ofexports will be improved.In the case of Fijian imports, the trainingwill enhance FQIS decision-makingcapabilities and their handling of high-riskconsignments. If, for example, red importedfire ant is intercepted on a consignment atthe Fiji border, FQIS officers should be ableto recognise the interception, promptlysubmit the specimens to the diagnosticlaboratory for identification and make allnecessary arrangements to eliminate therisk of an incursion.■■Dr Lalith Kumarasinghe, Scientist/CoordinatorBorder Diagnostic Programme, Investigation andDiagnostic Centre, Plant Health and EnvironmentLaboratory, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, lalith.kumarasinghe@maf.govt.nzwww.biosecurity.govt.nz/about-us/structure/phelISSUE 85 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND |

FRONTLINE NEWSTrade pathway for table grapes from Mexico reinstated■ By Sue GouldNew Zealanders take for grantedthat they can buy table grapesall year round. But keepingconsumers supplied withimported grapes at all timesis far from straight forward.One gap in supply occursbetween the Australian andChilean seasons ending and thebeginning of the Californiangrape season. Mexico has beenable to fillthe gap.Although the import health standardfor table grapes from Mexico wasreissued in May 2006, trade hadnot happened for a variety of reasons. SueGould of MAF Biosecurity New Zealand’s(MAFBNZ’s) Cargo Clearance Directoraterecently travelled to Mexico to reinstatethe pre-inspection offshore programme forgrapes from Mexico. She was accompaniedby Mike O’Neil MAFBNZ Team LeaderAuckland Air Cargo and Justin Downs,New Zealand Fresh Produce ImportersAssociation (NZFPIA).After much liaison with Rob Taylor, SeniorAdviser MAFBNZ, working through ourNew Zealand Embassy in Mexico, it wasagreed that the MAFBNZ Cargo ClearanceDirectorate should visit Hermosillo, Mexico,to arrange pre-inspection of table grapesout of Mexico.With diplomatic support from theAmbassador of Mexico, Maria Angelica Arcede Jeannet, and New Zealand Ministry ofForeign Affairs and Trade representativesin both New Zealand and Mexico, wearranged suitable connections withinMexico’s Ministry of Agriculture (SAGARPA)to meet with us in Hermosillo.MAFBNZ last pre-inspected table grapesin Hermosillo, Mexico, in 2000. Since theSeptember 2001 terrorist attacks in theUnited States, increased security at USborder posts has made the logistics of thistrade pathway increasingly difficult.It was proposed by members of theNew Zealand Fresh Produce ImportersAssociation (NZFPIA), who wereinstrumental in facilitating the commercialestablishment of this pathway, thatMAFBNZ should inspect these grapes fromMexico on the US side of the border. Thereare large-scale distribution centres just overthe Mexican border in Nogales, Arizona.After considerable discussion withour counterparts in the United StatesDepartment of Agriculture (USDA), it wasagreed that MAFBNZ Quarantine Inspectorscould inspect these grapes across theborder in Arizona. This was wonderfulnews.The tight security measures out of thegrape-growing region of Hermosillo,Sonora, for the three-hour trip to theNogales border post involved a Mexicanmilitary checkpoint for trucks, thenanother checkpoint near the US borderoperated by US Homeland Security. Atthis checkpoint there was the risk of thewhole consignment being unpacked. Wewitnessed long queues, and at times it cantake two days for a truck to get across theborder. It was a waiting game for the fruitto arrive for our inspection in Nogales.The border crossing from Arizona intoCalifornia also required careful liaison withthe USDA to ensure our container boltseals were not cut in transit to the port forloading out to New Zealand.After a flight from Auckland to Los Angeles,we transferred to an internal flight boundfor ‘frontier country’ in Tucson, Arizona.The next morning we drove down to theNogales border post to meet an industryrepresentative and view the distributioncentres where we could inspect thesegrapes for export back to New Zealand.Having these arrangements in place weheaded back for Tucson. At a US HomelandSecurity checkpoint well inside the border,a zealous border guard slapped the carwindow, ordering our driver to “take yourkeys from the ignition and put them onthe roof”. This was indeed frontier country!After explaining that we had not crossedthe border and that we were New Zealandcitizens we were free to proceed.Continued on page 9Grapes anyone? Marking the establishment of theimport pathway are, from left: Justin Downs, NewZealand Fresh Produce Importers Association (NZFPIA),Sue Gould, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, MariaAngelica Arce de Jeannet, Ambassador of Mexico andKevin Nalder, Chief Executive, NZFPIA. | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | ISSUE 85

Simulations to improve MAFBNZ capabilities and effectiveness:Only teamwork can make a team work!The routine testing of MAFBiosecurity New Zealand’s(MAFBNZ’s) incursion responsecapabilities and its interactionwith other organisations isessential to maintaining aneffective, reliable and trustedbiosecurity structure. Two recentsimulation exercises aimed to dojust that.Over the last two to three years anew biosecurity response modelhas been developed by the SystemsDesign Group within MAFBNZ. The modelwas piloted during real responses andmodified after feedback. It will be used forall future responses.The Post Border Directorate of MAFBNZ hasrecently been involved in two simulationsto test the systems in place, and staffcapability and integration.The first simulation involved an imaginaryincursion in Northland from Australia ofbovine anaplasmosis as well as its vector,the tick Boophilus microplus. This was aninteresting scenario because it involveda simultaneous response to two separatebut interrelated incursion organismsand included a number of technicalissues not usually confronted under localcircumstances. The nature of the diseaseand its vector raised some interestingproblems in control and eradication as theinvestigation and response team planned,developed and implemented the response.Table grapes: continued from page 8The following day we made the threehourtrip south to Hermosillo to meetwith Rene Hernández Ruíz and VictorBeltran of SENASICA, SAGARPA (theMexican counterpart of MAFBNZ). Anotherindustry representative translated for usat our meeting with SENASICA SAGARPAto discuss New Zealand phytosanitaryrequirements.We then travelled out to a large vineyardwhere we were most impressed withthe scale of the operation, which growspredominantly organic produce, and withthe sanitation and quality control measuresin the pack house.As with all such exercises, not everythingwent according to plan. Some tasks tooklonger than expected, but the experienceprovided valuable insights into how toimprove and streamline processes.The second simulation was participation in‘Exercise Resolution’, a much larger crossgovernmentcounter-terrorism exercisethat included a bioterrorism component.The simulation was focused on Police andDefence Force interaction but provideddirect experience for a large number ofMAFBNZ staff in a real-time, whole-ofgovernmentresponse scenario.Staff were involved at national level in theNational Response Centre in Wellington’sBeehive, and at field operations nearHamilton. This gave direct experiencein governmental interaction andcoordination, nationally and locally.The opportunity was also used to testthe coordination of MAFBNZ’s fieldThis is true desert country, complete withthe tall cacti familiar to fans of moviewesterns.In the past weeks, our MAFBNZ QuarantineInspectors have been working out ofNogales, Arizona. We have appreciated thebackground support of Tom Giles of USDAArizona during our inspectors’ stay.It was agreed that any interceptions wecould not identify at the border wouldresult in grapes being rejected for exportto New Zealand. At times, this has resultedin disappointment from industry but somesuperb product has been packed intoshipping containers, bolted by MAFBNZinvestigation, intelligence and responsecapacity within the jurisdiction of anothergovernment agency in the lead role.The professional contacts made withexternal organisations and exposure to theCoordinated Incident Management System(CIMS) standard, and how it interfaces andlinks with the biosecurity response model,will be invaluable when we are faced withthe real thing.The take home message: “Together we CANmake it work!”■Brendan Pollard BVSc, Senior Adviser, AnimalResponse, Post Border Directorate, MAF BiosecurityNew Zealand,brendan.pollard@maf.govt.nzseals and shipped out of Long Beach,California.Grapes from Mexico are now on oursupermarket shelves.■Taking part in the recent simulation are, from left:Chris Morley, Shari Mannan, Mark Dolan (Sysdoc), SamWarburton, Matthew Stone and Naya Brangenberg (allstaff are from MAFBNZ unless otherwise stated).Sue Gould, Team Manager Offshore, CargoClearance, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand,sue.gould@maf.govt.nzISSUE 85 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND |

FRONTLINE NEWSVeterinary forensics a tool in animalcruelty casesProfessionals investigatingcrimes against animals oftenrequire expert assistance.This expertise can come inthe form of alleviating animalsuffering in the field, collectingand processing evidence orproviding expert testimony incourt. This emerging field of‘veterinary forensics’ is givingenforcement authorities anadded tool to successfullyprosecute people who abuse orneglect animals.Dr Melinda Merck, ConsultingForensic Veterinarian for theAmerican SPCA (ASPCA), is currentlyleading the way in veterinary forensics.Dr Merck has been studying andinvestigating animal cruelty cases sincebeginning her career in veterinarymedicine. After graduating with herveterinary degree from Michigan StateUniversity in 1988, she opened The CatClinic of Roswell in June, 1990, in Roswell,Georgia. In addition to private practice, sheworked on cruelty cases with local animalcontrol agencies.Link to human forensicsIn January 2003, after the AnimalProtection Act was passed in Georgia,Dr Merck joined the Georgia LegalProfessionals for Animals (GLPA) as the VicePresident of Veterinary and Forensic Affairs.She began giving seminars on veterinaryforensic investigations to law enforcementpersonnel and veterinarians. To developher expertise in this new field, she workedclosely with medical examiners and studiedhuman forensics textbooks. She now worksfull-time for the ASPCA.In May 2007, Royal New ZealandSPCA National Chief Executive RobynKippenberger attended a workshopentitled ‘Animal CSI’ hosted jointly byRandall Lockwood and Melinda Merck,both representing ASPCA, at the HumaneSociety of the United States (HSUS) PetExpo in Dallas Texas. This experienceprompted her to invite Dr Merck to NewZealand to provide veterinary forensictraining for Royal New Zealand SPCA(SPCA) inspectors.10 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | ISSUE 85In-depth SPCA training workshops wereheld in the North Island in October 2007and in Christchurch in March 2008. At theseworkshops, Dr Merck presented to stafffrom the SPCA, Animal Welfare Institute ofNew Zealand and UNITEC, students, localveterinarians, the New Zealand First Strikenetwork, MAF Animal Welfare inspectorsand other animal welfare professionals.Quality of evidence vitalA key message from the workshops andpresentations was that a more thoroughand systematic approach was needed ininvestigations, not only when collectingevidence at a crime scene, but also whencollating information to bring about aprosecution. It is the quality of evidencepresented to veterinarians by inspectorsand the evidence that a veterinarian canprovide through examination and autopsythat is used to build a picture and establishproof of cruelty or neglect.Animal hoarding, illegal dog fightingoperations and animal torture are justsome examples of animal cruelty cases thatrequire detailed collection and analysis ofevidence. Animal torture (often committedby juveniles) can be a prelude to moreserious violent crimes in adulthood.Dr Merck uses the same forensic methodsemployed by law enforcement agenciesduring human crime scene investigations.Since the New Zealand veterinary forensicsworkshops, two of the RNZSPCA’s mostexperienced inspectors, Jim Boyd andStephanie Saunders, have attendeda conference for forensic animalinvestigations in Florida. Much of theinformation presented was taken straightfrom human forensics, but modified tofit the circumstances of animal crueltyinvestigations. Forensic evidence topicscovered included blood splatter patterns,gunshot wounds, teeth mark patterning,blood and urine staining, insect activityon bodies and DNA profiling. All of theabove are as relevant to animal death orabuse as they are to cases of human abuseor violence. The new skills brought backby the inspectors will be shared with theircolleagues through regular workshops.Dr Merck will continue to advise and assistthe SPCA and has been invited to trainAustralian veterinarians and animal welfareinspectors in 2009.For further information:■■Dr Melinda Merck with her specialist ASPCAforensics vehicle.www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_merckPaula Lemow, Team Support Officer Animal Welfare,paula.lemow@maf.govt.nz

Cutting didymo off at the pass■By Phil StewartA community-led initiative inCanterbury is helping keepdidymo from creeping upstreaminto the pristine waters of theupper Rangitata River.Sally Stevens, who manages WhiteRock Station at Rangitata Gorge withhusband Ross, has garnered supportfrom locals, river users and sponsors toraise awareness of the invasive alga andset up a line of defence to prevent it frombeing spread into the upper river system.The automated wash station at Peel Forest – an important line ofAlong with Crichton and Darlene Purdie ofthe Peel Forest store and motor camp, andneighbour Raewyn Larcombe, Sally hasjoined forces with local landcare and riverprotection groups to publicise the issue. Asmall committee has been communicatingwith recreational river user groups, andworking with the local branch of Fish &Game New Zealand to spread the message.Sally says anglers, kayakers, boaties, rafters,four-wheel-drive enthusiasts, huntersand other river users are being advisedto Check, Clean, Dry and take specialprecautions to ensure they do not transferthe alga upstream. (Didymo has beendetected downstream of Rangitata Gorgeat Clarkes Flat, Arundel Bridge and the rivermouth, and has been found near the PeelForest camping ground.)The Rangitata Gorge has becomean important line of defence in thecommunity campaign, and the communitygroup has secured funding from sponsorsto set up signage and an automatedvehicle wash station at Peel Forest(pictured). Local farmer Craig Feaverprovided $2,000 in sponsorship for themaking of the wash station through hisbusiness, Craig Feaver Deer Scanning. MAFBiosecurity New Zealand, through theDidymo Long-Term Management Group,followed with sponsorship for the signage,the installation of the wash station andongoing supplies of detergent, while thelocal committee has donated countlesshours of time and effort.“Our community is determined to stopdidymo from spreading further,” Sally says.“As at the close of the last fishing season,didymo hadn’t got into the upper river,and we’d like to think our efforts havecontributed to this.”Store owner Crichton Purdie, an engineer,designed the automated wash station,which is located at Peel Forest.Sally says the Rangitata River systemis subject to a number of protectioninitiatives including a wetland scheme anda project to rid the riverbed of broom. “Itwould be shame for all this good work tobe undermined by didymo getting into theupper river.”The secret to the support that has beengained for the project is that it is a localinitiative, Sally believes. “Everyone did theirbit. It got people talking. It’s taken a lot ofwork, but persistence eventually paid off.”■www.biosecurity.govt.nz/didymoSally Stevens (left) and Darlene Purdie with the eye-catching sign at Peel Forest. (Photo: Mike Bradstock)ISSUE 85 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | 11

FRONTLINE NEWSBio-control for glassy-winged sharpshooter in CookIslands■By Disna Gunawardana, 1 Travis Ashcroft, 1 Mark Braithwaite 1 and Maja Poeschko 2In March 2007, glassy-wingedsharpshooter (Homalodiscavitripennis) was discovered inRarotonga, Cook Islands, bythe country’s entomologistDr Maja Poeschko. Since itsdiscovery, about 1.5 km from theInternational Airport, the insecthas spread relatively quickly toadjacent areas. Outside theseareas, however, spread has beenrelatively slow.Adult glassy-winged sharpshooter.Dr Poeschko suspects the pestentered the Cook Islands viaornamentals from Tahiti, whereglassy-winged sharp shooter (GWSS) wasfirst detected in 1999.Vector riskBy itself, GWSS causes little direct economicdamage or plant loss. Its economic andenvironmental importance lies in the factthat it is a vector of the plant pathogenicbacterium, Xylella fastidiosa. Differentstrains ofX. fastidiosa can cause a number of seriousplant diseases, including Pierce’s disease ingrapes, citrus variegated chlorosis in citrusand phoney peach disease in peaches. Allthree diseases are considered economicallysignificant due to the commercialimportance of the crops affected. GWSSis a threat to the New Zealand wine andhorticultural industries due to the insect’sability to spread the bacterium throughoutthese crops.MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ)played an important role in confirmingthe presence of GWSS in Rarotongaand also determining whether or notthe bacterium X. fastidiosa is present inGlassy-winged sharpshooter nymph.(Photo: Disna Gunawardana, 2008.)Rarotonga. Leaf samples and insects weresent to the MAFBNZ Investigation andDiagnostic Centre (IDC) at Tamaki for X.fastidiosa testing. Entomologists DisnaGunawardana and Alan Flynn confirmedthe insect specimens were GWSS and IDCbacteriologist Mark Braithwaite tested theleaf and insect samples for the bacteriumusing a molecular technique (polymerasechain reaction, or PCR). All test results werenegative, indicating that X. fastidiosa is notpresent in Rarotonga.After the GWSS had been identified, anisland-wide delimiting survey using yellowsticky traps was initiated to find out how farthe insect had spread in Rarotonga. Trapswere placed aboutPEOPLEIN BIOSECURITYAlice Ormond joins the MAF Biosecurity NewZealand (MAFBNZ) Border Standards PlantImports and Exports Group as Technical SupportOfficer after temping in the role for three months.Alice graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Sciencein Food Science from the University of Otago. Priorto working at MAFBNZ, Alice was running thefood safety programme for meat processor PPCSLimited(now Silver Fern Farms) in Dunedin.Cathy Dyer has joined the Import StandardsGroup of MAFBNZ’s Border Standards Directorateas a Senior Adviser in Animal Imports. Originallyfrom the United States, she has been a clinicalveterinarian in private practice and a clinicalinstructor at the veterinary teaching hospitalsat Massey University and the University ofCalifornia, Davis. She is currently working onimport health standards for dogs and cats, pigmeat and medical products in the biologicals portfolio.Marguerite Hernandez has moved from theUnited States to join the Animal Imports Teamin MAFBNZ’s Border Standards Directorate asa Senior Adviser. Marguerite received her DVMdegree from Colorado State University and hasextensive experience in veterinary practice(equine, small ruminant and small animal). Priorto her work in veterinary practice, Margueriteobtained MS and PhD degrees in range ecologyand worked as a research scientist for the United States Department ofAgriculture at the Center for Great Plains Ecosystem Research.Stella Veerakone has joined the Virology and Post-Entry QuarantineTeam at the Investigation and Diagnostic Centre– Tamaki as a Senior Technician. She will assistin providing diagnostic testing for viruses,viroids and phytoplasmas in plants collectedduring surveillance and response activities, orintercepted at the border or in quarantine.She has a Masters Degree in Plant Ecologyand Taxonomy and worked as a botanist in SriLanka before moving to New Zealand. Prior tojoining MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, she worked as a research associatein cytology at Bio Discovery NZ Ltd and in forestry genetics at GenesisResearch and Development Ltd. She has also worked for MAF previously,having been employed as a plant virology technician in the 1990s.12 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | ISSUE 85

1 km apart along the main transport routesaround the island. They were inspectedweekly and replaced monthly. Results fromthe survey showed that GWSS populationscovered an area about 6 km long and up to1 km wide. Systemic insecticides were usedto control GWSS at sites that containedhigh numbers of adult insects.Parasitising wasp importedIn October 2007, a tiny (2 mm) wasp,Gonatocerus ashmeadi (Girault)(Hymenoptera: Myrmaridae), whichparasitises GWSS eggs was importedfrom Tahiti and released in Rarotonga byDr Poeschko in the hope that it woulddecrease GWSS numbers. Native to southeasternUnited States and north-easternMexico, the wasp was an effective biocontrolagent for GWSS in French Polynesiawhen it was released in April 2005.The wasp was released at three sites inRarotonga about 1 km apart.Since its release, the wasp has multipliedand spread quickly in areas whereGWSS is present. Monitoring resultsindicate that the GWSS population hassignificantly decreased. Almost all eggs ofGWSS collected from the field had beenparasitised by the wasp. Although the waspwill not eradicate GWSS entirely from theisland, it will keep the population undercontrol.IDC staff visitIn March 2008, Disna Gunawardana andTravis Ashcroft (Incursion Investigator,IDC) visited Rarotonga to learn about fieldaspects of the monitoring programme.Key benefits included the opportunity toobserve GWSS and parasitoid behaviourand life stages in the field, and practicalexperience in implementing inspectionand surveillance techniques. It was alsoencouraging to see the success of the biocontrolprogramme on the island.Dr Poeschko’s efforts in designing andsetting up the monitoring programme andimplementing the bio-control programmeare particularly impressive. The experiencegained from the visit will enhanceMAFBNZ’s ability to respond to possibleGWSS incursions in New Zealand.■Dr Disna Gunawardana, Scientist (Entomology),Investigation and Diagnostic Centre, Plant Healthand Environment Laboratory, MAF Biosecurity NewZealand, phone 09 574 4018, disna.gunawardana@maf.govt.nzOld glassy-winged sharpshooter egg mass withparasitoid’s exit holes. (Photo: Travis Ashcroft, 2008.)Checking a sticky trap in the field.Looking for parasitoids in glassy-winged sharpshooteregg masses collected from the field.1 Investigation and Diagnostic Centre, MAFBiosecurity New Zealand.2 Ministry of Agriculture, Rarotonga, Cook Islands.From left: Maja Poeschko, Disna Gunawardana and Travis Ashcroftlooking for GWSS egg masses in a ‘nono’ (Morinda citrifolia) plantation.ISSUE 85 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | 13

FRONTLINE NEWSSurvey uncovers new viruses in New Zealand’sAllium cropsIn 2007, scientists from the MAF Biosecurity New Zealand(MAFBNZ) Plant Health and Environment Laboratory andCrop and Food Research surveyed New Zealand’s Alliumcrops to determine which viruses are present in the country.The work was well supported by Allium growers in thePukekohe and Marlborough regions. For the survey, plantswere randomly collected across 28 fields including onion,garlic and shallot crops from both regions. The plants weretested for viruses in MAF’s Plant Health and EnvironmentLaboratory.We found that viruses often occurred as mixed infections,and that all crops tested were infected with at least onevirus. During the study, we found three viruses: Garlic virus A(GarVA), Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) and Shallot mite-bornelatent virus (ShMbLV) (synonym Shallot virus X). These havenot been reported in New Zealand previously. ShMbLV wasfound in only one shallot crop in the South Island. GarVAand IYSV were found to be widespread in the Pukekohe andMarlborough regions, although garlic was not found to beinfected with IYSV.IYSV is an emerging virus worldwide and is of concern to NewZealand’s Allium growers. The virus is spread by thrips, andalthough infected crops in New Zealand had a significantamount of thrips damage, there were generally few or nosymptoms of IYSV infection.Virus infection may lead to a decline in yield and qualityin Allium crops, hence the development of high-health orpathogen-tested seed programmes. While many of theseviruses cause few or no obvious symptoms individually,mixed infections may lead to a decline in crop health andyield. The impact of IYSV in New Zealand is, as yet, unclear.To date, we have not seen the scape (flower stalk) collapsereported in Brazil and the United States which can devastatewhite onions and cause crop failure.■Lisa Ward, Scientist, Investigation and Diagnostic Centre, Plant Health andEnvironment Laboratory, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand,lisa.ward@maf.govt.nzSampling a shallot field in Marlborough.Diamond-shaped lesions characteristic of IYSV onthe scape (flower stalk) of an onion plant collectedfrom Marlborough.New Zealander leads international animal welfare effortsfollowing Myanmar disasterWhen Cyclone Nargis slammedinto Myanmar in early May, tensof thousands were killed and thelives of survivors torn apart. Thetoll on animals was also heavy,and in Myanmar, where buffaloand other animals play a keyrole in the rural economy, theselosses have compounded thehuman impact of the storm.Dr Ian Dacre, a former memberof the MAF Biosecurity NewZealand Animal WelfareGroup, is now Disaster ManagementOperations Director, Asia, for the WorldSociety for the Protection of Animals(WSPA), and has been involved inMyanmar in the wake of the disaster.Ian and his team completed afour-day rapid field assessmentin the severely affected areasaround Labutta, one of the eighttownships in the Irrawaddy delta.He reports that the impact of the waveon communities, even four weeksafter the event, was overwhelming.“In the village of Kanyin Kone,1,200 people had died and all 700families there had lost loved ones.Their precious buffalo herd hadbeen reduced from over 2,000 tojust 30. Twenty pigs out of 1,500survived as they had been allowedto graze, mostly free range, around14 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | ISSUE 85

Quality fruit exports ensured through pre-inspectionprogrammeThe pre-clearance to Australiaprogramme for this season’skiwifruit has been given thethumbs up by exporters. Theinitiative is managed on behalfof MAF Biosecurity New Zealand(MAFBNZ), by state-ownedenterprise, AsureQuality.The programme has played animportant role in this year’skiwifruit packing season,and the exporters involved say itis saving time and money at theAustralian border.“It is imperative that all partiesare looked after fairly,” saysAsureQuality’s National FieldOperations Manager, PaulAlexander.“The ultimate result is that theexport path for around 50 millionlocally grown kiwifruit appearingin Australian markets has beeneased by pre-clearance inspection.“The programme gives exporterspeace of mind that fruit that hasalready been certified pest and diseasefree in New Zealand by an independentMAFBNZ-approved verification agency, hasundergone further inspection and ‘arrival’clearance by an Australian QuarantineInspector in New Zealand. This means thatfruit arrives across the Tasman in perfectcondition and without delays.“The pre-clearance programme minimisespotential for damage to fruit throughinspections at the Australian border,eliminates the delays of failed inspectionsoffshore and maintains cool chainrequirements,” says Mr Alexander.Tony Ponder, Managing Director ofexporter Southern Produce estimatesFrom left: Tony Ponder, Southern Produce, AsureQuality Bay of Plenty Field ManagerDavid Cant and Australian Quarantine Inspector Peter Carman inspecting kiwifruit underthe MAF Biosecurity New Zealand pre-clearance programme. ■that the pre-clearance saves the industryaround $1.5 million per year.“From an exporter’s point of view, this givesstructure and surety that once the productarrives in Australia, it’s ready to go,” he says.Around 20 Australian Quarantine andExport Inspectors visit New Zealandover the season to inspect pallets of fruitdestined for supermarkets and produceoutlets across the Tasman. They are lookingfor pests or diseases that are listed as ofquarantine concern to Australia.Supported by major produce exporters andAustralian authorities, MAFBNZ has beenrunning the pre-inspection for around 20years, initially with kiwifruitbut now also for avocados,persimmons, Summerfruit,blueberries and other fruits.“From a cost perspective,the process makes goodbusiness sense. For MAFBNZ,it ensures the reputation ofNew Zealand exports, whilefulfilling all export-relatedbiosecurity requirements,” saysAsureQuality’s Paul Alexander.“It allows growers to maximisefarm gate returns and keepsupply chain costs as lowas possible while providingAustralian consumers with asuperior product in minimaltime.”www.biosecurity.govt.nz/commercialexports/plant-exports/introduction-toexport-of-plants-and-plant-productsthe village. No poultry survived atall. This sad picture is representativeof the whole of the severely affectedareas in the Irrawaddy delta.”While there was plenty of foodfor the few remaining buffalo,cattle, goats and pigs – the heavymonsoon having cleaned salt andpollutants from the grass – that grassalone was not enough to providedraught animals with the necessarystrength to plough the all-importantrice paddy fields, Ian reports.“There are significant companionanimal issues, in particularemergency first aid requirements,treatment for septicaemia andconcerns about the transmissionof zoonoses including rabies.”WSPA is working in partnership witha number of other animal welfareorganisations. Contributions fromWhile out in the field in Myanmar assessing animalwelfare needs, Ian Dacre treats a lame buffalo whichhad received a heavy blow during the cyclone.Humane Society International(HSI), International Fund for AnimalWelfare (IFAW), RSPCA and ThePegasus Foundation have been spenton emergency feed and essentialveterinary medical supplies. Planswere being finalised for highly trainedfield veterinarians to be stationed ateach of the four emergency animalhealth centres planned for each ofthe four sectors of the most severelyaffected area of the Irrawaddy delta.ISSUE 85 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | 15

FRONTLINE NEWSLessons learnt from emergency medical evacuationInspection area within the Timor Lodge compound on the outskirts of Dili.Seed of the invasive Siamweed (Chromolaena odorata)is one of the most carefullychecked-for items on theclothing and equipment ofNew Zealand troops returningfrom duty in Timor Leste (EastTimor). But that wasn’t allNew Zealand personnel hadto think about when MAFBiosecurity New Zealand’s(MAFBNZ’s) Quarantine Officerswere carrying out inspectionsduring the most recent troopdeployment.Every six months, MAF BiosecurityNew Zealand (MAFBNZ) QuarantineInspectors travel to Timor Lestewith New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)personnel to pre-inspect the returningtroops’ gear. This involves long hours inextreme temperatures, going througheach person’s kit. MAFBNZ has concernsabout the Siam weed being introduced toNew Zealand, hence the rigorous offshoreinspection. The weed seed ‘travels’ likebarley grass does in clothing.Siam weed grows into an invasive vine,especially in the tropics. Allergy-pronepeople may experience skin complaintsand asthma. The young regrowth of thisplant contains high nitrate levels, knownto cause cattle deaths and abortions intropical countries when animals have eatencontaminated feed.During the most recent troop deploymentin May, MAFBNZ was fortunate to havetwo Customs Officers to assist with ourinspections after a Quarantine Inspectorrequired emergency medical evacuationfrom Dili to Darwin. The officer hadreported chest symptoms suggestive of aheart episode. Following a chest x-ray andtreatment with blood thinners and oxygenat the Australian Aspen hospital, Dili, theNZDF immediately activated casualtyevacuation (CASEVAC) by the Lear jetambulance back to Darwin.The drama was heightened somewhatwhen the emergency aircraft arrived andhad to circle for about 45 minutes whiledamaged landing lights were replacedwith temporary lights. The patient wastransferred to the Royal Darwin Hospitalcoronary care unit and tests carried outbefore he was given medical clearance tofly. He is now in good health.MAFBNZ’s offshore team has since metwith Major Jon Martin, HeadquartersJoint Forces New Zealand, to discusslessons learned from the evacuation. Inthe wake of this incident, we are buildinga strong structure for the deploymentand repatriation of MAFBNZ QuarantineInspectors deployed overseas.Each year, MAFBNZ Quarantine Inspectorstravel all round the world on variouspre-inspection contracts. When travellingoffshore, an insurance card may notbe enough to activate an aeromedicalevacuation or medical repatriation, andwe are fortunate in this case to have had afavourable outcome.MAFBNZ sincerely thanks the NZDFpersonnel involved with this evacuationand the Customs Service for helping out onthis occasion.■Siam weed seeds.(Photo:Jaimie Baird,MAFBNZ, Nelson.)Sue Gould, Team Manager Offshore, CargoClearance, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand,sue.gould@maf.govt.nz16 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | ISSUE 85

BIOSECURITY SCIENCEDNAfingerprintinglifted lid onbovine TbUnderstanding the major rolethat wildlife plays as a reservoirof infection has been crucial forthe development of an effectivecontrol scheme for bovinetuberculosis in New Zealand.DNA fingerprinting of bovinetuberculosis organisms providescrucial information on theimportance of wildlife, especiallypossums, as a source of infectionfor cattle and farmed deer.In the 1980s, Dr Des Collins fromAgResearch, National Centre forBiosecurity and Infectious Disease,Wallaceville, developed a DNA typingmethod for Mycobacterium bovis, thecause of bovine tuberculosis. At that time,DNA typing was in its infancy, especially forbacterial pathogens.The procedure that Dr Collins developed,Restriction Endonuclease Analysis(REA), had a number of key steps thatincluded the isolation of high-qualityDNA, selection of the most appropriaterestriction enzymes for digesting theDNA into fragments, and optimising theconditions for separating the fragments byelectrophoresis.In retrospect, REA succeeded because itrevealed enough variation in differentstrains of M. bovis to yield valuableinformation on the epidemiology of bovinetuberculosis in New Zealand. Other DNAtyping systems for M. bovis developedmore recently and used overseas showedless variation and had more limited valueas epidemiological tools.Wildlife Tb link confirmedOne of the first studies using REAdemonstrated that the isolates of M. bovisfound in wildlife and domestic animalsliving in the same area had the same DNAtypes. This finding provided confirmationthat in New Zealand there was a cycle ofinfection between wildlife and cattle andfarmed deer. However, REA findings did notreveal the direction of spread of infectionbetween wildlife and domestic animals.There was an early recognition that the fullvalue of REA was achieved when the DNAtyping results were used in conjunctionwith other epidemiological information.The strongest evidence for the central roleof the possum as a reservoir of infection forcattle and farmed deer was that permanenteradication of bovine tuberculosis indomestic animals was only achievedfollowing reduction of infected possumpopulations by trapping and poisoning.An important early finding of REA wasthat nearly all the different REA types of M.bovis isolated from wildlife had restrictedgeographical ranges. Consequently,knowledge of the DNA type of an isolateof M. bovis from cattle and farmed deercan provide valuable information as to thepossible source of infection. This can revealwhether or not infection in cattle or farmeddeer is due to exposure to local wildlife,or whether the animal has brought theinfection into an area through transport ofstock.Routine tool in bovine TbprogrammeREA typing has been used for many yearsby the Animal Health Board as a routinetool in its bovine tuberculosis controlprogramme. Over 3,000 isolates ofM. bovis from domestic animals andwildlife have been analysed andcharacterised into over 300 DNA types.These results form the basis of a valuabledatabase of REA types that is used forcomparative purposes for all new REAanalyses.While REA is a valuable tool for the bovinetuberculosis programme in New Zealand,Dr Des Collins and Dr Marian Price-Carter comparethe old and new typing methods for strains ofMycobacterium bovis, the bacterium that causes bovineTb.the procedure does have limitations,especially the long time required to carryout the assays and the need to analysecomplex DNA patterns on gels by eye.Faster, more robust test indevelopmentThe DNA sequencing of the M. bovisgenome has led to the development ofa new generation of typing procedures.The Animal Health Board has contractedDr Collins and Dr Marian Price-Carter todevelop a new typing system for NewZealand M. bovis strains which utilisesthe new sequence information. The newmethod is based largely on short repetitiveDNA sequences located at different sitesin the M. bovis genome. These repetitivesequences, sometimes called variablenumber tandem repeats, can be analysedthrough the use of the polymerase chainreaction and gel separation. While thisapproach does not have the extremediscriminating ability of REA, it is faster andmore robust. The challenge Drs Collins andPrice-Carter have is to ensure that whenthe new typing method is completed, it willhave sufficient discrimination to producethe quality of information required for thecontinued control of bovine tuberculosis inNew Zealand.■GW de Lisle, National Centre for Biosecurity andInfectious Disease, Wallaceville,geoffrey.delisle@agresearch.co.nzISSUE 85 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | 17

BIOSECURITY SCIENCEMarine Invasive TaxonomicService■By Brendan Gould, Senior Adviser Surveillance, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand and DrShane T Ahyong, Research Scientist, NIWA WellingtonAt more that 4.4 million square kilometres andabout 14 times the size of our land area, NewZealand’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is theworld’s sixth largest. Our EEZ extends from thesubtropics through to the subantarctics, andencompasses a broad range of ecosystems andhabitats from the intertidal zones down throughto abyssal depths.Our marine biodiversity heavily outweighs that of theterrestrial environment. As much as 80 percent of ourknown species are in the marine environment and newmarine species are discovered on a regular basis.Marine biosecurity identification challengesThe nature of the marine environment and its high biodiversitymakes managing marine biosecurity risks challenging. One suchchallenge relates to a fundamental component of any biosecuritysystem: the ability to obtain accurate and timely identifications ofsuspect organisms.In addition to physical challenges from the environment are thoseof expertise, namely access to qualified marine taxonomists. Thisexpertise is spread across a range of public and private agenciesand institutions throughout New Zealand, and there is currently arapid ‘retirement’ in marine taxonomy in New Zealand.In the past, there have been arrangements to supply taxonomicidentification for marine biosecurity purposes but these havelargely been ad hoc and subject to the availability of specialistexpertise, if any. Organism identification for particular researchprojects was largely left to the respective research providers toresource.With the rapid development of marine biosecurity managementand the resulting increased awareness of the risks associated withthe introduction of non-indigenous marine organisms, came agrowing need for organism identification. More reports were beingreceived, with more samples being submitted for investigation.The increasing number of operational and scientific activities, suchas baseline port surveys, targeted surveillance programmes andFigure 1: Cumulative number of species identified by MITS from December 2005 toJune 2008 (series 1 = total species; series 2 = alien species)Serena Cox, NIWA.biofouling research, also generate significant amounts of materialrequiring identification.It became apparent that the ad hoc arrangements of the pastwere insufficient to meet the demands of the biosecurity system.What was required was a facility that maintained access to experttaxonomists (both within New Zealand and internationally) anddelivered consistent, timely and accurate identification andreporting services while also facilitating and maintaining highsample throughput, tracking of both samples and data andmaintaining the chain of custody for evidential purposes.The Marine Invasive Taxonomic ServiceDr Shane Ahyong, NIWA.MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) and the National Instituteof Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) explored options fora taxonomic identification service, or taxonomic clearing house,specifically for marine biosecurity purposes. The Marine InvasiveTaxonomic Service (MITS) was developed as a result.MITS is funded by MAFBNZ and delivered by, and based at, NIWAin Wellington. Operational for just over 2½ years, MITS offersa centralised identification service for marine samples fromMAFBNZ’s marine biosecurity programmes. These include portsurveys, vessel biofouling, surveillance and samples intercepted atthe ‘border’ by MAFBNZ Quarantine Officers or found by membersof the public.MITS is served by two full-time staff (Shane Ahyong and SerenaCox) with some part-time technical assistance. It has formalprocesses to handle identification of samples, from receipt throughto final curation. A key component of MITS operations is thecollection database, using ‘Specify’, a platform developed by theUniversity of Kansas for handling specimen-based data. All samplerecords and movements are tracked through the MITS database.Most samples are received as large consignments collected byscheduled surveys of ports or other localities. The order of prioritygiven to these consignments generally follows the date of receipt.Samples suspected by MAFBNZ to contain potential invasivespecies are given urgent priority, however.On receipt, all samples are inventoried and assigned a uniqueMITS accession number. This number remains with the samplethroughout identification, and is the tracking reference. Samplesare then sent to the relevant taxonomic experts who provideauthoritative identifications. In some cases, parataxonomists areemployed, but we generally select research taxonomists who haveexperience with the world fauna and flora of their specialty groups..To detect invasive species, knowledge of the marine organismsbeyond our shores is obviously important. Moreover, we mustbe able to distinguish between exotic species and rare orundescribed native species. Active research taxonomists, thosewho generate the taxonomic knowledge, are generally in the best18 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | ISSUE 85

Sea squirt (Styela clava) fromViaduct Basin pontoon, Auckland.(Photo: Mike Page, NIWA.)position to make thesedeterminations.When identificationsare completed, the MITSdatabase records areupdated. Data is thencollated and submittedto MAFBNZ or therelevant parties. Identifiedspecimens are re-labelledand maintained in thebiosecurity collectionalongside the NIWAinvertebrate collections.Although identificationsare permanently stored inthe MITS database, maintenance of actualspecimens is also critical, because theyserve as a reference collection and provideverifiable evidence of species present.Exotic species from around theworldNon-native species identified by MITScome from all around the world. Many ofthe specimens found on vessel hulls comefrom far afield, including the Persian Gulf,California and the Caribbean. Non-nativespecies from port surveys generallyoriginate from the Australasian region.New species identified for the first timefrom New Zealand waters are reportedpromptly to MAFBNZ via the exotic pestand disease hotline: 0800 80 99 66.Two recent examples of invasive speciesidentified by MITS from New Zealandwaters are the South African brown mussel (Perna perna) andMediterranean fan worm (Sabella spallanzanii). Both are knowninvasives elsewhere in the world, and can do significant harm bysmothering native species. The Mediterranean fan worm, detectedin Lyttelton harbour by the recently commenced MAFBNZsurveillance programme, was identified by a NIWA specialist,Mediterranean fan worm (Sabella spallanzanii)from Lyttelton. (Photo: Geoff Read, NIWA.)Giant barnacle (Austromegabalanus psittacus) fromidentify, even for the experts. In thesecases, MITS can call on additional moleculartools, such as DNA sequencing, to assistidentification. P. perna was one such case inwhich both morphological and molecularidentification tools were used.In the 2½ years of MITS operation, sampleshave been received from 18 ports, more than370 vessels and numerous other sources.So far, almost 25,000 samples have beenidentified, comprising almost 1,200 species,of which at least 200 are non-indigenous.Many different phyla are contained in thesamples, but the largest components arecrustaceans (31 percent), molluscs (17percent), polychaetes (12 percent), algae (10percent) and bryozoans (eight percent).The usefulness of the data collected by MITS extends beyondjust invasive species – the large total number of species recordedfrom around the country also paints an important picture of thedistribution of many native marine species. Such information couldcontribute to our overall understanding of New Zealand’s marinebiodiversity.The main challenges faced by MITS are taxonomic. The highvolume of samples requiring identification places a heavy load onidentifiers. Although MITS employs both local and internationaltaxonomic expertise, the overall pool of expert taxonomists islimited. New Zealand is not alone in facing this shortage, whichhighlights the need for more research taxonomists. For biosecurity,accurate species identifications based on the most up-to-dateknowledge is critical.■■Australian native ascidian, or type of sea squirt (Eudistomaelongatum) from Northland.(Photo: Brendan Gould, MAFBNZ.)Brendan Gould, Senior Adviser Surveillance, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, phone04 894 0548 or 029 894 0548, brendan.gould@maf.govt.nzDr Shane T Ahyong, Marine Biodiversity and Biosecurity, National Institute of Waterand Atmospheric Research, Wellington, phone 04 386 0470, s.ahyong@niwa.co.nzallowing MAFBNZ to rapidly implementa response. P. perna was detected inlate 2007 and early 2008 from an oildrilling platform originally moored offthe Taranaki coast and brought intoTasman Bay.South African brown mussel(Perna perna) from Tasman Bay.(Photo: Andrew Hosie, NIWA.)Whereas most species can be identified by detailed morphologicalexamination by taxonomists, some species can be difficult toISSUE 85 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | 19

BIOSECURITY SCIENCEDiagnostics and detective work:Learning what ails New Zealand treesWhen a tree starts to looksick, the cause of its illnesscan often be elusive. Forscientists at the Forest HealthReference Laboratory at Scion,the diagnosis of tree diseasesinvolves a mixture of detectivework, DNA and a vast amount ofinstitutional knowledge.Rust spores like these are relatively easy to identify.Scion pathologist, Margaret Dick, leadsan enthusiastic team at the Crownresearch institute in Rotorua whowork on the diagnosis of tree diseases.Every year, they see hundreds of samplesof tree diseases and disorders that showup in forests, parks or gardens around thecountry.Margaret says most samples are sent infrom forest surveillance officers workingfor the New Zealand Forest Owners’Association in plantation forests orinspectors working for MAF BiosecurityNew Zealand (MAFBNZ) in high-risk areas,such as ports, devanning sites or industrialareas where imported goods are unloaded.They submit anything suspicious theynotice on woody material to Scion.“Once we receive a sample, if there is noobvious cause of the condition, we preparethe material and place it onto a culturemedium to see what will grow. Then wemust identify any organisms from theculture, try to separate those that mightbe capable of causing disease from thosethat are secondary invaders, and diagnosewhat is actually causing the symptoms inthe tree. Obtaining just one organism fromdiseased tissue is a rare occurrence. Evenhealthy plant material may contain benignresident fungi, whereas once tissue startsto die it will often be colonised by a suiteof organisms that specialise in breakdownand decay.”Finding the primary culpritDiagnosis is a specialised task that drawson a number of technologies combinedwith many years of experience. Margaretexplains that the process of isolatingthe primary offender can be extremelycomplicated.“Even healthy-looking tissue can containendophytes that live in the plant withoutcausing harm. These can proliferate on aculture and swamp out the slow-growingpathogens that are the actual culprit.”Identification can sometimes be helpedby extracting DNA from pure culturesof the fungi and applying moleculartechniques to get a positive match ofthe suspect organism with informationlodged in international databases. Forthis to be successful, there must alreadybe information deposited, and this is notalways the case.The old tried and true methods, considereda relic by some, have to be used. Mostidentifications are still made usingmicroscopic scrutiny. Scientists often relyon comparing the suspect with knownpathogens, and this is where Scion’s largecollections and databases come into play.Their mycological herbarium alonecontains over 4,000 specimens focusingon tree pathogens, wood decay fungi, andmycorrhizal fungi. There are also about3,000 living cultures of fungi stored inrefrigerators. This large collection includesNew Zealand holdings that date from 1919,and also European specimens dating backto 1889.“Our collections are very valuableresources. These provide us with a visualreference that is much more accurate thana photograph.”Margaret says some pathogens are easyto identify. Rusts, for example, are hostspecificand have distinctive spores, so ifthey show up on a sick tree, the cause ofthe illness is glaringly obvious.Norfolk pine mystery“Other culprits can be much more evasive.One disease that continues to mystifyus is the dieback of Norfolk pine in NewZealand. Since this problem was firstreported in 1996, we have not been able todetermine what is causing it.”Scion diagnostic scientists Margaret Dick (pathologist)and John Bain (entomologist) undertaking field work.20 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | ISSUE 85

New ‘Candidatus Liberibacter’ speciesinfecting solanaceous cropsNorfolk pine dieback: the cause remains a mystery.Pathologists have isolated a mixture oforganisms associated with the diseaseincluding a species of Fusarium. Thisgenus contains a number of serious plantpathogens, so this is an obvious suspect.But no match for this particular organismcan be found in any database in the world.With no other reports of similar dieback inNorfolk pines occurring in other countries,pathologists have reached a dead end.All they can do is keep the case open andhope that some other evidence emerges tohelp them identify the culprit.In a different case, another Fusarium wasfound wreaking havoc on Chinese silktrees, commonly planted as street treesin Auckland. In this instance, a positivediagnosis was achieved.“Once we know what we are dealing with,strategies can be worked out for managingthe problem,” Margaret says.From material collected during MAFBNZ’shigh-risk site surveillance programme,Scion’s Forest Health Reference Laboratoryhas made nearly 1,200 identifications overthe past two years. Of those, 105 were newhost or location records and included twonew-to-New Zealand fungi.While only a fraction of these organismswill ever create a problem, this informationadds to the large body of knowledgethat underpins New Zealand’s biosecuritysystem.■www.scionresearch.com/In May 2007, scientists from MAF Biosecurity New Zealand’s Plant Health andEnvironment Laboratory (PHEL) identified a new liberibacter species in tomato andcapsicum. This discovery stemmed from an investigation into the aetiology of a diseasethat was causing losses of up to $1 million in glasshouse tomato and capsicum crops.Tests for pathogenic fungi, culturable bacteria, viruses, viroids and phytoplasmas were allnegative. The first breakthrough came when PHEL contracted HortResearch to examinethin sections of infected plant tissue using a transmission electron microscope. In this way,scientist Paul Sutherland was able to observe phloem-limited bacterium-like organisms(BLOs) in diseased plants. Only a small number of BLOs have been characterised at themolecular level and none had previously been reported in tomato or capsicum.The PHEL amplified the 16S rRNA gene of the BLO using a combination of universal andspecific prokaryote PCR primers. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNAgene, as well as two additional genome fragments, revealed that the bacterium is amember of the genus ‘Candidatus Liberibacter’ but is distinct from previously describedspecies. This is the first report of a liberibacter naturally infecting a host outside theRutaceae family.A specific PCR method has been developed for the detection of this new liberibacterspecies. Using this test, the liberibacter was detected in the possible psyllid vector,Bactericera cockerelli, and in two more solanaceous hosts, potato and tamarillo. This PCRwas used in a surveillance programme to determine the distribution of the liberibacter inNew Zealand and will be a valuable tool in ongoing research on this new organism.For further information about ‘Candidatus Liberibacter’ sp:■■www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pests/survmgmt/resp/tom-cap-bacteriumSymptoms of liberibacter infection in tomato include general leafDr Lia Liefting, Scientist, Investigation and Diagnostic Centre, Plant Health and Environment Laboratory, MAFBiosecurity New Zealand, lia.liefting@maf.govt.nzISSUE 85 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | 21

BIOSECURITY SCIENCERemote microscopy connects us toexperts through internetPressure on our diagnosticservices is growing. MAFBiosecurity New Zealand(MAFBNZ) Plant Health andEnvironment Laboratory(PHEL) is deploying newcommunications and imagecapturing technology toconnect us with the expertisewe need for rapid identificationof suspect organisms.Specimens from an increasing range oftaxonomic orders and geographicaldistributions are being handled byPHEL. The border interception diagnosticprogramme, validation of export preclearancespecimens, high-impact pestsurveys, post-border detections andincursion responses are all importantprogrammes that rely on accurate, timelydiagnoses and play a vital role in thebiosecurity of New Zealand.New Zealand has limited taxonomicexpertise, and verification by overseasexperts is often needed to ensure accurateidentifications. Biological specimensneeding external validation are mailed totaxonomic experts for determination. Thisis time consuming, and any delays canhave significant impacts on New Zealand’sbiosecurity.The internet provides an essential linkacross the sciences, and the emergenceof remote, real-time diagnostics has thepotential to fundamentally change theway taxonomists interact with users oftheir services. Electronic digital/videocameras, capturing high-quality imagesof diagnostic features and symptoms ofpests and diseases, and real-time capabilityenable rapid identifications.Link with Australian expertisePHEL has established a simple remotemicroscopy system in collaboration withthe Australian National Insect Collection(ANIC) and Cooperative Research Centre(CRC), Australia. The aim of the web-basedsystem is to bring taxonomic expertise tothe specimen rather than the specimento the expert, thus saving time, effort andmoney. The system enables rapid deliveryof new information – crucial to biosecurityresponse efforts.Scientists can use the virtual environmentto interact directly with experts to comparespecimens with voucher specimens andimage databases, and to run the charactersthrough digital diagnostic keys. The webbasedsystem allows close collaborationwith researchers anywhere in the world,while presenting new opportunities foreducation and training.Basic components and functionsMicroscopes – stereo and compoundThis system is about examining biologicalspecimens, and an appropriate opticalsystem is essential. Requirements vary withthe type of specimen involved. Typicalinsects will require stereomicroscopes withmagnifications between 10x – 100x, whilesmaller invertebrates will require compoundmicroscopes with magnifications between6TH NEW ZEALAND BIOSECURITY SUMMITNew Technologies &Approaches to Biosecurity> New technologies & approaches to biosecurity – Aninternational perspective> New technology providing a faster, safer supplychain> From innovation to operation – taking newtechnology from the laboratory to the supply chain> New ways to detect and control pests and diseases4-5 November 2008Christchurch Convention Centre, Christchurchwww.biosecurity.govt.nzNEW ZEALAND. IT’S OURPLACE TO PROTECT.22 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | ISSUE 85

PEOPLEIN BIOSECURITYAnimal Welfare Group appointments50x – 1000x. The camera is attached to the microscope through amicroscope-specific c-mount.Web-enabled digital cameraThis is the heart of the system. The digital camera capturesspecimen images and the web transfers them to those providingidentifications. Ideally, these images should be high qualityand shown in real time with minimal delays when changingthe specimen position or entire specimens. The PHEL remotemicroscope system uses a Nikon Digital Sight system with a 5megapixel camera head. It uses a DS-L2 camera controller andDS-Fi1 camera head. When properly installed, any user with webaccess can view the image visible through a microscope or otherlens system to which the camera is connected.Internet connection with web server accessThe camera contains a web server which supports a small websitethat provides access to the camera. Not only can the image beingproduced by the camera be seen remotely, but the camera canbe remotely controlled. Remote users can select image size, setexposure times and white balance, and capture images, alongwith a range of other options. While moderately sophisticated,the system is straight forward and easy to use, requiring minimaltraining.Standard voice telephoneWhile identification is being undertaken, the parties involved mustcommunicate to discuss the specimen in hand. A standard voicetelephone is used with the PHEL remote microscopy system.The way forward for real-time remote microscopyThe future scope of remote microscopy includes sharing images,drawings and annotations, verbal discussion, notes, identificationkeys, comparison of specimens and training programmes on keypests for frontline biosecurity staff. PHEL is working with MAFBNZCargo Clearance on a pilot trial to explore using this technology inthe identification of intercepted border specimens.PHEL is also working with AgResearch, Crop and Food and LincolnUniversity to improve the capability of remote microscopytechniques to meet future challenges.■■Dr Lalith Kumarasinghe, Scientist/Coordinator Border Diagnostic Programme,Investigation and Diagnostic Centre, Plant Health and Environment Laboratory,MAF Biosecurity New Zealand,lalith.kumarasinghe@maf.govt.nzwww.biosecurity.govt.nz/about-us/structure/phelLinda Carsons has been appointed to theposition of Principal Adviser, in recognitionof the particular experience, expertise anddomestic and international networks shehas developed relating to the scientificand regulatory aspects of the use of liveanimals in research, testing and teaching.This appointment will enable Linda to alsocontinue coaching and mentoring activities, akey element of the Principal Adviser role.Joanna Tuckwell has been appointed tothe position of Senior Policy Adviser, inrecognition of the wide-ranging experienceand expertise she has developed sincejoining MAF in 2003 and the critical role thatshe plays in supporting the work of the twoministerial advisory committees, NAWACand NAEAC.Ross Farnell has joined the MAF Biosecurity New Zealand Offshoreteam as the Offshore Coordinator and willbe working with Sue Gould, Team ManagerOffshore.Ross joins this team with a wealth ofexperience. He worked as a QuarantineInspector at Wellington for many years,most of this time as a shipping officer on thewaterfront. Monthly Newsletter – Ports NewsHe also covered a number of offshore deployments, June including 2008 preclearanceof machinery in Sri Lanka and military and cruise vesselclearances.Ross has worked on numerous projects, including the containerprogramme, vehicles database and PDAs for used vehicle inspections.His latest accomplishment For any is enquiries the Offshore this newsletter Website contact : on the MAF Intranet.Just anotherday at theofficeEditor : Gary HigginsRussian Tank in PortEmail: Higginsg@MAF.govt.nzMAFBNZ QuarantineInspectors at the Port ofAuckland found this T55Russian tank, importedon the vessel Trinidad, tobe heavily contaminatedwith leaves and soil.Large amounts of spiderlive spiders were located.webbing were also seen but no live spiders were found.A T55 Russian Tank imported on the vessel “Trinidad” was found to be heavilycontaminated with leaves and soil. Large amounts of spider webbing were also seen but noThe Vehicle was decontaminated at the on-wharf TPIS facility. Requiring a steam cleanAfter decontamination external at the wash and on-wharf interior vacuum. facility by way of a steamclean, external wash and Thanks interior to Jeff O’Neil vacuum, for the photographs. the tankwas cleared.ISSUE 85 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | 23

BIOSECURITY SYSTEMSLaboratory accreditation enhances internationalcredibilityThe Plant Health andEnvironment Laboratory (PHEL)supports MAF BiosecurityNew Zealand’s (MAFBNZ’s)activities by identifying and/orvalidating all suspected exotic,new and emerging pests anddiseases affecting plants andthe environment. The credibilityof test results is critical to ourlaboratory since significantbiosecurity decisions such as theinitiation of incursion responsesor the treatment, destructionor reshipment of consignmentsat the border are based onour identifications. One of theways of ensuring the credibilityof results in a laboratoryenvironment is to demonstratetheir consistent quality.In 2007, PHEL obtained accreditation toISO 17025 General requirements for thecompetence of testing and calibrationlaboratories (www.ianz.govt.nz). Thisaccreditation formally recognises that PHELmeets internationally accepted standardsof quality, performance, technical expertiseand competence. It gives an additionallevel of assurance to our clients of theperformance, competency and quality ofour results.In recent years, there has been a pushinternationally for plant diagnosticlaboratories to become accredited to ISO17025. Many veterinary laboratories arealready accredited. For example, MAFBNZ’sAnimal Health Laboratory, in Wallaceville,was accredited in 2000 for a range ofmicrobiological and serological tests.providing identifications of new organismswhich support MAFBNZ’s functions to beISO 17025 accredited.In this country, International AccreditationNew Zealand (IANZ) is the accreditationbody of the Testing Laboratory RegistrationCouncil, an autonomous Crown entityestablished by the Testing LaboratoryRegistration Council Act 1972. IANZ hasdeveloped criteria for different fields oftesting, e.g., biological and chemical,which elaborate on the requirements ofISO 17025. Specific criteria are read inconjunction with ISO 17025 and provideextra detail and information. PHEL used thespecific criteria for biological testing.The scope of PHEL’s accreditation coverstests (e.g., PCR, RT-PCR or ELISA) forbacteria, phytoplasmas and viruses, andmorphological identifications of fungiand invertebrates. Non-accredited ELISAand PCR tests conducted at PHEL followthe same quality requirements andmethodology as the accredited tests.Currently, PHEL has 14 signatories tocover the scope of accreditation. Thesesignatories are referred to as key technicalpersons (KTPs) in the IANZ accreditationprogramme.Accreditation has yielded many benefitsfor PHEL, including improved effectivenessand productivity of testing and increasedcredibility of test results nationally andinternationally. Staff are proud of theachievement of accreditation. Advantagesinclude having documented systems inplace for testing, recording, traceabilityand training new staff. It also provides staffwith an easy system for improvement andchange (e.g., raising quality improvements,continuous monitoring through internalaudits and document review).Issues and challengesTwo key challenges identified by IANZ forany laboratory working towards ISO 17025accreditation are proficiency testing andtraceability.Proficiency testing is an essential andeffective means of assessing a laboratory’sability to competently perform tests,identifications or measurements. It is acontinuous assessment by an external thirdparty of technical competence to perform aparticular test or identification. Proficiencytesting schemes are firmly established forhuman and animal health laboratories inNew Zealand and other parts of the world(e.g., Australian National Quality AssuranceProgram) but until recently there were noformal proficiency testing schemes forplant health laboratories.FAPAS ® (Food Analysis PerformanceAssessment Scheme, www.fapas.com)launched the first of its proficiency testingprogrammes for plant health in 2005. Inthe absence of formal proficiency testingschemes, and in order to satisfy ISO17025, PHEL has established local planthealth schemes with various laboratoriesin Australia and Canada, e.g., informallaboratory-to-laboratory arrangements.Accreditation mandatoryThe challenge of pursuing ISO 17025accreditation for PHEL emerged in late2003, when a review of the MAF Standardfor Plant Pest Diagnostic Laboratories andOperators made ISO 17025 accreditation amandatory requirement for approval. Therevised standard requires all laboratoriesDelegates testing the concepts of repeatability and reproducibility at the method validation practical session of theEPPO Workshop on Quality Assurance, Denmark.24 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | ISSUE 85

Internal proficiency programmes have alsobeen developed to verify staff competence.A laboratory also needs to ensure thereis traceability of samples from specimenreception through to reporting. PHEL hasfound that it is important to have a goodlaboratory information system/databasefor data capture, reporting and reissuingreports. Traceability also covers reagents(e.g., recording batch numbers of reagents),equipment (e.g., calibration recordsavailable and traceable back to standardreference points) and reference material.Once accreditation has been obtainedit needs to be maintained. Compliancerequires sustained effort by bothmanagement and technical staff alike.Quality improvements are ongoing, e.g.,refining standard operating procedures(SOPs) to ensure they are in line with recentscientific advances.European quality assuranceworkshopBrett Alexander, Team Manager (Mycologyand Bacteriology) at PHEL, Auckland,attended the European and MediterraneanPlant Protection Organisation (EPPO)MAF’s Christchurch staff arelooking forward to a moreuser-friendly environment, withmodernised space and betterlighting in their refurbishedfacility near the airport at14 Sir William Pickering Drive.All MAF positions in Christchurch havebeen consolidated at this one site.AsureQuality has vacated space inthe building, which will now be occupiedby staff from MAF Policy, MAF BiosecurityNew Zealand (MAFBNZ) QuarantineInspectors, the MAF Indigenous ForestryUnit and parts of the Investigation andDiagnostic Centre (IDC) formerly located atLincoln.The move for the IDC staff, scheduled fornext month, comes after more than 35years’ operation at Lincoln. The main IDCPlant Health and Environment Laboratoryin Auckland will continue to operate fromTamaki as it has done for the last few years.The relocation to the new facility at SirWilliam Pickering Drive will enable IDC tocontinue to provide credible diagnosticlaboratory and incursion investigationservices that comply with standards andinternational best practice. Analysis ofWorkshop on Quality Assurance held inHolte, Denmark in December 2007. Thiswas the first official EPPO workshop onquality assurance and was jointly organisedwith the Danish Plant Directorate. Theworkshop included general presentationson the existing standards on qualityassurance for laboratories as well aspresentations showing experiences withthe implementation of quality assurance inplant health laboratories, EPPO initiativeson quality assurance, proficiency testingand objective evidence of competence.Brett provided a New Zealand perspectiveon accreditation of plant diagnosticlaboratories. Delegates were impressedby the simplicity and practical nature ofPHEL’s approach to accreditation. Thesecond part of the workshop consisted ofpractical sessions on method validationand preparation of reference materials,how to write quality assurance documents,metrology and how to conduct an internalaudit.In the last five to 10 years, 19 out of 109labs in the European Union have becomeaccredited to ISO 17025 and many morehave started down the accreditationpath. It is important that laboratoriesfunctions delivered by IDC – Lincoln hadindicated that the existing functionscould be delivered from the Tamaki andWallaceville sites except for South Islandentomology border diagnostics.The changes will involve the relocationof incursion investigators, entomologistsand support staff to the site at Sir WilliamPickering Drive, co-located with the otherMAF groups.Three Lincoln pathologist positions werere-located to Tamaki from 1 July 2008. Thecurrent staff have chosen not to relocateto Auckland and three new staff havebeen recruited from overseas to fill thesepositions. A Lincoln entomologist positionhas been disestablished and a new seniorentomology technician position has beenappointed at Tamaki.MAFBNZ would like to thank and farewellMark Braithwaite (30 years of service),Stojan Ganev (20 years) and Judith Pay(four years). They each have made valuabletake advantage of the expertise that hasbeen developed to date since it mayavoid duplication of effort and preventlaboratories from repeating the samemistakes. Quality assurance providesmany opportunities for collaboration, e.g.,sharing of SOPs and diagnostic protocolsand establishing proficiency testingprogrammes with other laboratories. Areaswhere PHEL plans to investigate furtherinclude the possibility of a flexible scopefor our PCR test method and using FAPAS ®for external proficiency testing.contributions in the areas of mycology andbacteriology.The three-stage refurbishment beganin January this year. The final part ofthe project is for the laboratory toaccommodate the IDC – Lincoln activitiesremaining in Christchurch.The refurbishment was a majorundertaking, with walls removed,repositioned or replaced with glass to givean open plan environment. The buildingis being completely repainted inside andout and has new floor coverings. Otherimprovements include designated roomsfor training, more meeting rooms andlockers for staff.■Dr Brett Alexander, Team Manager (Mycology andBacteria) Investigation and Diagnostic Centre,Plant Health and Environment Laboratory, MAFBiosecurity New Zealand, brett.alexander@maf.govt.nzLincoln diagnostic lab moves to new facility■The refurbished offices at Christchurch provide a userfriendly,open-plan environment for MAF staff.Veronica Herrera, Manager Investigation andDiagnostic Centre, Plant Health and EnvironmentLaboratory, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, veronica.herrera@maf.govt.nzISSUE 85 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | 25

BIOSECURITY SYSTEMSAnimal care:Many benefits from voluntary lab accreditationINTERFACEAnimal welfaredisaster managementcourseThe Association for Assessmentand Accreditation of LaboratoryAnimal Care (AAALACInternational) is a voluntaryaccrediting organisationthat enhances the qualityof research, teaching andtesting by promoting humane,responsible animal care and use.Established in 1965, this non-profit,non-governmental organisationprovides advice and independentassessments to participating institutionsand accredits those that meet or exceedapplicable standards. There are currentlymore than 750 accredited units in 29countries.In a recent visit to New Zealand, DrKathryn Bayne, AAALAC International’sGlobal Director and Director of Pacific RimActivities, met researchers and scientistsaround the country to discuss AAALACInternational accreditation.AAALAC International is not a regulatorybody and does not establish standardsor policies for institutions to follow.Instead, AAALAC works with institutionsand researchers through voluntaryaccreditation, in which researchprogrammes must demonstrate they meetapplicable local and national regulationsand are going the ‘extra step’ to achieveexcellence in animal care and use. One ofthe documents AAALAC relies on duringaccreditation is the Guide for the Careand Use of Laboratory Animals (NationalResearch Council 1996).There is no single path to achieving aquality animal care and use programme.Performance standards define an outcomein detail and provide criteria for assessingthat outcome, but do not dictate how thatoutcome is achieved.Scientists are familiar with, and respect,the confidential peer review involved inthe accreditation process. Peer reviewhelps assess the quality of all aspects ofan institute’s animal research programme,including animal husbandry, veterinarycare, institutional policies and the facilitieswhere animals are housed and used.Because good science demands qualityanimal care, the evaluation not onlypromotes the well-being of laboratoryanimals, it helps validate the results ofresearch using animals.Before any site visit, an applicationform must be submitted along witha programme description to AAALACInternational. After these are reviewed bythe AAALAC office, an on-site evaluation(site visit) is scheduled. Evaluation teamsare led by a former member of AAALAC’sCouncil on Accreditation – individualswho are expert in the fields of veterinarymedicine, laboratory animal science oranimal research and are committed tohumane animal care and use in science.The site visit team conducts acomprehensive peer review and providesguidance on improvements. The sitevisit includes a detailed review of theprogramme description, a facility walkthroughand meetings with animal careand research staff, representatives fromoversight committees and the institution’schief executive or equivalent. The resultsof the site visit are presented to theCouncil on Accreditation for discussionand determination of the institution’saccreditation status.To maintain accreditation, an institutionmust submit an annual report whichnotes any changes or additions to theirprogrammes and must undergo an on-siteevaluation every three years.AAALAC accreditation:• symbolises quality• promotes scientific validity• is a recruiting tool• demonstrates accountability• provides a confidential peer review• is recognised by funding sources• shows real commitment to humaneanimal care.For further information on AAALACInternational:■■From left: Vicki Melville (Intervet/Schering-PloughAnimal Health), Rob Hazelwood (Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health) and Kathryn Bayne, GlobalDirector and Director of Pacific Rim Activities, AAALACInternational.www.aaalac.orgPaula Lemow, Team Support Officer Animal Welfare,paula.lemow@maf.govt.nzMAF Biosecurity New Zealand(MAFBNZ), the Society forPrevention of Cruelty to Animals(SPCA), and the New ZealandFire Service sent representativesto the World Society for theProtection of Animals (WSPA)Animal Welfare DisasterManagement Course, held inCosta Rica during 7–13 April2008.WSPA is internationally recognisedas the leader in management ofanimal welfare during naturaldisasters. This course was the first timethat WSPA had invited non-WSPA staff toparticipate. MAFBNZ was keen to take upthis opportunity to learn from the ‘best inthe business’, and see what it could applyto New Zealand’s civil defence system.(See also article about WSPA response toCyclone Nargis on page 14 of this issue.)There were 21 delegates from ninecountries. About 60 percent were newstaff from WSPA, with the rest representinga broad range of government andnon-government organisations with aresponsibility for animal welfare, e.g., theUK’s RSPCA. The course aimed to providean overview of best-practice animalwelfare techniques to be utilised in variouscategories of natural disasters such asfloods or volcanic eruptions. The coursewas based in two locations, with a mixtureof classroom and outdoor practical work.The first five days were spent mostly in thelecture hall, where a series of presentationscovered:• principles and epidemiology ofdisasters• disaster assessment• disaster response• health, safety and personal securityCourse participants. (Photo: WSPA.)26 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | ISSUE 85

(Left) Mustering the cattle. (Above right) The simulation site.(Below right) Roger Poland (in white shirt) with Disaster Assessment Response Teams and ‘patient’. (Photos: WSPA.)awareness• animal evacuation, mobile veterinaryclinics and temporary animal shelters• rescue principles in varyingenvironments and conditions.WSPA also conducted several fielddemonstrations of animal rescuetechniques during these first five days.These included the rescue of a cow(simulated by a large empty fuel drumpainted black and white) trapped in aravine, as well as various aspects of waterrescue (using the same ‘cow’) at a lake nearthe lecture hall.The last two days of the course were spenton a comprehensive field simulationof a volcanic eruption. To assist in thesimulation, WSPA obtained the servicesof about 25 eager third-year veterinarystudent volunteers from the localveterinary school, members of the CostaRican Civil Defence Team and the use of alocal cattle ranch.Participants were divided into four DisasterAssessment Response Teams (DARTs).Each DART was joined by five veterinarystudents, who were there to assist withthe many tasks the simulation entailed.The first task faced by each DART was toassess the impact of the eruption, and todevelop a plan to manage it. This includeddeveloping a list of physical, financial andhuman resources they required, a budgetand obtaining the various permits requiredfrom local authorities to work in thedisaster zone.Then it was time for the DART teamsto roll up their sleeves and get into thesimulation. Each team was required to:• muster a herd of cattle from the‘eruption zone’ paddocks into a cattleyard• record the eartags of the cattlemustered, for eventual return totheir proper owner, and identify any‘treatments’ they required• organise and administer ‘treatments’for small animals injured during theeruption, at a temporary veterinaryclinic• organise and manage a temporaryshelter for lost and abandoned smallanimals.To make the experience more realistic, livecattle were used for the large animal part ofthe exercise. The course participants wereassisted by the owner of the cattle andhis ranch staff in order to ensure that thewelfare of the cattle and safety of the teamswas observed at all times. The ‘treatments’given to the cattle were mock.For the temporary veterinary clinicand animal shelter, the structures andequipment used were real, but stuffeddogs (i.e., soft toys) were used for welfareand safety reasons. Each dog had a placardaround its neck that described its injuries,and was presented to the DART membersby veterinary students portraying eitherthe owner of the dog, or someone who hadfound the dog abandoned.The simulation went well, and was mademore exciting by various ‘inserts’ – randomoccurrences that could happen in a realevent, such as failure of the radio sets or ateam member breaking their leg.After the simulation, all the DARTsreconvened for a debrief to discuss thechallenges and lessons learned from thescenario. Then it was time for the courseto conclude, and the participants to returnhome after an intense seven days.Besides the ongoing benefits that will bederived from the network of relationshipsdeveloped during the course, there wasinformation presented that will be usefulfor New Zealand’s civil defence networkand Rural Support Trusts. The MAFBNZ andSPCA course participants are also membersof the National Animal Welfare EmergencyManagement (NAWEM) Group. They willbe reporting back to NAWEM at its nextquarterly meeting the lessons learned fromthe course, and NAWEM will develop plansto transfer this information to regional civildefence groups and Rural Support Trusts assoon as possible.■Roger Poland, Senior Adviser, Animal Welfare, roger.poland@maf.govt.nzISSUE 85 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | 27

INTERFACE13th International Congress onInfectious Diseases:Avian influenza remains inspotlightDiagnostic technology was a key theme at the13th International Congress on Infectious Diseases(ICID) organised by the International Society forInfectious Diseases (ISID) in collaboration withthe Malaysian Society of Infectious Diseases andChemotherapy and the Malaysian Ministry ofHealth.The congress was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,on 19–22 June 2008.The venue was the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC),in a tropical setting at the foot of the famous Petronas ‘twin’towers. The congress included plenary lectures, satellitesymposia and exhibitions as well as oral and poster contributionsfrom leading scientists and decision makers from both the humanand animal health sectors. There was general agreement thathuman and animal health specialists need to work together toensure the early detection and effective control of emerging andre-emerging zoonotic diseases, many of which have a wildlifereservoir.There were nine New Zealanders and over 70 from Australia amongthe more than 3,000 attendees, most of whom represented medicallaboratories, academic institutes and public health facilities.Key speakers, such as Dr J Lubroth (Food and AgricultureOrganisation), emphasised the need for veterinary and publichealth agencies to worktogether to ensure theearly detection andcontrol of avian influenza.Dr N Shindo (WorldHealth Organization)reminded delegates thatavian influenza remains apriority for internationalagencies and regionalhealth staff throughoutAsia and other parts ofthe world.There were a number ofcommercial exhibitionsfeaturing new diagnostickits for the detection ofDengue fever, respiratoryviruses (includinginfluenza A and B)and multiplex systemsfor enteric viruses.Diagnostic methods alsofeatured in a significantpercentage of the 800Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur.posters. These were presented over four days in 32 separatesessions.Sessions of particular interest included:• epidemiology of viral infections• emerging zoonoses and infections in animals• animal models, pathogenesis of infectious diseases and hostdefences• vectors, control and epidemiology• emerging infections• epidemiology of bacterial infections• viral diagnostics• mycoses• parasitology• new approaches to bacterial and fungal diagnostics• mycobacterial pathogenesis, immunology and vaccines.Dr Susan Cork from the Investigation and Diagnostic Centre,Wallaceville, presented a poster outlining the current testdevelopment and surveillance initiatives underway at the AnimalHealth Laboratory. With a growing international focus onemerging diseases that might impact on human health, there isa recognition that we need to gain more understanding of theecology of diseases such as avian influenza, paramyxoviruses andviral vector-borne diseases (e.g., Ross River Virus, West Nile Virus).Many zoonotic diseases have a wildlife reservoir with severalsignificant diseases occurring in a range of avian species.A key message from several presenters was the need to developthe right tools to facilitate gathering baseline data so that wecan better understand the ecology of disease-causing agentsand their likely interaction with current and potential hosts. Theimportance of animal reservoirs (e.g., fruit bats – see photo) in theinitiation and dissemination of significant zoonotic diseases wasagain emphasised in a central plenary lecture presented by Dr DHeymann (World Health Organization).The next ICID congress will be held in Miami, Florida in March 2010.In the interim, the ICID will be organising an international meetingon emerging diseases and surveillance in Vienna, Austria (13–16February 2009). This will be hosted by ProMed, the EuropeanCentre for Disease Prevention and Control, the OIE, the EuropeanCommission and the Wildlife Conservation Society.■Animals such as fruit bats can be an important reservoir ofinfection for zoonotic diseases.Dr Susan Cork, Team Manager, Virology, Animal Health, MAF Biosecurity NewZealand Investigation and Diagnostic Centre, Wallaceville,susan.cork@maf.govt.nz18.001: Test Development and Surveillance Initiatives for Emerging Diseases inNew Zealand. Cork, S C, Wang, J, Dymond, M, Clough, R, Orr, D, Gunn, W, Jenner, J,Desai, U, Stanislawek, W, Dellow, L, Chadwick, M, Mackereth, G (2008) Investigationand Diagnostic Centre, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Wallaceville, UpperHutt, New Zealand.28 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | ISSUE 85

Jubilee conference celebrates SPCA’s achievementsThis year’s national conferencewas a special one for theRoyal New Zealand Society forthe Prevention of Cruelty toAnimals (SPCA). The JubileeConference, held in Aucklandin May, celebrated the 75thanniversary of the SPCA nationalbody. Members of MAF’s AnimalWelfare and EnforcementDirectorates were fortunate tohave the opportunity to attend.The SPCA national body is thecentre of a network of 48 branchesand member societies, someconsiderably older than 75 years – forexample, Canterbury branch (1872), OtagoSPCA (1882), Auckland SPCA (1883) andWellington SPCA (1885).The SPCA makes a vital contribution toraising public awareness and improvingstandards of animal care in New Zealand.This includes rescuing and caring forunwanted and sick animals and carryingout relevant educational initiatives. Inaddition, the SPCA’s inspectors shareresponsibility, with MAF and the Police,for enforcing the Animal Welfare Act 1999,New Zealand’s principal animal welfarelegislation. This partnership arrangementplays an important part in maintainingNew Zealand’s international animal welfarereputation.Last year, for example, the SPCA receivedand investigated about 11,000 complaintsconcerning mistreatment of animals. Fromthis, 198 court charges were laid against 84defendants. One hundred and thirty sevenconvictions resulted, with several casesadjourned for hearing at later dates.Link to MAF acknowledgedThe Minister of Agriculture, Hon JimAnderton, opened the 75th JubileeConference, acknowledging theachievements of the SPCA’s animalwelfare inspectorate and its strong,close relationship with MAF. A highlightof the conference was the Minister’sannouncement of a one-off grant of$300,000, to assist the SPCA in respondingto farm animal welfare cases as a resultof this year’s drought (see Biosecurity84:15). MAF has also received additionalfunding for responding to drought-relatedincidents.Key speakers at the conference includedPhilip Lymbery, Chief Executive of theUK-based non-governmental organisation,Compassion in World Farming. Mr Lymberyprovided an update on the global Handlewith Care campaign to replace thelong-distance transportation of animalsfor slaughter with a chilled and frozencarcass-only trade. He also described theinitiatives of multinational companies suchas McDonald’s, Unilever, Starbucks andGoogle, to phase out the use of eggs fromcaged hens in their products and corporatecatering.International role for SPCAPresidentA memorandum of understanding wassigned at the conference between theSPCA and Compassion in World Farming,and the SPCA’s National President,Peter Mason, was appointed a memberof Compassion’s newly establishedInternational Advisory Council. Mr Lymberyalso met with officials at MAF in Wellingtonthe following week.Other events associated with theconference included a ‘President’sSymposium’ at Auckland SPCA, duringwhich six international speakers discussedwhy animal welfare matters to them, anda magical gala dinner at St Matthews-inthe-City(church), venue for the annual‘Animal Blessing’ ceremony. The evening’sentertainment included a performanceby young New Zealand soprano,Elizabeth Marvelly, and the presentationof SPCA medals recognising the specialcontributions of six long-serving staff andvolunteers.A copy of the Minister’s conference speechis available on request from MAF or fromthe Minister’s office.■Joanna Tuckwell, Senior Policy Adviser AnimalWelfare, joanna.tuckwell@maf.govt.nzUPDATESImport health standards for consultationSalmonids for human consumption from specified countries■■As part of the consultative process in the development of the import healthstandard for the importation into New Zealand of salmonids for humanconsumption from specified countries, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ)has distributed the following draft document(s) for public consultation andcomment:• Draft import health standard for salmonids for human consumption fromspecified countries.• Additional background information: Review of zoosanitary requirements forimport into New Zealand of salmonids for human consumption from specifiedcountries in relation to potential import from Chile.We have amended the current import health standard to include Chile, based onthe additional background information.Submissions on these draft documents should be forwarded to MAFBNZ byclose of business on 13 August 2008. Depending on the results of consultation,it is anticipated that the new requirements will be in as soon as possible afterconsultation. MAFBNZ encourages respondents to forward comments by email to:animalimports@maf.govt.nzShould you wish to forward submissions in writing, please send them to:Animal Imports, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, PO Box 2526, Wellington, NewZealand, fax 04 894 0662■The draft documents are available on the MAFBNZ website at:www.biosecurity.govt.nz/biosec/consult/fissalic.speShelf-stable petfoods containing animal products■■The entire standard has been reworked. Important changes to note are:• Sections about categories of petfoods and the treatment options availablehave been changed to better reflect the risk from the country, for example, therestrictions on petfood from Australia have been limited to petfood containinghoney and avian products.• The requirement for canning or retorting has been expanded to: retorted orheated to an equivalent time or temperature as specified by the standard, withthe declaration to be endorsed by a government official.• A note has been added that petfoods consisting of marine fish do not requireadditional certification.As part of the consultation process for this standard, MAFBNZ has distributed adraft document for public consultation and comment. It is available at:www.biosecurity.govt.nz/biosec/consult/petfodic.allSubmissions on this draft document should be forwarded to MAFBNZ by closeof business on 8 August 2008. Depending on the results of consultation, it isanticipated that the new requirements will be in as soonas possible after consultation. MAFBNZ encourages respondents to forwardcomments by email to:james.kemp@maf.govt.nzISSUE 85 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | 29

UPDATES■Should you wish to forward submissions in writing, please send them to:James Kemp, Animal Imports, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, PO Box 2526,Wellington, New Zealand, phone 04 894 0526, fax 04 894 0662Frozen boneless sheep meat for human consumption■■■The scope of the import health standard was initially for frozen lamb flaps from theUnited States, but this has been widened to include all frozen and boneless sheepmeat from the United States.The standard is based on the Risk analysis for meat and meat products: a review ofthe risks to animal health and the current import health standard for frozen inediblesheep/goat by-products for further processing from Canada and the United States.Three pathogens of consequence were identified: foot and mouth disease, rinderpestand scrapie. The nature of the product and the certification required mitigate the riskof importing infected product.As part of the consultation process for this standard, MAFBNZ has distributed a draftdocument for public consultation and comment. It is available at:www.biosecurity.govt.nz/biosec/consult/meaflapic.usaSubmissions on this draft document should be forwarded to MAFBNZ by close ofbusiness on 8 August 2008. Depending on the results of consultation, it is anticipatedthat the new requirements will be in as soon as possible after consultation. MAFBNZencourages respondents to forward comments by email to:james.kemp@maf.govt.nzShould you wish to forward submissions in writing, please send them to:James Kemp, Animal Imports, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, PO Box 2526,Wellington, New Zealand, phone 04 894 0526, fax: 04 894 0662Amended import health standardPig meat for human consumption from the European Community■■This amendment includes changes to update the list of European Union memberstates, updates definitions and, most critically, updates the relevant Council Directivesand regulations that are now in effect in the European Community.This standard is now dated 30 May 2008 and replaces that dated 13 October 2004.www.biosecurity.govt.nz/ihs/meaporic.eecAnimal Imports, Biosecurity New Zealand, PO Box 2526, Wellington,phone 04 894 0459, fax 04 894 0662, animalimports@maf.govt.nzReissued import health standardSpecific pathogen-free chicken eggs■■The import health standard for the importation of specific pathogen-free chicken(Gallus gallus) eggs for laboratory use into New Zealand from Australia has beenreissued for trade. Clause 13.5 of the standard has been modified to allow for theofficial government veterinary to verify seals prior to export.This standard is dated 27 June 2008 and replaces the previous version dated 4October 2005.To view the standard:www.biosecurity.govt.nz/ihs/birspfic.ausAnimal Imports, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, PO Box 2526, Wellington, phone 04894 0459, fax 04 894 0662, animalimports@maf.govt.nzNAEAC annual report available■■The 2007 annual report of the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC)was published recently.To download a copy of the report, go to:www.biosecurity.govt.nz/animal-welfare/pubs/annual-reportsor contact:Kirsty Grant, Executive Coordinator Animal Welfare, phone 04 894 0366,fax 04 894 0747, animalwelfare@maf.govt.nzCodes of ethical conduct – approvals, notifications andrevocations since the last issue of BiosecurityAll organisations involved in the use of live animals for research, testing or teachingare required to adhere to an approved code of ethical conduct.Codes of ethical conduct approved:• Lincoln UniversityTransfers of codes of ethical conduct approved: NilCode holder name changes: NilAmendments to codes of ethical conduct approved: NilNotifications to MAF of minor amendments to codes of ethicalconduct: NilNotifications to MAF of arrangements to use an existing code ofethical conduct:• Aoraki Polytechnic (to use Lincoln University’s code)Codes of ethical conduct revoked or expired or arrangementsterminated or lapsed: NilApprovals by the Director-General of MAF for the use of nonhumanhominids: NilApprovals by the Minister of Agriculture of research or testing inthe national interest: Nil■Linda Carsons, Principal Adviser, Animal Welfare, phone 04 894 0370,fax 04 894 0747, linda.carsons@maf.govt.nzCodes of welfare – update on issues, consultation,development and review since the last issue ofBiosecurityCodes of welfare issued 2008:• NoneConsultation on codes of welfare:• Commercial slaughter: recommended to Minister• Dairy cattle: NAWAC finalising code• Dogs: submissions being summarised• Sheep and beef cattle: public consultation anticipated 3 rd quarter 2008Codes of welfare under development:• Transport in New Zealand• Temporary housing (including boarding establishments)Codes of welfare under review:■• BroilersCheryl O’Connor, Programme Manager Animal Welfare, phone 04 894 0371, fax 04894 0747, cheryl.o’connor@maf.govt.nzDIRECTORYPest watch: 05/05/2008 – 13/06/2008Biosecurity is about managing risks – protecting the New Zealand environment and economy from exotic pests and diseases. MAF Biosecurity New Zealand devotes much of its time toensuring that new organism records come to its attention, to follow up as appropriate. The tables below list new organisms that have become established, new hosts for existing pestsand extension to distribution of existing pests. The information was collated during 05/05/2008 – 13/06/2008 and held in the Plant Pest Information Network (PPIN) database. Whereverpossible, common names have been included.ANIMAL KINGDOM RECORDS 05/05/2008 – 13/06/2008No new records during this period30 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | ISSUE 85

DIRECTORYPLANT KINGDOM RECORDS 05/05/2008 – 13/06/2008Validated new to New Zealand reportsOrganism Host Location Submitted by CommentsDahlia mosaic virus(DMV)Significant find reportsDahlia sp.(dahlia)AucklandIDC (general surveillance)Organism Host Location Submitted by CommentsNo significant find records during this period.New host reportsOrganism Host Location Submitted by CommentsBethelium signiferum(wattle longhorn)Cylindrocladium pseudonaviculatum(cylindrocladium leaf blight)Pseudonectria rousselliana(fungus: no common name)Turnip mosaic virus(TuMV)Melampsoridium betulinum(rust)Saissetia coffeae(hemispherical scale)Dasheen mosaic virus(DsMV)Psepholax sulcatus(shotgun weevil)Tomato spotted wilt virus(TSWV)Zantedeschia mosaic virus(ZaMV)Bean yellow mosaic virus(BYMV)Impatiens necrotic spot virus(INSV)Ceroplastes sinensis(Chinese wax scale)Lindingaspis rossi(circular black scale, Ross’s black scale)Lindingaspis rossi(circular black scale, Ross’s black scale)Hylastes ater(black pine bark beetle)Phomatospora dinemasporium(fungus: no common name)Xylotoles sp.(longhorn beetle)Bactericera cockerelli(tomato/potato psyllid)Cladosporium sinuosum(fungus: no common name)Extension to distribution reportsParaserianthes lophantha(brush wattle)Buxus wallichiana(box)Buxus wallichiana(box)Lepidium oleraceum(Cook’s scurvy grass)Betula nigra(river birch)Teucrium fruticans(tree germander)Amorphophallus rivieri(konjac)Hakea salicifolia(willow-leaved hakea)Hoya sp.(wax plant)Zantedeschia aethiopica(arum lily, calla lily)Senna multiglandulosa(buttercup bush)Hoya sp.(wax plant)Nematolepis squamea(satinwood)Nematolepis squamea(satinwood)Carmichaelia australis(makaka, North Island broom)Pinus thunbergii(Japanese black pine)Cortaderia selloana(pampas grass)Lavatera arborea(tree mallow)Solanum aviculare(poroporo)AucklandAucklandAucklandMid-CanterburyMid-CanterburyAucklandWellingtonAucklandAucklandBay of PlentyAucklandAucklandAucklandAucklandWellingtonWellingtonAucklandWanganuiIDC (general surveillance)IDC (general surveillance)IDC (general surveillance)Crop & Food ResearchScion (high risk sitesurvey)Scion (high risk sitesurvey)IDC (general surveillance)Scion (high-risk sitesurvey)IDC (general surveillance)IDC (general surveillance)IDC (general surveillance)IDC (general surveillance)Scion (high-risk sitesurvey)Scion (high-risk sitesurvey)Scion (high-risk sitesurvey)Scion (high-risk sitesurvey)IDC (general surveillance)Scion (high-risk sitesurvey)Auckland IDC (general surveillance) Found in low numbers only.X Triticosecale sp. Mid-Canterbury IDC (general surveillance)Organism Host Location Submitted by CommentsCatenophoropsis eucalypticola(fungus: no common name)Turnip mosaic virus(TuMV)Creiis liturata(jumping plant lice, lerp insect)Nambouria xanthops(insect: no common name)Trachymela sloanei(small eucalyptus tortoise beetle)Phomatospora dinemasporium(fungus: no common name)Eucalyptus nitens(shining gum)Lepidium oleraceum(Cook’s scurvy grass)Eucalyptus saligna(Sydney blue gum)Eucalyptus viminalis(manna gum, ribbon gum)Eucalyptus viminalis(manna gum, ribbon gum)Cortaderia selloana(pampas grass)DunedinMid-CanterburyCoromandelWanganuiWanganuiAucklandScion (high-risk sitesurvey)Crop & Food ResearchScion (high-risk sitesurvey)Scion (high-risk sitesurvey)Scion (high-risk sitesurvey)IDC (general surveillance)ISSUE 85 | MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND | 31

Exotic disease and pest emergency hotline: 0800 809 966Animal welfare complaint hotline: 0800 327 027www.biosecurity.govt.nz