Asthmatic zoo animals to get protection from moth spraying

By ANNE BESTON

Two Western Springs "residents" whose asthma could be aggravated by the painted apple moth aerial spray operation will not be given the option of transferring to a motel.

But special precautions will be taken to protect the asthmatic orang-utan and chimpanzee when Auckland Zoo is included in the $90 million aerial blitz for the first time early next month.

"We obviously can't relocate them," said zoo director Stephen Standley.

"It's not as if we can send them off to a beach somewhere.

"We are working out the best way to reduce any potential risk to them."

The orang-utan would be shut in while the plane or helicopter sprayed over the zoo on December 2 but the chimp would have to be medicated before spraying began, Mr Standley said.

The elderly chimp uses the same asthma medication as humans.

Other potential problems such as noise were being worked through, he said, but it was better to use a louder aircraft than a quiet one.

"It's actually better if they can hear the aircraft coming."

Ian Gear, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry painted apple moth project director, said recent ground surveys showed a significant infestation of moth larvae in Meola Creek and Motions Rd, both of which bordered the zoo.

He defended the decision not to include the area in the initial 8000ha spray zone when the expanded campaign was announced.

"In ground surveys three weeks ago we couldn't find any larvae, but we did have ongoing concerns so I brought forward the next ground survey and we found there were enough to cause us concern," said Mr Gear.

Meanwhile, Children's Commissioner Roger McClay was irate about a phone call he said he received from Biosecurity Minister Jim Sutton's office about remarks he made in West Auckland yesterday.

Mr McClay was reported on radio as saying he had felt a stinging sensation on his skin and in his eyes after being sprayed with the Foray48B or Btk insecticide.

"Somebody from the minister's office rang saying they were angry with me because they felt I was stirring up trouble and saying things that were damaging," Mr McClay said.

"I have never had a call like that ever before in this job and it's not appropriate either.

"She was out of her tree."

Mr McClay believed the Government would not be spraying unless the spray was safe, but he expressed sympathy for West Auckland parents worried about the long-term effect.

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