MAF considers Hamilton aerial spray programme

By ELIZABETH BINNING

Hamilton could soon be sprayed with pesticide from aircraft as officials move to eliminate the Asian gypsy moth.

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry staff will meet city councillors today to discuss a possible spraying campaign in the spring.

The meeting follows the discovery of a lone male moth in a Hamilton early warning trapping system in March.

The ministry's biosecurity director, Peter Thomson, said while there had been no signs of the pest since then, there was a chance it could still spread throughout the region.

The moth has the potential, if unchecked, to destroy New Zealand forests.

Mr Thomson said the ministry had two choices: wait to see if other moths appeared next year or take preventive action now.

If preventive action is taken it seems likely it will be in the form of controversial aerial spraying, similar to that used in Auckland to combat the painted apple moth.

Mr Thomson said that almost from the day gypsy moth was found in Hamilton the ministry had been trying to alert people that aerial spraying was a possibility.

"It is a serious pest," he said.

"It has got a high risk of spreading if we don't control it."

If the spraying is approved the aerial runs would be in spring.

It would involve the pesticide which caused a range of health problems for hundreds of Aucklanders.

It would cover Higgins Rd and Kahikatea Dr, the area where the moth was found, and surrounding roads.

Mr Thomson said today's meeting with the council was to discuss the technical aspect of spraying, should it be needed.

"We want to talk to them about getting the necessary exemptions from the Resource Management Act which would be required for us to do aerial spraying."

Council spokesman Philip Burton said councillors were treating the matter seriously and were keen to hear from MAF officials today.

It is understand many councillors have been reluctant to encourage measures such as aerial spraying without proof of further infestation.

The moth

* The Asian Gypsy moth is a large moth with a wingspan of about 5cm. It could cause widespread defoliation of forests.

* Risks: Some people may suffer allergic reactions when they come in contact with hairs from the caterpillar.

* Action: MAF has installed monitoring traps around Hamilton, conducted ground surveys and launched a publicity campaign.

* The next step: More trapping, ground spraying or aerial spraying.