Third attempt fatal for moth larvae

By MATHEW DEARNALEY

Biosecurity officials have revealed that two painted apple moth caterpillars survived two attempts to incinerate them under quarantine, but say it is highly unlikely any escaped into the environment.

In a statement denying what it said were claims of a breakout from quarantine of three varieties of moth pest, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry yesterday admitted that two larvae had to be killed after being found alive in ashes under an incinerator grate.

This followed a second incineration bid on October 29, after an initial discovery of larvae believed to have fallen through the grate from burning plant material.

MAF forest biosecurity director Peter Thomson said the incinerator was taken out of use at the Forest Research Institute in Rotorua after the second attempt.

He said it was highly unlikely that any other larvae escaped because ashes from the incinerator were doused in water, and then double-insulated before being removed for deep burial.

But Forest Research was concerned enough to alert MAF before the two organisations swept the area for any signs of infestation.

Asked about the timing of his disclosure, Mr Thomson said it followed an inquiry from a media organisation contacted by a member of the public who said painted apple, gum leaf skeletoniser and asian gypsy moth specimens had escaped.