Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry officials are prepared to use biosecurity laws to crack down on threats to spread the painted apple moth.
A man on TVNZ's Sunday programme allegedly made threats to spread the moth so that attempts to eradicate it by spraying would stop.
MAF has been conducting an aerial
spray campaign over West Auckland against the moth.
Some residents say the spray is making them sick.
They say the Foray 48B or Btk spray causes asthma and other respiratory problems, rashes, headaches and nausea.
MAF is alarmed at the man's comments and is investigating.
It is an offence under the Biosecurity Act 1993 to spread any pest or unwanted organism, forest and biosecurity director Peter Thomson said.
"We are aware of the inconvenience the aerial operation causes ... but bioterrorist acts jeopardising the programme will not be tolerated."
Those found guilty could receive a jail term of up to five years, or a fine up to $100,000, or both.
On Sunday, opponents of the $90 million spray campaign released what they believe are the secret ingredients of the pesticide.
- NZPA
Herald Feature: Conservation and Environment
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