Mosquito larvae of a species capable of spreading illnesses such as yellow fever and ross river virus in humans have been intercepted in machinery cargo at the Auckland port.
About 30 larvae were found on Wednesday in water in the bowl of a used concrete mixer being shipped from Futuna Island
to Fiji via Auckland and Noumea.
They were destroyed but the Ministry of Health suspects adult mosquitoes were hatched while the ship was in port.
Traps have been set for them in the ports area and a watch will be kept for three weeks for any mosquitoes that survive yesterday's spraying of potential habitats.
The ministry's chief technical officer, Sally Gilbert, said it was of particular concern to find yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) because of the risk of introducing yellow and dengue fevers.
The larvae of the Aedes polynesiensis mosquito was also identified and this was capable of spreading dengue fever, murray river encephalitis and ross river virus disease.
Ms Gilbert said exotic mosquitoes of public health significance had been intercepted on 24 occasions since January 1998.
It was of particular concern to find yellow fever mosquito because of the implications it would hold for public health should it become established in New Zealand, she said.
The find coincides with Auckland Public Health Services' awareness campaign, conducted this summer around the port, to highlight how to limit mosquito habitats around the home.
The ministry says exotic mosquitoes are most likely to enter New Zealand by being lodged in deck cargo on international ships; breeding in water storage and open containers on fishing boats and yachts; breeding in or attached to used tyres; or lodged in used vehicles, used machinery and other imported goods.
Herald Feature: Conservation and Environment
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