Biosecurity

Biosecurity

Motuihe Island / Te Motu-a-Ihenga

Help Keep Motuihe Island Pest Free

Biosecurity is imperative to ensure Motuihe Island maintains its pest free status.

Important Note:  H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)  

While not in New Zealand as at 1st September 2024, DOC are asking for volunteers and island visitors to be vigilant and follow this Reporting process link

Key information at this preparatory stage

  • Practice good biosecurity and hygiene when handling birds.
  •  Do not handle sick or dead birds if you suspect bird flu.
  •  Signs of bird flu vary but indicators include tremors, twisting/arching neck, weakness, paralysis, difficulty breathing and diarrhoea.
  •  If you see three or more birds, marine mammals or other wildlife displaying these symptoms, or three or more dead animals together, please report it to the Biosecurity New Zealand Exotic Pest and Disease hotline: 0800 80 99 66.
  • Please also remember to contact the Motuihe Island Duty Ranger on 027-4372576 to ensure DOC are alerted
  • More information is available through the MPI website https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/pest-and-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/animal-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza/

 

Pest rodents, for example. rats, ferrets, and stoats can decimate native birds such as Little Spotted Kiwi, Saddleback and geckos, skinks and Tuatara. 

Pest weeds are slowly being removed from the island by volunteers and weed contractors however without biosecurity checks in place, there is a high risk of new weeds and diseases being introduced such as Kauri Dieback. 

Dogs, cats and other domestic animals are prohibited from the beaches and land on Motuihe Island.

We ask that visitors to this little beautiful piece of paradise familiarise themselves with the information in the attached biosecurity guidelines link and ensure their transport vessels, camping gear, day bags or packs and footwear are all thoroughly cleaned and checked before arrival.

Check your bag and gear for pests before boarding vessel in Auckland 

  • No open bags. No loose items. 
  • Thoroughly clean your shoes before island arrival.

Thank you for your assistance in helping keep Motuihe Island pest free.

 

 

More information is available through the MPI website https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/pest-and-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/animal-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza/
More information is available through the MPI website https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/pest-and-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/animal-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza/
More information is available through the MPI website https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/pest-and-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/animal-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza/