BMSB season is upon us again for 2022 and it’s important to be aware of the potential risks that this pest poses to our agricultural industries and freight forwarding. BMSB is a serious problem for farmers as it feeds on a wide range of fruit and vegetables, causing damage and financial loss.
Although Australia and New Zealand remain BMSB-free, our environment is suitable for the pest to establish itself. With emerging risk countries now including China and the UK (two of our main trading partners), we must remain vigilant and take steps to prevent BMSB from becoming established here.
The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry also recently released a range of additional measures to assist with BMSB season for 2022/23.
BMSB: A Pest to Watch Out For
Exotic to Australia, the insect Halyomorpha halys (BMSB) is an identified seasonal hitchhiker pest with the potential to damage Australian and New Zealand agricultural industries severely if left unchecked.
BMSB is a threat for many importers as the pest consumes many types of produce, causing destruction and economic hardship. In fact, BMSB ranks number 9 on the National Priority Plant Pests list and is known to feed off of around 300 different plant species. BMSB is also difficult to control once it becomes established in an area, so it’s important to take steps to prevent it from becoming established in the first place.
Although neither Australia nor New Zealand has seen an outbreak of BMSB yet, our environment and climate provide the opportunity for entry and establishment should it occur.
BMSB Season: How it affects freight forwarding
As of 1st August 2022, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry have released a range of measures to assist with BMSB season. These measures include increased surveillance at ports and airports, as well as enhanced biosecurity procedures for goods and vehicles arriving from BMSB-affected countries.
Specifically, these BMSB seasonal measures “…will apply to targeted goods manufactured in or shipped from target risk countries, that have been shipped between 1 September and 30 April (inclusive), and to vessels that berth, load, or tranship from target risk countries within the same period.”
There are a large number of high-risk goods that require mandatory treatment for BMSB risk. You can find the full list of target goods here.
Prevention and Control during BMSB Season
There are three approved treatment options for BMSB treatment, including heat, Methyl Bromide, and Sulfuyl Fluoride. There are minimum standards for how BMSB treatments are applied, and whether the treatments are conducted onshore or offshore. Please familiarise yourself with the requirements to avoid shipping delays or quarantined goods.
Working Together to Overcome BMSB Season
Taking these measures will help to protect our agricultural industries from the devastating effects of BMSB. By working together we can keep BMSB from becoming established in Australia and New Zealand.
If you see something that could have entered Australia with imported goods report it to See. Secure. Report. on 1800 798 636 or complete the online form.
If you have any concerns about how BMSB might impact freight forwarding for your company, please get in touch with the Stockwell International team today.
