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 New Zealand is free of many exotic human, animal and plant diseases and their carriers. Effective quarantine and biosecurity procedures prevent the entry of these diseases or carriers.
Ports at Timaru, Lyttelton and Westport, and Christchurch International Airport are entry points for these diseases. Community and Public Health is involved in surveillance activities at these locations, such as:
- Checking the cargo holds of ships for evidence of rats and other pests
- Asking questions about the health of passengers and crew
- Taking water samples at ports for analysis
- Checking areas around ports and Christchurch Airport for exotic mosquitos
- Ensuring ships have sanitary onboard conditions
Staff are ready to respond to any concerns that arise. Mosquito borne diseases and highly infectious diseases are particular worries.
Quarantine prevents the spread of infection
People or animals exposed to an infectious disease during the contagious period are quarantined to control and reduce the spread to others. It is particularly important for diseases spread by animals, but also works for diseases spread through contact with food, water or infected air.
Community and Public Health makes sure that ports and airports are ready to deal with a quarantine situation by having the following:
- Access to safe drinking water
- Health screening for passengers and crew
- Suitable quarantine facilities
Exotic mosquitoes pose a life-threatening public health threat
Community and Public Health staff conduct mosquito surveillance activities to prevent exotic mosquitoes spreading serious illnesses such as Ross Rover Virus and Dengue Fever in New Zealand. This involves:
- Doing regular mosquito surveys at entry points (Lyttelton Port and Christchurch International Airport)
- Responding to suspected exotic mosquito sightings/reports, and
- Answering questions and complaints about mosquitos.
New Zealand is an appealing environment for exotic mosquitoes and it is possible that they could feel very at home in the South Island. New Zealand has 12 native species of mosquito and 3 well-established introduced species already. Once established, they are very difficult and expensive to get rid of.
Lyttelton is one of New Zealand's busiest seaports, receiving tonnes of high risk cargo (tyres, cars and machinery) every week from destinations such as Japan and other Asian countries. It has the mosquito-friendly habitats of large areas of bush land and a town in very close proximity. Christchurch International Airport receives passengers and cargo from around the world. It has many sites that would suit container-breeding mosquitoes.
Documents
Downloads
Order copies from the Community Health Information Centre
Links
Biosecurity New Zealand (MAF)
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF)
Maritime Border Control (Ministry of Health)
Mosquitoes (Landcare Research)
Exotic Mosquitoes (Ministry of Health)
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