September marked the start of the 2022-23 brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) prevention season.
Goods shipped to Australia between 1 September 2022 and 30 April 2023 have an increased risk of transporting BMSB. BMSB is ranked number nine on the National Priority Plant Pests List.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has again implemented seasonal measures for the 2022-23 season to manage the risk of BMSB, while supporting the safe and efficient movement of cargo.
BMSB seasonal measures apply to targeted goods, including wood, cork, tools, equipment and machinery, which is manufactured in or shipped from target risk countries via sea cargo.
For a guide to the seasonal measures, target high risk countries, target high risk goods, surveillance and controls, click here: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/before/brown-marmorated-stink-bugs#bmsb-resource-hub
To register for a free short course focusing on hitchhiker pests and staff working with goods that have recently arrived in Australia – including warehousing, receiving, distribution centres, supply chain/logistics and other critical points along the supply chain – click here. The course provides information on what hitchhiker pests are, their impact, how to recognise them and how to report them.