The heightened vessel surveillance window for Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM) is between January and May each year. The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) ceased its last annual surveillance for managing the risks posed by the AGM on vessels on 31 May 2021.
This week DAWE issued Industry Advice Notice no. 249-2021: Commencement of 2022 Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM) vessel assessment and seasonal pest inspection measures.
It announces that DAWE will recommence its annual heightened vessel surveillance window for managing the risks posed by Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM) on vessels from 01 January 2022.
The notice is of interest to all vessel masters and shipping agents who represent international commercial and non-commercial vessels for the purposes of Australian biosecurity clearance.
DAWE requests vessel masters and crew to remain vigilant for AGM and advise them, as soon as possible, of any suspected detections of the moth. Early detection and accurate reporting of pests prior to arrival assists in managing the risk offshore where possible and minimises the level of intervention by DAWE when ships arrive here.
The Asian Gypsy Moth is likely to enter Australia on vessels and cargo where they commonly settle on vessel hulls and rigging, shipping containers and vehicles.
For your safety, ask to consult a department entomologist before handling specimens. Report a pest or disease concern.
AGM surveillance is expected to conclude on 31 May 2022.
As a licensed Customs Broker and International Freight Forwarder, Colless Young offers you correct, professional advice on your imports, including Customs clearance, quarantine inspections and fumigation. Based in Brisbane, we provide a complete range of logistics services, both air and sea cargo, through all Australian ports and airports. We handle imports and exports, shipping, trucking and warehousing.
