The whole of Fiji has been declared as a biosecurity emergency area for Fall Armyworm.
This follows the first case of Fall Armyworm detected at a maize farm in Uciwai, Nadi recently.
The regulation has come into effect on May 1 and approved by the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu.
The declaration of biosecurity emergency areas for Fall Armyworm has been done under section 77 of the Biosecurity Act 2008.
“Any movement of infested or potentially infested plant materials and associated articles, specifically maize/corn and cobs, rice and associated plant material, vegetables, particularly Brassicas and any additional host plants identified during delimiting surveys is strictly prohibited unless the Authority provides prior authorisation for the movement,” states the gazette notice.
“Any movement of machineries and equipment exposed to infested fields, is subject to mandatory cleaning and decontamination within Fiji and is strictly prohibited unless the Authority provides prior authorisation for the movement.”
“The Authority (BAF) also has the powers to enter any land at any time to ascertain the status of any pest or disease.”
“This Declaration is in force for a period of 6 months from the date of its publication in the Gazette.
