Warning against pod borer, chicken diseases

By LYTHIA SUITAWA
PEOPLE travelling to New Ireland province from East New Britain have been warned not to bring plants and animals to prevent the spread of cocoa pod borer and Newcastle diseases.
Dennis Gati, provincial adviser at the division of primary industry (DPI) in New Ireland, warned that the law prohibits movement of plants and animals from an infected area, and those caught could be criminally liable.
He said it was vital that everyone played his part in ensuring that the pests were kept out of New Ireland, as their presence could have a detrimental effect on the economy of the province.
“We share a common sea border with ENB and our people must be mindful that if we are not careful it will be very easy for the diseases to spread here,” he added.
Mr Gati said awareness programmes will be carried out in west coast Namatanai and parts of central New Ireland by DPI and Cocoa and Coconut Institute officers.
He said there areas had been identified as the hot spots for passengers travelling between the two provinces.
Village court magistrates, community leaders and local policemen and women will be identified and certified as plant and stock inspectors for a period of six months.
The programme will target boat and ship owners and most importantly, the travelling public.
Mr Gati said K35,000 for the awareness programmes had been approved by the New Ireland provincial government.
The cocoa pod borer pests affect cocoa, while the Newcastle pest affects chickens, birds and ducks.

 

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