The black-grass biosecurity monitoring programme in Canterbury has been suspended due to the COVID-19 Level 4 lockdown. MPI spokesperson Tim Ryder says that while biosecurity is an essential service, only work which is critical to the success of a response will be carried out during the lockdown.
Mr Ryder says the black-grass programme has now reached a stage where this pause in activity is unlikely to have a serious impact.
“This is the first growing year when black-grass has not been detected to date and only two properties are requiring intensive surveillance. However, as we do not know when the COVID-19 Alert Level will be lowered, we cannot predict when we will be able to recommence operations.”
MPI are asking members of the farming community to keep an eye out for black-grass if it is able to be done in a safe manner. If you find something suspicious, take a note of the location, use your cell-phone to take a photo, and call the Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66.