New vehicle contamination up 88 per cent as stink bugs hitch a ride
CSIRO has highlighted the growing biosecurity risk from imported vehicles after a ship carrying just over 3,700 electric vehicles had multiple pest detections, including the yellow spotted stink bug. The vessel left Australian territory to manage the risk.
According to DAFF figures cited by CSIRO, Australian ports have seen an 88 per cent increase in new vehicles arriving with biosecurity risk material since 2021. Over the same period, new vehicle imports rose by 17 per cent. September to April is the highest risk period for pests such as BMSB.
CSIRO warns that a BMSB outbreak could be difficult and expensive to manage if it became established in Australia. The rise in contaminated vehicles shows why safe and practical treatment options for cargo are needed.
