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What data, if any, on the abundance and spatial distribution of susceptible hosts in New Zealand did MPI use to estimate establishment likelihood for the pests in clause 2.3, particularly the polyphagous fruit flies in the draft IHS Fresh Blueberries for Human Consumption?

Answered Question 35683 (2026)
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Asked by

Jo Luxton

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • What data, if any, on the abundance and spatial distribution of susceptible hosts in New Zealand did MPI use to estimate establishment likelihood for the pests in clause 2.3, particularly the polyphagous fruit flies in the draft IHS Fresh Blueberries for Human Consumption?

Answered by

Hon Andrew Hoggard

List MP · ACT Party · Minister for Biosecurity

Answer

I am advised that the polyphagous nature of these pests was considered in the risk assessment and is one of the reasons why a “high” likelihood of establishment rating was allocated in the proposal.