29 October 2003
Next Target Date for Gypsy Moth Aerial Operation – Friday 31 October.
Unsuitable weather conditions have caused the fourth aerial treatment against gypsy moth in Hamilton to be RESCHEDULED
for Friday 31 October.
The operation, scheduled to get underway soon after first light this morning (Wed 29 Oct), was cancelled due to
conditions too windy to allow the operation to go ahead.
Weather permitting, the next target date for the aerial operation is Friday 31 October.
“We are hopeful of the weather clearing for the operation to take place this Friday, 31 October,” said Robert Isbister,
General Manager of the Gypsy Moth Programme.
“The weather always plays a starring role in the aerial operations and we have been fortunate so far to have had the
first three operations go ahead on schedule.
“In this kind of situation it is important people make use of the updates available online, via the 0800 number and on
the radio, so they are fully informed about exactly what’s going on.”
The aerial operation is one way that MAF is combating the gypsy moth in Hamilton. The programme has been prepared by a
team of experts based on information gathered from the male moth found in Hamilton in March of this year and from
knowledge of how the pest behaves overseas.
Aerial application of Foray 48B was used successfully against the white spotted tussock moth in Auckland’s eastern
suburbs between 1996 and 1997 and is currently proving to be effective against the painted apple moth in Auckland’s
western suburbs.
The eight-operation campaign is scheduled to finish by mid-December.
MAF is also undertaking trapping, ground searching and treatment and vegetation control. This combination is considered
the best way to successfully eradicate gypsy moth.
The public can find information about the progress of the campaign by listening to Classic Hits (98.6 FM), Newstalk ZB
(1296 AM & 97 FM) and ZM 89.8 (89.8 FM) throughout the day. This information will also be available online at
www.maf.govt.nz/gypsy-moth and via the Gypsy Moth Information Line 0800 96 96 96.
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