Next Target Date for Final Gypsy Moth Aerial Operation

Unsuitable weather conditions have caused the final aerial operation against gypsy moth in Hamilton to be RESCHEDULED for Saturday 29 November.

The operation initially planned for Thursday (27 November) but cancelled due to unsuitable weather was not able to get underway on Friday either because of adverse conditions in Hamilton.

Weather permitting the operation will be started at first light on Saturday 29 November and will be completed within four hours.

“We are hopeful of the weather improving sufficiently for the operation to take place at first light this Saturday, 29 November,” said Robert Isbister, General Manager of the Gypsy Moth Programme.

“If the weather allows us to, we will get underway at first light. This will mean that we will be finished over the Frankton Markets area prior to 7am and finished over the whole treatment zone within approximately 4 hours.

“Of course, any delays caused by unsuitable weather will affect our ability to achieve this.

“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.

This is the final in a series of eight operations.

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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