Myrtle rust saga transitioning from tree removal to research after $13 million spent

The focus has moved from eradication to control.

The Ministry of Primary Industries has spent around $13 million dealing with myrtle rust so far, but recently announced it can't continue trying to contain the disease, with its focus shifting from infected tree removal to science research and awareness.

MPI says the money has been spent on operational activities including surveillance, removal and disposal of infected plants, laboratory testing of plant samples, advertising, data collection and analysis and scientific research.

More than 5000 infected trees from the myrtle family have been destroyed so far.

Approximately $575,000 has been paid as compensation to businesses like tree nurseries for their financial losses when trees were removed and workplaces shut down for significant time periods.

Only businesses that meet criteria under the Biosecurity Act in relation to myrtle rust are eligible for compensation.

A further $3.4 million has been allocated for a myrtle rust research programme of 20 projects that runs until June next year.

Myrtle rust has been detected on 547 properties in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taupo, Taranaki, Manawatu, Wellington and the Tasman District so far.

"Because of the windborne, pernicious nature of the disease, we have to anticipate that there are likely to be many more infected sites beyond these," MPI myrtle rust spokesperson Catherine Duthie previously stated.

MPI expects it to spread to the South Island's West Coast.

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