Khapra beetle in imported goods

In August 2020, khapra beetle was found in the packaging of a new fridge by a resident in Canberra, ACT, who quickly reported their find to the department.

An immediate response was launched, with tracing activities identifying the fridge was one of 76 imported in one infested shipping container.

The fridges were distributed to various locations across NSW and the ACT, by the one retailer. Khapra beetle was detected at multiple sites.

The department located, inspected, and removed the fridges from this consignment, and all but one were fumigated under a Biosecurity Order. The missing fridge went for recycling due to being damaged.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries has completed inspections and treatments on all but one site across NSW and the ACT. All other sites identified with fridges are currently undergoing trapping and monitoring to provide evidence that the pest is absent. Activities have been put on hold due to COVID restrictions but will resume as soon as lockdown ends.

To date there have been no further detections of khapra beetle associated with the fridges and the trucks used to transport them.

A second response was launched in October 2020 when the department was notified of khapra beetle found in the packaging of a highchair in Canberra, ACT.

Tracing efforts identified 320 highchairs were imported in one infested shipping container. The highchairs in this consignment were distributed nationally to 57 retail stores (owned by the one company) and 2 distribution/handling facilities.

Affected highchairs that remained at the retail premises were immediately removed and secured by the department under a Biosecurity Order. These highchairs and the areas where they were stored were inspected and treated.

The remaining highchairs were sold to the public.

The department has located over 95% of the highchairs with inspections and treatments of the highchairs, affected properties and transport vehicles now in the final stages.

Food stuffs which are attractive to khapra beetle such as flour, grains, dried fruit, pulses, spices, and dried pet food were removed from the affected properties.

Approximately 50% of the sites are now in the proof of freedom phase. This phase involves the state departments checking specialised khapra beetle traps, and carrying out surveillance to provide evidence that the treatment has been effective and the pest is absent.

The department is also responding to a detection of khapra beetle in a consignment of mixed retail goods (bamboo toothbrushes, re-usable cloth nappies, and bed quilts) in QLD and northern NSW.

Khapra was found in the packaging or goods at 22 QLD stores, but due to the nature of the goods and their end use, the risk of khapra establishing in the environment is low.

A number of activities, including treatment of stores and surveillance, are being undertaken to verify proof of absence.