Freighter fumigated after ‘superbug’ find

Press, 24 March 1984, Page 8

Freighter fumigated after ‘superbug’ find

PA Napier Lethal gas was pumped aboard the freighter Star Poukou at the Port of Napier last evening in a bid to eliminate a heavy infestation of a “superbug.” The crew and officers had earlier left the ship to allow ; the fumigation, and will not be able to return before Monday. The ship, which has a cargo of sulphur, is infested with warehouse-beetles

(Trogoderm variable), which are found in meat, grain, and milk powder stores. The senior control officer of the Port Agricultural Service, Mr Alister Bland, said the beetles were found in the food-storage area of the ship on Wednesday. “If it spreads it could seriously affect our exports,” he said. The beetles were discovered deep inside the ship and so in spite of the heavy infestation, Mr Bland did not think it likely that any

had been released onshore.

Mr Bland said the tiny beetles were at several stages of development, including adults capable of flying. The Star Poukou, which came from Vancouver, called at Marsden Point and Tauranga before arriving at Napier. She was to have left port yesterday. Three officials had kept a vigil on Thursday night to make sure that no-one went near the ship.