Guidance provided for beekeepers on managing American foulbrood locally.

The New Zealand Government is updating the National American Foulbrood Pest Management Plan, informed by proposals from the beekeeping industry. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard emphasized that American foulbrood poses a significant biosecurity threat to the country's apiculture sector, valued at approximately $426 million annually in exports and essential for pollination services. “The existing plan has been effective since 1998. These updates are not a complete overhaul but rather practical, industry-driven enhancements aimed at quicker detection and containment of the disease,” stated Minister Hoggard.