Vanuatu working to stop spread of beetle pest

There are urgent moves in Vanuatu after it was confirmed the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle pest has reached Port Vila.

Assistant Plant Health Officer Bill Garae said authorities face a real struggle trying to ensure the pest doesn’t spread around the country.

The Vanuatu Biosecurity Department is calling on ship owners to adjust their schedules so ships depart Port Vila harbour before dark.

Garae said ships leaving Port Vila at night will more easily spread the beetle to other islands of Vanuatu.

He has also called on residents in the capital to clean their backyards and destroy possible breeding sites for the beetle.

The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle is a major threat to the country’s coconut industry.