{"id":30157,"date":"2023-05-02t13:12:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-02t13:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.getitdoneaz.com\/?p=30157"},"modified":"2023-05-04t14:48:19","modified_gmt":"2023-05-04t14:48:19","slug":"new-zealand-biosecurity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/\/www.getitdoneaz.com\/story\/new-zealand-biosecurity\/","title":{"rendered":"what we can learn from new zealand\u2019s efforts to limit the spread of a harmful tree pathogen"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
when most people think of new zealand, the first thought that comes to mind is a beautiful country with extraordinary scenery. and, well, that is a pretty accurate summary if you are an avid outdoor enthusiast. in addition to spectacular natural wonders, new zealand\u2019s geographic isolation creates a home for several unique species of plants and animals native to the country. one such species is the kauri (<\/span>agathis australis<\/span><\/i>) tree, which is found on the north island of new zealand. not only is the tree a keystone species, but it is also <\/span>sacred to the indigenous people of new zealand, <\/span><\/a>the maori.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cas the story goes, the kauri tree separates the sky from the earth and holds the sky up, while still letting sunlight in. and if you\u2019ve seen a big kauri tree, you would understand why the maori people had this belief,\u201d explained tony dunn, a senior guide for 13 years for a new zealand tour company called bush and beach. along with tours, he conducts and oversees pest control work and is deeply involved with kauri tree protection.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n unfortunately, a deadly pathogen (phytophthora agathidicida) informally known as kauri dieback<\/a> threatens kauri trees. the disease is a water mold that takes up in the roots and attacks the bark of the tree, which suffocates and kills it. it is spread through the soil, so the movement of people, animals, and water all spread the pathogen. <\/span>kauri dieback\u2019s ability to spread easily and unbeknownst to the spreader makes it a dangerous disease for the tree. a leisurely walk in the woods might result in mud on one\u2019s shoes, which can then spread the disease during future outings. the same can be said with animals in the parks.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n