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New Zealand has remained free from many exotic human, animal and plant diseases and their vectors. Effective quarantine and biosecurity procedures are needed to prevent the entry and establishment of new diseases or disease vectors.
 There is a need for ongoing border surveillance at the Ports of Timaru, Lyttleton and Westport, and Christchurch International Airport, as they are potential points of access for the disease vectors and imported disease into New Zealand. There is potential for the introduction of mosquito borne diseases such as Ross River Fever, Dengue Fever and other diseases such as SARS and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu).
The following are some of the functions staff from Community and Public Health carry out for monitoring requirements:
- Documenting the health of crew on board international/domestic shipping vessels
- Checking for evidence of rats/pests on ships
- Water sampling at three ports
- Maintain exotic mosquito surveillance programme.
- Maintain preparedness and response for exotic mosquito interceptions and incursions.
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