PNG Biosecurity Authority - PNGBA

09/10/2026

Public Notice!

08/10/2026

𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲. 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐍𝐆'𝐬 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞.

The development of advanced molecular diagnostic capability is another important milestone in PNGBA's vision to build a modern, internationally recognised biosecurity laboratory system.
Behind every laboratory result is a team of dedicated professionals committed to safeguarding agriculture, biodiversity, trade, and public confidence in Papua New Guinea's biosecurity system.
Together, we are building the foundation for the next generation of diagnostic excellence.

ORLANDO Mercado joined the Papua New Guinea Biosecurity Authority national veterinary laboratory in Kilakila in 2000 as a newly qualified laboratory technician eager to begin his career in science.

Now, 26 years later, he is preparing to use a new polymerase chain reaction (PCR) suite, which will strengthen the authority’s capability to diagnose plant pests and diseases.

“What has kept me dedicated to this work is knowing it helps protect PNG,” Orlando said.

Read More: https://www.thenational.com.pg/pcr-lab-to-boost-biosecurity-and-agricultural-trade-says-official/

10/08/2026

PNGBA Congratulates Chief Plant Protection Officer on Historic PPPO Appointment

The Papua New Guinea Biosecurity Authority (PNGBA) is pleased to announce and extend its warmest congratulations to Mrs. Marjorie Kemoi, Chief Plant Protection Officer, on her appointment as Chair of the Pacific Plant Protection Organisation (PPPO).

This is a historic milestone, as Mrs. Kemoi becomes the first female Chairperson in the history of the PPPO. Her appointment is a significant achievement not only for her personally and professionally, but also for Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific region.

As a long-standing member and partner of the PPPO, Papua New Guinea has continued to contribute to regional cooperation in plant protection, biosecurity, trade facilitation and the protection of agricultural resources. Mrs. Kemoi’s appointment further reflects PNG’s growing contribution and leadership in strengthening biosecurity across the Pacific.

Her leadership at the regional level provides an important opportunity to promote knowledge exchange, collaboration and stronger plant health systems, while advancing the shared vision of Biosecurity Beyond Borders recognising the continuum of biosecurity from pre-border, border and post-border measures.

The PNGBA proudly supports Mrs. Kemoi in her new role and looks forward to her leadership and contribution to the PPPO and the Pacific community.

Congratulations, Mrs. Marjorie Kemoi, on this remarkable and historic achievement!

PNGBA – Protecting Papua New Guinea, Strengthening Biosecurity Beyond Borders.

08/08/2026

The Papua New Guinea Biosecurity Authority (PNGBA) welcomes and supports the ongoing efforts under the Pandemic Fund – ASAP-PNG Project to strengthen Papua New Guinea’s preparedness and resilience against diseases with pandemic potential.

As diseases can emerge at the interface of people, animals and the environment, strengthening animal health systems, disease surveillance, laboratory capacity and coordination across sectors is critical to protecting our people, livelihoods, food security and national economy.

Through a coordinated One Health approach, PNGBA remains committed to working alongside our partners in the agriculture, veterinary, health and environment sectors to prevent, detect and respond to emerging disease threats.

Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient biosecurity system for Papua New Guinea. 🇵🇬

One Health. One Biosecurity. One Resilient PNG.

08/08/2026

Biosecurity Order No. 01/2026 is hereby issued under Section 116 of the Biosecurity Act 2025 for a TEMPORARY SUSPENSION of imports of chilled and frozen foodstuff from China.

Over the last couple of months, there has been continuous breaches of procedures by certain importers resulting in the exposure of Papua New Guinea to significantly high levels of biosecurity risk.

The Order takes immediate effect and will remain in place until further notice.

The following chilled and frozen foodstuff from China are suspended:

- All chilled fruits and vegetables,
- Frozen French fries/potato chips,
- Chilled and frozen small goods such as fish balls, fish rolls, sea foods etc.

Under this Order:
1. No import permits will be issued for commodities covered under this Order. All pending import permit applications are frozen,
2. All consignments containing these goods that have valid Import Permits issued prior to this Order will have their consignments monitored and subjected to the mandatory inspections and clearances upon arrival at the Port of Entry.

Stakeholders are advised to direct any query through email [email protected].

BY ORDER OF THE AUTHORITY

01/08/2026

Over 100 countries committed to the FAO Global Partnership Program for Transboundary Animal Diseases (GPP-TAD). The Minister for Agriculture Hon. John Boito expressed support in translating GPP-TAD objectives into domestic livestock and biosecurity programs.

In an increasingly interconnected world, PNG cannot remain a weak link in a global effort to strengthen preparedness, prevention and response to transboundary animal diseases - many of which have zoonotic potential and can trigger public health emergencies, epidemics, and even pandemics. Covid-19 stands as a powerful reminder that preparedness must take precedence over reaction.

As mandated, the PNG Biosecurity Authority is entrusted with embedding global initiatives such as GPP-TAD into national systems. This includes strengthening international and domestic partnerships, fostering cross-sectoral and multidisciplinary collaboration, and enhancing national resilience in support of food security, health security and national security.

It was therefore fitting that our Managing Director Dr. Nime Kapo represented Hon. John Boito at this important global forum, reaffirming Papua New Guinea's commitment to working alongside the international community in building a safer, healthier and more resilient future.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

02/07/2026

The Minister for Agriculture has provided a statement on current Import Requirements for poultry products from Australia, given recent reports of “bird flu” in wild birds in Australia.

Effective immediately:
• Poultry products imported from Australia are permitted to enter Papua New Guinea.
• The only restriction applies to poultry meat and eggs sourced from free-range farms in Western Australia that were produced on or after 22 June 2026.
• PNGBA will continue issuing import permits in accordance with these requirements.
• Importers must ensure all consignments are accompanied by the appropriate animal health certification issued by Australian DAFF confirming compliance with PNG import conditions.

PNGBA continues to closely monitor the situation in collaboration with Australian veterinary authorities. Should the disease situation change, further biosecurity measures will be implemented and stakeholders will be notified promptly.

For further information, please contact:
Dr Ilagi Puana, Chief Veterinary Officer, Email: [email protected] or Dr Estelo Quimbo, Email: [email protected], Telephone: 313 6900 or 311 2100

(Attached Ministerial Statement is authorized for release by the Minister for Agriculture).

02/07/2026

The Papua New Guinea Biosecurity Authority (PNGBA), formerly NAQIA, acknowledges the withdrawal of support by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary through the Highlands Eastern Command and the Simbu Provincial Police Command. However, African swine fever (ASF) remains prevalent in the Upper Highlands, and continued control measures are essential to prevent its spread into unaffected provinces. The sudden withdrawal of police support has increased biosecurity risks and may undermine ongoing containment efforts.

PNGBA is working with provincial authorities and stakeholders in Simbu and Eastern Highlands to implement alternative, evidence-based risk management measures and progressively transition from the current static road checkpoint arrangement. These measures will continue to require the support of police, provincial administrations, and local communities.

The pig industry is a critical socio-economic asset, underpinning food security, household incomes, cultural obligations, and economic development. PNGBA will maintain disease control measures within the declared “Disease Area” until the Minister for Agriculture determines, based on surveillance evidence, that such measures are no longer necessary.

In the interim, the Minister for Agriculture, Hon. John Boito, has formally requested the Minister for Police, Hon. Sir John Pundari, to reinstate police support for ASF control operations.

(Attached Ministerial Statement is authorized for public release by the Minister for Agriculture).

09/06/2026

Concerns have been raised on the ASF (African Swine Fever) road checkpoint at the Simbu-EHP border. I provide some current information for general consumption.

The Highlands Region still remains a declared "Disease Area" (DA) under the Animal Disease and Control Act 1958 (ADCA). Even though the ADCA has been repealed and replaced by the Biosecurity Act 2025 (BA), the DA status remains current under the Savings provision Section 145 of the BA. Therefore, any risk mitigation measure, such as road checkpoints, authorised within the DA remains proper and legal to date, until revoked under the BA 2025.

This was part of the initial emergency response phase in 2019-2020 when the ASF virus was first detected in the Highlands. Ideally, the situation should have returned to normal earlier based on surveillance data of the prevalence of ASF in the infected provinces. Unfortunately, this was not done until November 2025, when NAQIA conducted a prevalence study in the ASF-infected provinces of Jiwaka, WHP, and SHP. The results of this study indicate a very low (less than 2%) prevalence of ASF still circulating in these provinces.

Based on this technical data, the PNG Biosecurity Authority (PNGBA, formerly NAQIA) will introduce sensible measures to address this low-prevalence situation. This includes a revision of our containment (spread prevention) strategy, i.e., the checkpoint.

It's fully acknowledged that a return to normalcy after any emergency response is an important objective. Due to the delay in obtaining the technical data to inform the appropriate decision, the return to normalcy, especially in regard to the road checkpoint, has been delayed. However, the prevalence study results now will guide us on a way forward to return to normalcy (close checkpoint), but also importantly to continue to manage and mitigate the risk that still exists with the low prevalence of the ASF virus in Jiwaka, WHP, and SHP.

We also acknowledge the significant socio-economic resource the pig is to our culture, livelihood and the economy. The PNGBA is duty-bound to manage the risk to preserve this important resource.

I had a meeting with the Simbu Provincial Administration on Friday, 05th June, on this very issue, and we will collaboratively realign our containment strategy to return to normalcy whilst also managing the prevalent risk. We are also seeking a similar collaborative arrangement with the EHP Administration.

The PNGBA will further work in partnership with Jiwaka, WHP, and SHP Administrations to conduct awareness and apply relevant biosecurity measures at local levels to manage the virus and further reduce its prevalence. This will build resilience among our pig growers and farmers. If managed well, a complete eradication is feasible in the long term.

We will provide a further update in the next few weeks on the status of the road checkpoint between Simbu and EHP.

Authorised by:

Nime Kapo
Managing Director
PNG Biosecurity Authority

Photo credit to the Group and its poster.

23/04/2026

Final day of the 3-Day PNG Biosecurity Twinning Program: Risk Analysis Training.

Supported by DAFF.~ Australia 🙏