Solomon Islands is still monitoring the threat of Bogia Coconut Syndrome (BCS) disease at the international boarder in Shortland from entering the country.
The disease found in Madang province, Papua New Guinea in 2013, is caused by a phytoplasma that not only affects coconuts but also banana and betel nuts.
Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Duddley Kopu confirmed this when asked by member of North West Choiseul, Connelly Sandakabatu in Parliament yesterday.
Mr Kopu said, the disease has not entered the country but a team is keeping a close eye on it.
He said the surveillance regime is part of the normal pest and disease monitoring work carried out by the Biosecurity and Research Departments of the Ministry to watch out for and keep the disease from entering the country.
Mr Kopu thanked the Australian Department of Agriculture for the assistance provided under the Biosecurity Strengthening programme towards pest and disease surveillance especially at the border.
In the meantime, Kopu said the ministry is addressing the outbreak of rhinoceros or beetles that affected coconuts on Guadalcanal few years back.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
