Biosecurity Samoa

Samoa Biosecurity congratulates its newest member, Ms. Luaipouomalo Jannine Auvele of Vaivase Tai, Saanapu and Vaoala on graduating with a Bachelor of Science from the National University of Samoa.

Luaipouomalo recently joined the public service as an Assistant Biosecurity Officer. Her achievement is a vital contribution to Samoa's biosecurity efforts, helping to protect agriculture, the environment, and the economy.

Her academic success is recognized as a key step in safeguarding Samoa's future and we look forward to her future contributions.

Mo le Silafia e le Mamalu si tatou atunuu e moomia lenei auaunaga . Manuia tele le aga atu ile Eseta o lenei tausaga

National Customs Day 2026 – Congratulations to the Ministry of Customs, Samoa

On behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Biosecurity Samoa extends warm congratulations to the Ministry of Customs, Samoa, on the national commemoration of Customs Day 2026, observed in conjunction with International Customs Day.

This important occasion recognises the vital role of Customs in safeguarding Samoa’s borders through vigilance, collaboration, and resilience. Samoa Customs continues to demonstrate these values through your unwavering commitment to protecting our nation from illegal trade, illicit goods, and emerging cross-border threats.

We deeply value the strong partnership between Customs and Biosecurity Samoa in protecting our people, economy, agriculture, and environment. Your professionalism and dedication at the border are fundamental to keeping Samoa safe, secure, and prosperous.

As you mark this significant day, we reaffirm our commitment to working together — not above, not below, but always beside you — in protecting our Samoa.

Fa‘afetai tele lava,

Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
Biosecurity Samoa

Friendly Reminder to All Our Families & Friends Traveling Back Home ✈️

As you prepare to return after this festive sea*on, please plan ahead if you intend to take any biosecurity-risk items that require fumigation or treatment before travel.

Making arrangements early will help avoid delays, extra costs, or items being stopped at the border.
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Taua mo lou nofo silafia a'o aga atu i a*o malolo o le Kerisimasi ma le Tausaga fou. Valaau mai mo nisi fa'afesili e fia malamalama ai .

Ma le ava tele

BIOSECURITY NOTICE FOR SAMOA
Fruit Fly Threat: Bactrocera facialis Detected in Fiji

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries wishes to inform the public about the recent detection of an invasive fruit fly species, Bactrocera facialis, in the Yasawa Islands of Fiji. This pest previously found only in Tonga poses a serious threat to Samoa’s fruits and vegetables.

What is Bactrocera facialis?
A highly damaging fruit fly that attacks many of our commonly grown crops, including:
*Guava
*Mango
*Papaya
*Breadfruit
*Avocado
*Chillies & capsicum
*Watermelon and other soft tropical fruits.

Why this matters for Samoa
With Fiji being a major travel and trade partner, there is a high risk of accidentally bringing this pest into Samoa through:
*Passenger baggage
*Unchecked fresh fruit
*Cargo and informal produce movement

An introduction of this fruit fly could seriously impact local farmers, home gardens, and exports.

What YOU can do to help:

✔ Do NOT bring fresh fruits into Samoa, especially from Fiji.

✔ Declare all food items when traveling.

✔ Properly dispose of fruit waste never dump fruit scraps in open areas.
✔ Report unusual maggots or fruit damage in your garden to the Ministry’s offices.

Our teams are increasing surveillance at all ports and strengthening import controls.
Your cooperation is essential in keeping Samoa safe from invasive pests.

Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Launches New Suite of Biosecurity Enhancements – Biosecurity X-ray Unit, Uniforms and Public Awareness Vehicle Messaging
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The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) has officially launched new biosecurity enhancements to strengthen its defenses against pests and diseases. These initiatives are part of a broader effort designed to strengthen and protect the Samoa’s border protection systems and safeguard its agriculture, environment, public health, and economy.

The launch highlighted three major developments:
• New state-of-the-art dual-view X-ray machine unit
• New uniforms to align with the name rebranding to Biosecurity Samoa (formerly known as Samoa Quarantine)
• Biosecurity vehicles featuring messages to emphasize public awareness on regulated pests and prohibited imports.

Together, these initiatives represent a significant step forward in Samoa’s ongoing efforts to enhance border security and protect the nation from invasive pests and diseases. Biosecurity remains Samoa’s first line of defense against harmful organisms that threaten crops, livestock, biodiversity, and community wellbeing.

Samoa’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries through its Biosecurity Division, is proud to be the first recipient to have the new x-ray machine installed within the Australia and Pacific region. Located at the country’s busiest gateway, Faleolo International Airport, the newly installed Rapiscan 926DX dual-view X-ray machine — marks a strategic investment in advanced border screening technology. Its enhanced imaging capabilities enable faster and more accurate detection of risk items, strengthening operational efficiency and improving passenger compliance experience. More importantly, it further boosts Samoa Biosecurity officers’ capacity to prevent threats that could undermine food security and national resilience.

The Associate Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Honourable Aiolupotea Misa Tony Aiolupotea, on behalf of the Government of Samoa, delivered the opening remarks and acknowledged the vital support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the GEF-7 Samoa Project: Enhancing Climate Resilience of Samoa’s Communities through Integrated Management of Invasive Alien Species. Implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, this investment reflects a shared commitment to protecting Samoa and the wider Pacific region from the impacts of invasive species.

The opening prayer was conducted by Rev. Gaolo Elisara of the Satapuala Congregational Christian Church in Samoa with Official Remarks delivered by the Assistant Resident Representative of the UNDP Multi Country Office in Samoa, Mr. Lepale Aussie Simanu.

Appreciation was also extended to the Samoa Airport Authority, Samoa Customs, Samoa Immigration and Samoa Health for their close cooperation and collaboration in border security efforts. Their collaboration underscores that border security is a shared responsibility requiring strong partnerships to ensure national safety.

The launch also featured the introduction of the new Biosecurity Samoa uniform, symbolising professional capacity, visibility, and pride in service. As frontline guardians of Samoa’s borders, Biosecurity officers play a crucial role in national protection, and the new uniform reinforces their identity and the trust placed in their work. Additionally, the newly branded biosecurity vehicles will enhance public awareness of regulated pests, prohibited goods, and measures to protect key industries such as Samoa’s honey sector. These awareness initiatives demonstrate the Government’s commitment not only to compliance and enforcement but also to community education and shared national responsibility.

These developments align with the Government’s priorities under the Pathway for the Development of Samoa and the Agriculture Sector Plan, supporting a safer, more resilient, and sustainable future for all Samoans.

In acknowledging the dedication of MAF Biosecurity officers, the Government reaffirmed that these new tools will strengthen their ability to protect Samoa’s borders and uphold national wellbeing.

With today’s launch, Samoa moves forward with strengthened systems, heightened public awareness, and a renewed commitment to keeping the nation safe, secure, and resilient.

PRESS RELEASE

Samoa Completes Nationwide Pest and Disease Survey for
Five Priority Crops

Apia, Samoa — 11 th November 2025

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) is pleased to announce the successful completion of a national pest and disease survey covering five priority crops across Samoa. The two-week activity, conducted over one week in Upolu and one week in
Savai’i, concluded last Friday.

The survey was delivered in close partnership with technical experts from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and supported through funding from the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER Plus) Biosecurity Development Program. MAF acknowledges the invaluable technical assistance and resources provided by DAFF and the PACER Plus project, which enabled this much-needed update to the Samoa National Pest List.

SURVEY FOCUS AND IMPORTANCE

The assessment concentrated on five crops of significant economic, cultural, and food-security value to Samoa:

1. Taro (Colocasia esculenta)
2. Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis)
3. Coconut (Cocos nucifera)
4. Cocoa (Theobroma cacao)
5. Citrus (Family: Rutaceae)

The updated pest and disease data generated through this survey will inform national biosecurity decision-making, strengthen surveillance systems, guide integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, and support safe agricultural exports.

SURVEY METHODOLOGY

Expert teams from MAF and DAFF carried out extensive fieldwork across key agricultural regions in both Upolu and Savai’i. Using advanced diagnostic tools and internationally recognized surveillance methodologies, the teams conducted visual inspections, targeted sampling, and on-site assessments to detect pests and diseases of economic significance.

Plant samples were collected according to strict crop-specific protocols to ensure representative coverage of diverse farming systems. Insect specimens were preserved in ethanol for laboratory identification, while disease samples followed stringent handling and containment procedures to uphold biosecurity requirements during transport and analysis.

PRELIMINARY FINDINGS

While the full technical report is still being finalised, preliminary results indicate:
● The presence of several known pests and diseases, with varying prevalence across crops and regions.
● No detection of new high-priority exotic pests, underscoring the
effectiveness of Samoa’s current biosecurity safeguards.

The updated baseline information gathered is expected to refine Samoa’s pest management strategies, enhance early-warning capabilities, and improve preparedness for emerging threats.

NEXT STEPS

MAF Biosecurity services and DAFF Australia will continue working together under the PACER Plus Safe trade and biosecurity related Program to translate survey findings into practical improvements. Planned follow-up actions include:

● Developing a national pest and disease surveillance plan;
● Strengthening diagnostic and laboratory capabilities;
● Enhancing regional collaboration to support plant health and safe trade.

A detailed technical report, including specific recommendations, is expected to be released in early 2026.

ENDS

PIG ALERT ON AFRICAN SWINE FEVER

If it reaches our shores — no more yummy size 2 for that Sunday feast!

Keep our pigs safe! Don’t bring pork in from ASF affected countries! 🐷
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The Fall Armyworm is right next door to us, our neighbor Fiji — and we must act fast!

They lay eggs fast, they move fast, and they destroy crops fast.

If they reach our island, the damage will spread fast — and recovery won’t come fast

Don't bring in goods that can carry the FAW!

Toe fa'amanatu mo le mamalu o le atunuu ona ua tatou iai i taimi ole fuata ulu. Taua lou silafia o vaega nei pe'a fai o fuafua e malaga ma oe mo atunuu e mamao!

AIAIGA E TATAU ON AUSIA MO LE AUINA ATU O ULU UA MAEA ONA FA’AVELA

• E lē manaomia se pepa fa’aasu.

• E mafai ona ave ma pa’u ulu ma mautinoa ua vela lelei.

• Ua na o faamomoli e le i luga atu ma le 20 kilokalama le mamafa e mafai ona ave.

• E tatau ona faaaoga atigi pusa umu fou ma mama e teuina ai i totonu ulu ua maea ona faavelaina lelei.

• O le a asiasia uma ulu vela i le toai taunuu ai i Ausetalia.

• E mo'omia le fa'atagana faapitoa mo faamomoli uma e i luga atu o le 20Kilokalama lona mamafa.

• E iai aiaiga fa'apitoa e tatau ona faamalieina muamua pe afai e fia auina atu ulu vela mo tulaga faapisinisi.

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THE CONDITIONS FOR EXPORT INCLUDE:

• A phytosanitary certificate is not required for cooked breadfruit for personal or non-personal use.

• Breadfruit must be fully cooked. Peeling is not required.

• Cooked breadfruit must be packed in clean, new packaging and must be free from biosecurity risk material.

• Cooked breadfruit for personal use will be subject to full inspection and limited to 20kg per passenger. Larger consignments will be inspected at an approved arrangement site.

• Cooked breadfruit for non-personal use will require documentation (Manufacturer's declaration, Commercial invoice or Packing list) with details of the cooking process the breadfruit has undergone

The Samoa Biosecurity team participated in Mental Health Awareness Day by wearing green with the message
“TAKING CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IS AN ACT OF SELF - LOVE

FAATAUĀ LE SOIFUA MALOLOINA O LOU MAFAUFAU 🌸