AN exotic stored grain pest, which has the potential to significantly impact market access and the value of grain if established in Australia, has been detected in a brand of imported nappy pants.  

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is responding to the khapra beetle detection after larvae were found in Little One's Ultra Dry Nappy Pants. The detection was reported on 7 September to the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, before being referred to DAFF, which directed the remaining stock be removed and secured.

The Walker Size 5, 42-pack of the nappy pants were sold nationally through Woolworths stores only, and DAFF said yesterday no other nappy sizes or brands were considered to be affected. 

It advised members of the public who purchased the Little One's Nappy Pants, or any goods with signs of insect or pest activity, not to use the goods. Where possible it said buyers should not destroy the goods or packaging, but instead seal them in a bag to prevent any pest spread, and call 1800 798 636 or visit Report a pest or disease concern.

The importer and Woolworths have been working with DAFF to trace and treat goods associated with the shipment where appropriate, ensuring they do not pose an ongoing biosecurity risk.

DAFF said it continued to work closely with state and territory governments and key industry bodies on tracing and treatment requirements. It said people working with imported goods, at ports, in warehouses or those transporting containers, needed to be vigilant for hitchhiker pests.

According to Plant Health Australia's resource on monitoring stored grain on farm, khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium), along with Karnal bunt (Tilletia indica), are the two exotic stored grain pests of greatest concern to the Australian grains sector. 

It said either pest would have a serious impact on grain export markets and the value of grain should they be detected in Australia.

Plant Health Australia described khapra beetle as a "serious exotic pest of all stored products that can cause losses of up to 75 per cent from direct feeding, as well as reduced grain value and impact on market access."  

While it said a trained specialist was required to differentiate between Trogoderma species, it outlined key features of the pest:  

• Adults reddish-brown in colour, 1.5–3 mm long and covered in dense yellowish-brown hairs.
• Looks identical to the warehouse beetle, and other native dermestids, to the naked eye.
• Larvae covered in short and long hairs and are yellowish-brown when young, becoming reddish-brown as they mature.

DAFF said detections should be reported immediately by going online to Report a pest or disease concern or by calling 1800 798 636.

For more information on khapra beetle, including imagery, visit agriculture.gov.au/pests-diseases-weeds/plant/khapra-beetle.