Massive seizure of 100,000 exotic cockroaches in Bathurst
Updated . First published at
Pet businesses and reptile keepers have been put on notice after more than 100,000 live exotic cockroaches were seized by authorities in regional NSW.
The seizure this week from a breeder in Bathurst in the Central Tablelands was the largest confiscation of illegal exotic invertebrates in Australia, with an estimated value of up to $200,000.
Authorities have seized more than 100,000 cockroaches in regional NSW Pat Scala
They included dubia cockroaches and Madagascar hissing cockroaches.
These species cannot be legally imported into Australia.
Under biosecurity laws, they also cannot be legally kept, bred, or sold, no matter how they were obtained.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) warns exotic cockroaches have not been subject to an environmental risk assessment.
Their presence in Australia may spread disease and harm native wildlife and agriculture.
“We’re seeing illegal breeding and trading of exotic cockroaches and we’re putting pet businesses and pet owners on notice,” a DCCEEW spokesperson said.
“If you are found to possess, breed or trade exotic cockroaches such as dubia cockroaches and Madagascar hissing cockroaches they will be seized and you could face penalties under federal law.”
The spokesperson said reptile owners who have been using dubia roaches as feeders should seek legal alternatives such as crickets and wood roaches.
The seized cockroaches will now be euthanised.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
