Australia seizes over 100,000 illegal exotic cockroaches worth $200,000
Australian authorities have seized more than 100,000 illegal exotic cockroaches worth about AU$200,000 from a commercial breeder in Bathurst, New South Wales.
The haul included Madagascar hissing cockroaches and dubia cockroaches, both of which are prohibited from being imported, bred, kept or sold in Australia.
Officials described it as the largest seizure of illegal exotic invertebrates in the country. Authorities warned that the insects could spread disease and pose risks to native wildlife and agriculture.
The cockroaches, which are commonly used as food for pet reptiles, will be destroyed.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water warned pet businesses and reptile owners against possessing, breeding or trading the banned species, noting that offenders could face penalties under federal law.
Authorities advised reptile owners to use legal alternatives such as crickets and wood roaches.
Madagascar hissing cockroaches are among the world’s largest cockroach species and are known for producing a distinctive hissing sound.
Local snake catcher Stefanie Lesser told Australian media that the insects have been sold online as reptile feed because of their large size and cost-effectiveness compared to smaller feeder insects.
Source: BBC
About The Author
