More than 100,000 live exotic cockroaches, including species as large as a human palm, have been seized by Australian authorities from an alleged commercial breeder in Bathurst, New South Wales, in what officials say is the country’s largest-ever seizure of illegal exotic invertebrates.
The haul, valued at up to AUD $200,000, included Madagascar hissing cockroaches and dubia cockroaches, both of which are prohibited from being imported, kept, bred or sold in Australia.
Authorities from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) said the insects posed a serious biosecurity risk, with the potential to spread disease and threaten native wildlife and agricultural systems.
Officials have warned pet owners and reptile businesses that illegal breeding and trading of exotic feeder insects is under increasing scrutiny.
“We’re seeing illegal breeding and trading of exotic cockroaches and we’re putting pet businesses and pet owners on notice,” a DCCEEW spokesperson told ABC.
“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 seized insects are commonly used as feed for reptiles, but authorities say legal alternatives such as crickets and native wood roaches should be used instead.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is now managing the euthanasia and disposal of the insects.
Experts have warned the illegal trade of exotic invertebrates is growing, with online marketplaces making it easier to source and distribute species across borders.
Invasive Species Council policy director Carol Booth told ABC the trade poses a “massive” biosecurity risk due to the potential introduction of pathogens into the environment.
Authorities say no charges have yet been laid in relation to the Bathurst seizure, but investigations are ongoing.
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