Around 500 coconut trees on the western side of Epi Island have been confirmed as infected with the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB).

The Biosecurity team has continued surveillance efforts following reports from early May, when locals in the area began noticing signs of CRB infestation.

With confirmation from the Biosecurity Department that CRB has now reached West Epi, the island becomes the third in Vanuatu to be affected by the pest, after Efate and Santo.

According to Senior Biosecurity Officer Leisongi Bulesulu, the team has conducted on-the-ground surveillance and discovered CRB eggs, adult beetles, and larvae in the area.

In response, the Biosecurity team on Epi has begun setting up traps in CRB hotspots as part of containment and monitoring efforts.

The Surveillance Team has reported no signs of the beetle in South Epi yet, and efforts are ongoing to prevent further spread to other parts of the island.

There is concern as well, due to Epi’s proximity to several smaller surrounding islands, which could also be at risk.

The Biosecurity Department says it has already begun taking control measures.

It has been over six years since the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle was first detected in Vanuatu. It remains a serious pest capable of damaging coconut trees and threatening coconut-based livelihoods.

Agriculture Minister Ian Wilson said the pest is here to stay, and the country must now learn to manage it.

“CRB is not going away. We must adapt and strengthen our systems to contain and control it,” he said.

Vanuatu, through the Biosecurity Department, is focusing on control measures that include biological control, sanitation and breeding site management, trapping and surveillance, training and capacity building with communities, and ship movement restrictions—especially after sunset, when CRB is most active.