Biosecurity officials are on their way to Southland after an oyster parasite was discovered in Foveaux Strait. Three wild oysters were found to be infected with bonamia ostreae.

The parasite was last found in 2017 in Big Glory Bay in Stewart Island, leading to a major culling of the shellfish.

Ministry of Primary Industries biosecurity manager Dr Cath Duthie spoke to Susie Ferguson.