Khapra beetle, t he grain storage pest ranked by the Australian grains industry as its major potential biosecurity threat , has been detected in the country in imported nappy pants.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) said a positive detection of the beetle's larvae was identified in NSW earlier in the month.

Khapra beetle can cause up to 75 per cent losses in stored grain, not only through direct feeding but through contamination with cast skins and beetles that can potentially pose a health risk.

Previously, Australian biosecurity officers have said modelling has shown a Khapra incursion would be as bad for Australian agriculture as a low grade foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak.

DAFF officials said the detection was reported on September 7 after the lar

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