Country: United States

Title: Agrilus planipennis (Emerald Ash Borer) - APHIS Adds Parishes in Louisiana, Counties in Minnesota; and New Hampshire; and the entire State of Georgia to the Regulated Area in the United States.

Contact:
Robyn Rose, EAB National Policy Manager, at 301-851-2283.

Report:

Effective immediately, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is adding Bienville, Jackson, Morehouse, and Ouachita Parishes in Louisiana; Martin County in Minnesota; Strafford County in New Hampshire; and the entire state of Georgia to the list of regulated areas for the emerald ash borer (EAB). APHIS is taking this action in response to the spread of EAB in these areas.

After extensive discussion with the Georgia Forestry Association, the Georgia Forestry Commission, the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and other partners and stakeholders, APHIS determined that the EAB quarantine area shall include the entire state of Georgia. Additionally, after discussions with the coinciding state departments of agriculture, APHIS will expand the quarantine area in portions of Louisiana, Minnesota, and New Hampshire.

To prevent the spread of EAB to other states, a Federal Order outlines specific conditions for the interstate movement of EAB-regulated articles from the quarantined area in the entire state of Georgia; Bienville, Jackson, Morehouse, and Ouachita Parishes in Louisiana; Martin County in Minnesota; and Strafford County in New Hampshire. Specifically, the interstate movement of EAB-host wood and wood products from the quarantined areas in Georgia, Louisiana, Minnesota, and New Hampshire is regulated, including firewood of all hardwood species, nursery stock, green lumber, waste, compost, and chips of ash species.

EAB is an invasive wood-boring beetle that is native to China and other areas of East Asia. The beetle is present in some portions of the United States, and because of its continuing spread, APHIS has established regulated areas that are designated in 7 Code of Federal Regulations 301.53-3 and the Federal Orders located at:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/planthealth/eab_quarantine

The interstate movement of firewood from quarantine areas is an especially high-risk pathway for the spread of EAB. Therefore, APHIS works with state cooperators and foresters to prevent the human assisted movement of EAB, develop biological and other controls for EAB, and raise public awareness about this pest and the potential threats associated with the long-distance movement of firewood.

Under IPPC Standards, Agrilus planipennis is considered to be a pest that is present in some parts of the United States and subject to official control to prevent further spread.

Posted Date: Feb. 27, 2018, 9 a.m.