Country: United States

Title: Agrilus planipennis (Emerald Ash Borer): APHIS adds portions of Alabama, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Maine to the Regulated Area

Contact:
Clarissa J. Maroon-Lango, Pest Management Director, at clarissa.j.maroon-lango@usda.gov or 301-851-2328.

Report:

Effective immediately, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is adding the following counties to the list of regulated areas for the emerald ash borer (EAB):

• All of St. Clair and Talladega Counties, Alabama
• All of Stearns County, Minnesota;
• All of Otoe, Lancaster, and Saunders Counties, Nebraska;
• All of York County, Maine; and
• The northeast portion of Aroostook County, Maine.

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. Specifically, APHIS regulates the interstate movement of EAB host wood and wood products from the quarantined areas, 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 the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 7 CFR 301.53-3. Relevant Federal Orders are located at:

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

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: Aug. 5, 2019, 9 a.m.