Country: United States

Title: USDA REMOVES GYPSY MOTH RESTRICTIONS FROM BRITISH COLUMBIA

Contact:
Fredrick A. Thomas

Report:

export operations officer
APHIS, PPQ, Phytosanitary Issues Management
4700 River Road, Unit 140
Riverdale, Md. 20737-1236
Telephone: 301-734-8367

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is amending its regulations by removing British Columbia, Canada, from the list of gypsy moth infested areas.

This action removes restrictions on the importation of articles that include trees and shrubs with or without roots, logs and pulpwood with bark attached, outdoor household articles and mobile homes and their associated equipment.

Surveys have indicated that those areas that had been considered infested have been free of gypsy moth for the past 2 years, allowing the importation of regulated articles from British Columbia, Canada. U.S. imports of live trees, plants and rough wood from this area exceed $200 million annually.

The gypsy moth is a destructive pest of forest and shade trees. In its caterpillar stage, the gypsy moth can feed on more than 500 different species of trees and shrubs. The pests can defoliate millions of acres in a season.

Notice of this final rule is scheduled for publication in the Sept. 23 Federal Register and become effective upon publication. APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. 

Posted Date: Sept. 20, 2002, 9 a.m.