Country: United States

Title: European Grapevine Moth (Lobesia botrana) - Expansion of the quarantine area to include Santa Clara County, California

Contact:
Eileen Smith, APHIS National Emergency Response Coordinator at (301) 734-5235

Report: The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has expanded the European Grapevine Moth (EGVM) quarantine area to include portions of Santa Clara County in California. APHIS is applying existing restrictions on all interstate movement of regulated articles from the quarantine area. These actions are necessary to prevent the spread of EGVM to noninfested areas of the United States.

On September 20, 2010, APHIS confirmed the detection of a single adult EGVM in a wine-producing area of Santa Clara County, California. Since this detection, two additional moths have been detected in the same area, triggering a quarantine area for EGVM. APHIS has actively worked with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and stakeholders to survey and gather information on EGVM. EGVM traps are being deployed at protocol levels as part of an extensive delimitation survey being conducted around all new EGVM detection sites. APHIS, in partnership with CDFA and the affected Counties, is working closely with industry, the University of California, and other stakeholders to control this pest.

The September 15, 2010 Federal Order outlines the safeguarding measures required for the interstate movement of regulated articles from quarantine areas. The state’s interior quarantine for EGVM is in parallel to the Federal Order. EGVM is a significant pest of grapes and other specialty crops. In October 2009, APHIS confirmed the first detection of EGVM in the United States in major grape production areas of northern California.

The establishment of this quarantine area becomes effective on September 28, 2010. Further information can be found at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/eg_moth/index.shtml

Under IPPC Standards, Lobesia botrana is considered to be a pest that is present: subject to official control in the United States.
 

Posted Date: Oct. 1, 2010, 9 a.m.