Country: United States

Title: Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) – Counties in Minnesota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin added to the quarantine area

Contact:
Paul Chaloux, EAB National Program Manager, at (301) 734-0917

Report: The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is adding Winona County, Minnesota, Claiborne County, Tennessee, and La Crosse County, Wisconsin to the list of quarantine areas for emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis. APHIS is taking these actions in response to the confirmations of EAB in Winona County, Minnesota, on August 29, 2011 and Claiborne County, Tennessee, and La Crosse County, Wisconsin on August 19, 2011. The detection in Winona County was the result of an adult beetle caught in a lure baited purple panel trap hung as part of the national EAB survey.

The Federal Orders outline specific conditions for the interstate movement of EAB-regulated articles from the quarantined areas in order to prevent the spread of EAB to other states. Specifically, the interstate movement of EAB-host wood and wood products from the quarantined areas is regulated, including firewood of all hardwood species, nursery stock, green lumber, waste, compost, and chips of ash species.

EAB is present in some portions of the United States. Due to the continuing spread of EAB, APHIS has established quarantine areas, which are designated in the Federal regulations located at 7 CFR 301.53-3 and the Federal Orders located at the following APHIS website:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/emerald_ash_b/quarantine.shtml

EAB, an invasive wood boring beetle, is native to China and eastern Asia. Since its first U.S. detection in Michigan, EAB has been responsible for the death and decline of tens of millions of U.S. ash trees. The interstate movement of firewood from quarantine areas is an especially high-risk pathway for spreading EAB. APHIS works with State cooperators and foresters to raise public awareness about this pest and the potential threats associated with 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: Oct. 14, 2011, 9 a.m.