Country: United States

Title: Updated regulated areas for the Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)

Contact:
Paul Chaloux, EAB National Policy Manager, at 301-851-2064

Report: Effective immediately, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is adding the following Iowa counties to the list of regulated areas for the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis): Buchanan, Cedar, Clayton, Clinton, Davis, Delaware, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fayette, Henry, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Lee, Linn, Louisa, Muscatine, Scott, Van Buren, Wapello, Washington, and Winneshiek. APHIS is taking this action to respond to the confirmation of emerald ash borer (EAB) in three additional counties in Iowa and known patterns of movement of regulated articles in Iowa.

Some counties in Missouri, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Georgia, and Connecticut have also been added to the regulated areas in recent months.

The Federal Order outlines specific conditions for the interstate movement of EAB-regulated articles from regulated counties to prevent the spread of EAB to other states. Specifically, the interstate movement of EAB-host wood and wood products from quarantined counties 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 the Code of Federal Regulations at 7 CFR 301.53-3 and the Federal Orders located at:

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

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: Jan. 23, 2014, 9 a.m.