Country: United States

Title: Agrilus planipennis (Emerald Ash Borer) – Updated regulated areas in the United States

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

Report:

Effective immediately, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is adding Wabasha County and the part of Lake City that extends into Goodhue County in Minnesota to the list of regulated areas for the emerald ash borer (EAB). APHIS is taking this action in response to the detection of EAB in Wabasha County.

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 areas in Minnesota. Specifically, the interstate movement of EAB-host wood and wood products from the quarantined areas in Minnesota 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 (CFR) at 7 CFR 301.53-3 and the Federal Orders located at:

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

The interstate movement of firewood from quarantined 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: July 8, 2016, 9 a.m.