Country: United States

Title: Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis): Counties in Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, and Tennessee added to the regulated area

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 counties to the list of regulated areas for emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis: Whitley County, Kentucky, Bollinger and Pulaski Counties, Missouri, Granville, Person, and Vance Counties, North Carolina, and Hamilton County, Tennessee. APHIS is taking these actions in response to the confirmation of EAB in Whitley County, Kentucky, in May 2013; in Bollinger and Pulaski Counties, Missouri, in June, 2013; in Granville County, North Carolina, in May 2013; and in Hamilton County, Tennessee, in June, 2013.

The Federal Order outlines specific conditions for the interstate movement of EAB-regulated articles from the above-listed counties in Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, and Tennessee in order to prevent the spread of EAB to other states. Specifically, the interstate movement of EAB-host wood and wood products from these 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 regulated 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. The interstate movement of firewood from regulated areas is an especially high-risk pathway for spreading EAB. APHIS works with State cooperators and foresters to prevent 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 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: Aug. 1, 2013, 9 a.m.