(Tuesday, February 22, 2011)
New Orleans – An alert U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialist prevented what could have been a major threat to forest habitats in the U.S. The discovery of eggs on a vessel anchored in the river appeared to be those of the Asian Gypsy Moth. The vessel has been restricted at anchorage and further inspection is ongoing to ensure that no other egg masses are found and the vessel has been treated so that the infestation has been eradicated.
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The eggs were gathered and sent to the laboratory for identification where it is was confirmed to be Lymantria dispar,
the scientific name for Asian Gypsy Moth. AGM eggs begin hatching into
caterpillars in the spring. The damage caused during the caterpillar
stage, as the insects feed on leaves, can be catastrophic to U.S.
forestry. These caterpillars have been known to feed on more than 500
species of trees and shrubs.
CBP
immediately acted to ensure the safety of the country and its forest
industry which has major ecological, economic and social importance for
the U.S. and the State of Louisiana. If an infestation were to occur in
the U.S. it could cause millions of dollars of damage.
“Finding
AGM before the season really even gets started is concerning. The
vigilance already displayed by the Agriculture Specialists will continue
energetically to ensure we safeguard our forests and agriculture
industry from this pest,” said Robert C. Gomez, acting director of the
CBP New Orleans field office.
U.S.
Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the
Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and
protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of
entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out
of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
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