APHIS Adds Merrimack County, New Hampshire to the Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) Regulated Area

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service sent this bulletin at 06/11/2013 02:27 PM EDT

APHIS Stakeholder Registry Default Topic Image
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
Bookmark and Share

 

                                                                                    FOR INFORMATION AND ACTION

                                                                                    DA-2013-16

                                                                                    May 7, 2013

 

 

SUBJECT:  APHIS Adds Merrimack County, New Hampshire to the Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) Regulated Area

 

TO:  STATE AND TERRITORY AGRICULTURAL REGULATORY OFFICIALS                       

 

Effective immediately, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is adding Merrimack County, New Hampshire to the list of regulated areas for the emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis.  APHIS is taking this action in response to the confirmation of EAB in Merrimack County, New Hampshire in April 2013.

 

The attached Federal Order outlines specific conditions for the interstate movement of EAB-regulated articles from Merrimack County, New Hampshire in order to prevent the spread of EAB to other states.  Specifically, the interstate movement of EAB-host wood and wood products from Merrimack County, New Hampshire 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 quarantine 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. 

 

For more information about the EAB program and Federal EAB regulations, you may contact Paul Chaloux, EAB National Policy Manager, at (301) 851-2064.

 

/s/ Osama El-Lissy for

 

Rebecca A. Bech

Deputy Administrator

Plant Protection and Quarantine

 

Attachment:

Federal Order