APHIS Expands Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Regulated Area to Include Entire Commonwealth of Kentucky

FOR INFORMATION AND ACTION

DA-2014-16

April 3, 2014

 

SUBJECT:      APHIS Adds Entirety of Kentucky to 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 expanding the list of regulated areas for the emerald ash borer (EAB) to include the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky. APHIS is taking this action in response to the detection of EAB in widely separated locations in Kentucky. APHIS previously regulated only a portion of Kentucky due to the establishment and enforcement of equivalent state quarantines. Kentucky, however, has rescinded its EAB quarantine, so APHIS is adding all of Kentucky to the APHIS list of regulated areas to prevent the spread of EAB to other states.

 

The attached Federal Order outlines the conditions for the interstate movement of EAB- regulated articles from Kentucky to prevent the spread of EAB to other states. Specifically, the interstate movement of EAB-host wood and wood products from Kentucky 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/planthealth/eab_quarantine

 

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, to develop biological and other controls for EAB, and to raise public awareness about this pest and the potential threats associated with the long-distance movement of firewood.

 

For additional information regarding the EAB program and Federal EAB regulations, please call National Policy Manager Paul Chaloux at 301-851-2064.

 

 

/s/ Jeff Grode for

Osama El-Lissy

Deputy Administrator

Plant Protection and Quarantine