The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Regulated Area Expands into Webster Parish Louisiana

 

FOR INFORMATION AND ACTION

DA-2015-31

June 18, 2015

 

 

Subject:           APHIS Adds Webster Parish in Louisiana 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 Webster Parish in Louisiana 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 Webster Parish.

To prevent the spread of EAB to other states, the attached Federal Order outlines specific conditions for the interstate movement of EAB-regulated articles from the quarantined areas in Louisiana. Specifically, the interstate movement of EAB-host wood and wood products from the quarantined areas in Louisiana 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 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, 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.

 

 For more information about the EAB program and federal EAB regulations, please call EAB National Policy Manager Paul Chaloux at 301-851-2064.

 

/s/

 

Osama El-Lissy

Deputy Administrator

Plant Protection and Quarantine