The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Regulated Area Expands in Wisconsin to include Portage and Wood Counties.

 

FOR INFORMATION AND ACTION

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     DA-2016-37

 

 

 

 

 

Subject:           APHIS Adds Portage and Wood Counties in Wisconsin 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 Portage and Wood Counties in Wisconsin 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 Portage County.

 

To prevent the spread of EAB, the attached Federal Order outlines specific conditions for the interstate movement of EAB-regulated articles from the quarantined areas in Wisconsin. The interstate movement of EAB-host wood and wood products from the quarantined areas 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 native to China and East Asia. EAB is present in 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 quarantined areas is an especially high-risk pathway for the spread of EAB. 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 movement of firewood.

 

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

 

 

Osama El-Lissy

 

Deputy Administrator

 

Plant Protection and Quarantine