1168 - 08/19 - Asian Gypsy Moth requirements in North America

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) have published the enclosed "in-season bulletin" regarding ongoing 2019 Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM) inspections and enforcement.  

The bulletin notes that the U.S. and Canada are seeing high population levels of AGM in Asian countries that are regulated for AGM and on vessels arriving in North America after having called at AGM regulated Asian ports. AGM detections have resulted in vessels being delayed entry to U.S. and Canadian ports.  Vessels may also be denied entry to U.S. and/or Canadian ports if they arrive with AGM egg masses on the vessel.

While vessels calling at AGM regulated Asian ports during the specified risk periods are required to obtain pre-departure certification that the vessel is free of AGM egg masses, the USDA/CFIA bulletin notes that possession of a required AGM certification will not prevent a ship from being denied entry to or ordered out of port if AGM masses are detected.  

The bulletin contains the following recommended additional actions that vessel operators should take to avoid delays or possible denial of entry to U.S. and/or Canadian ports:

• Arrange for the AGM inspection, removal of all AGM life forms and certification as close as possible to departure from areas regulated for AGM to avoid re-infestation;
• Ensure that all vessel activities in regulated areas (e.g. bunkering) are concluded or in the process of being concluded prior to obtaining AGM certification;
• Conduct a vessel self-inspection while en route to North America to remove and destroy all egg masses and other life forms of AGM detected; and
• Ensure vessels are in good repair and decks are clear of debris and unnecessary obstacles to allow for thorough inspection both in AGM regulated areas and upon arrival in North America.

Adult AGMs are attracted to outdoor lighting and most active at dusk, therefore keeping lights minimised during night hours may help. Adult male moths have grayish-brown wings and a wingspan of 1 ½ inches. Adult female moths are white and larger, with wingspans of up to 3 ½ inches. 

Additional information can be found on United Stats Departure of Agriculture website:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/pests-diseases/hungry-pests/the-threat/asian-gypsy-moth/asian-gypsy-moth

Source of Information

Loss Prevention / World Shipping Council