Press Releases

Meghan Thomas (301) 734-3266
Jerry Redding (202) 720-6959

USDA AMENDS FIRE ANT REGULATIONS

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2002—The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has amended its imported fire ant regulations to add the insecticide fipronil to the list of chemicals authorized for the treatment of regulated articles and to provide instructions for its use in soil or potting media and on grass sod.

This action authorized an additional treatment to persons wishing to move containerized plants and commercial grass sod interstate from quarantined areas.

APHIS updated the regulations by making the rates of application for chlorpyrifos, a currently authorized insecticide, consistent with current product labeling.

The imported fire ant is an aggressive, stinging insect that, in large numbers, can seriously injure livestock, pets and humans. This pest feeds on crops and builds large, hard mounds that damage farm and field machinery. APHIS quarantines infested states or infested areas within states and restricts the interstate movement of regulated articles from those areas to prevent the artificial spread of the imported fire ant. Regulated articles include soil, plants and sod.

Notice of this action is scheduled for publication in the Sept. 18 Federal Register and is effective upon publication. APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Comments may be reviewed at USDA, Room 1141, South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C., between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Persons wishing to review comments are requested to call ahead on (202) 690-2817 to facilitate entry into the comment reading room.