Press Release

Daniel Parry	(301) 734-3255
Jerry Redding	(301) 720-6959

USDA PROPOSES TO AMEND IMPORTED FIRE ANT REGULATIONS

WASHINGTON, March 20, 2003--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced today that it is proposing to amend current imported fire ant regulations by adding the insecticide methoprene to the list of approved methods to combat this damaging pest.

The imported fire ant is an aggressive, stinging insect that can be fatal to livestock, pets and humans. The imported fire ant feeds on crops, and builds large mounds that damage farm and field machinery. The insect is a notorious hitchhiker and can easily be artificially transported outside infested areas via untreated nursery stock and soil.

The use of methoprene, known commercially as Extinguish®, has proven to be efficacious in treating host material.

These proposed changes would make methoprene available for the treatment of containerized plants and field-grown woody ornamentals within quarantine areas.

Notice of this proposal is scheduled for publication in the March 21 Federal Register. 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.

Consideration will be given to comments received on or before May 20. Comments may be submitted by postal mail, commercial delivery or by e-mail. Send an original and three copies of postal or commercial delivery comments to Docket No. 02-115-1, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3C71, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, Md. 20737-1238. If you use e-mail, address your comments to regulations@aphis.usda.gov. Comments must be contained in the body of the message; do not send attached files. Please include your name and address in the message and use "Docket No. 02-115-1" on the subject line.

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.

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