Gypsy Moth - Background |
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Asian Gypsy Moth
Asian gypsy moth is an exotic pest not known to occur in the United States. The Asian gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar ssp.) is a voracious pest of trees. The goal of APHIS-PPQ is to identify likely pathways for entry of this exotic pest and maintain an early detection program. An introduction into the US would pose a major threat to the forest habitats on the North American continent. This is due to the broad range of host plants this insect will feed on that the fact that the female AGM is an active flyer that is capable of flying up to 25 miles (40 K). AGM is native to Asia. When Asian gypsy moth is detected in the US, an eradication program is implemented.
One significant pathway that has been identified is via ships and cargo from the Far East. PPQ, in cooperation with USDA’s Forest Service have an agreement with the Russian government to conduct detection surveys in Far East Russia, near the port of Vladivostok, to determine AGM population levels. Analysis of these population levels helps determine risk season-by-season of introduction via ships and cargo coming from or transiting Far East Russia.
In 1991, Asian gypsy moth egg masses on a Soviet ship docked in Vancouver, British Columbia, were found to be hatching. Because it was feared that larvae may have blown onshore, steps were taken to detect and identify new gypsy moth introductions into northwestern North America. During the summer and fall of 1991, Asian gypsy moth adults were found in Portland, OR, and Tacoma, WA, in the United States, and in Vancouver, BC, in Canada.
Status: In 2000 eighteen states reported survey results for AGM. One moth was captured near Portland, Oregon. An eradication program was conducted in 2001 in the area of the capture in Oregon. Extensive trapping will be conducted in 2002 to verify eradication.