APHIS Establishes a Quarantine for Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) in Michigan
FOR INFORMATION AND ACTION
DA-2023-06
May 30, 2023
Subject: APHIS Establishes a Quarantine for Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) in Michigan
To: State, Tribal, and Territory Agricultural Regulatory Officials
Effective immediately, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), is establishing a quarantine for the box tree moth (BTM) in all of Lenawee and Washtenaw Counties and parts of Jackson and Monroe Counties, Michigan.
BTM is a destructive pest of boxwood (Buxus species). APHIS is taking this action in response to confirmed detections of BTM larvae in Lenawee County, Michigan. BTM was first detected in Michigan on November 2, 2022. Since the detection in late fall 2022, APHIS has worked with MDARD to restrict host movement, delimit the infestation, engage stakeholders, and conduct outreach. APHIS, MDARD, industry, and research partners are working closely to develop useful pest control tools.
APHIS is prohibiting the interstate movement of regulated articles of Buxus spp. from the entire Counties of Lenawee and Washtenaw, the County of Monroe west of US-23 and north of River Raisin, and the County of Jackson south of I-94 and east of US-127.
Regulated articles include the whole plant, all plant parts, pieces, cuttings, clippings, debris, and any portion of the plant, alive or dead. APHIS is taking this action to prevent the spread of BTM to the rest of the United States. These measures parallel the intrastate quarantine that MDARD established on April 10, 2023.
The attached Federal Order outlines the safeguarding measures required for protecting the industry from this pest. The Federal Order and additional information about BTM may be found at:
For additional information, please contact the National Policy Manager, Allen Proxmire, at 480-392-8754 or allen.proxmire@usda.gov.
/s/
Dr. Mark L Davidson
Deputy Administrator
Plant Protection and Quarantine
Attachment: Federal Order DA-2023-06
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APHIS protects the health of U.S. agriculture and natural resources against invasive pests and diseases, regulates genetically engineered crops, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and helps people and wildlife coexist. We also certify the health of U.S. agricultural exports and resolve phytosanitary and sanitary issues to open, expand, and maintain markets for U.S plant and animal products.
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