Joint Notice from CFIA & USDA Regarding Recent Asian Gypsy Moth Interceptions
August 3, 2012
The US Department of Agriculture and Canadian Food Inspection Agency have issued a joint notice to the Trade community regarding recent Asian Gypsy Moth interceptions.
In the past several weeks United States and Canadian authorities have intercepted a large number of commercial marine vessels with live Asian gypsy moth (AGM) egg masses on the superstructures of ships and cargo. The pace of these interceptions during the past few weeks is alarming to US and Canadian inspection agencies.
We are receiving information that this year high numbers of AGM adults are flying in some port areas at time of pre-departure inspections. Inspection certificates indicate large numbers of egg masses have been removed and crews report removing hundreds of egg masses post certification. In some cases, certification is issued many days prior to ship departure allowing for reinfestation.
These events pose high risks for spreading this pest in North American and require that infested vessels be ordered into international waters for cleaning or to be rerouted to ports outside the United States and Canada. In all cases, delays in cargo loading or discharging activities and in routine clearance have been significant and result in the loss of revenue to the shipping line and associated parties. The vessels are unable to conduct cargo operations, miss cargo charters, and experience significant schedule delays.
Photos: Asian Gypsy Moth Vessel Inspection 2012
Source: USDA, CFIA
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