Situation of Anoplophora glabripennis in the USA: eradication continues
In the USA, Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO A1 List) was first discovered in New York (Brooklyn) in August 1996 (EPPO RS 96/214). In the following years, the pest was detected in other areas of New York (Long Island, Queens, Manhattan, Staten and Prall’s Islands) and the nearby state of New Jersey (Hudson, Middlesex, Union Counties). As a result of intensive surveys and strict phytosanitary measures, A. glabripennis was officially declared eradicated from Hudson County (New Jersey) in March 2008. In the areas which remain infested, eradication efforts continue and the number of infested trees is diminishing from year to year.
A second outbreak was detected in Chicago (Illinois) in July 1998. From 1998 to 2006, numerous quarantine zones were delimited in the city of Chicago and its neighbourhood (Oz Park, Ravenswood, Kilbourn Park, Loyola, Park Ridge, O’Hare airport, Addison and Summit) and approximately 1,770 trees were removed to eliminate the pest. After four years of negative surveys, A. glabripennis was officially declared eradicated from Illinois in March 2008. However, in August 2008, a single adult of A. glabripennis was detected in the city of Deerfield (Illinois, 20 km north of the northern boundary of the previously regulated area of Chicago). No infested trees have been identified at Deerfield, so far.
In August 2008, A. glabripennis was found in Massachusetts for the first time. Several infested trees were detected in a private garden in Worcester (Worcester County). Surveys will be undertaken to delimit the extent of the infestation in Massachusetts and phytosanitary measures will be applied to prevent any further spread and eradicate the pest.
Finally, it can also be recalled that during the last decade, beetles have occasionally been intercepted in western USA, inside or near warehouses, in California (Hawthorne, Los Angeles, South Gate, and Sacramento) and in Washington (Bellingham and Seattle) but these incursions have not led to the establishment of the pest.
The pest status of Anoplophora glabripennis in the USA is officially declared as: Present, only in some areas and under eradication.
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NOTE: Detailed maps showing quarantine areas are available on the APHIS-PPQ website:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/asian_lhb/alb_maps.shtml
Sources
NAPPO Pest Alert System. Official Pest Reports.
- USA (2008-04-23). Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) eradicated from Illinois – United States. http://www.pestalert.org/oprDetail.cfm?oprID=313
- USA (2008-08-14). Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis, confirmed in Worcester County, Massachusetts. http://www.pestalert.org/oprDetail.cfm?oprID=336
Western Integrated Pest Management Center (US). Regional Pest Alert. Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis. http://www.wripmc.org/alerts/AsianLonghornBeetle.pdf