US Custom Officials Found Invasive Asian Gypsy Moth Egg Masses On Bulk Carrier From China

The customs officials of the US recently examined a bulk carrier from China. They came across an invasive Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM) species that could’ve inflicted extensive damage to the landscape and natural resources.

Some agriculture experts associated with the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reportedly unearthed four egg masses of AGM on a sealed vessel in Louisiana’s Laplace in late September. The ship was targeted for inspection as it had docked at China’s designated AGM risk-prone areas a month before.

The AGM egg masses were reportedly sent to the Department of Agriculture for further testing. The suspected egg masses were first seen on the exterior surface of the vessel and railing on the lower and main decks, CBP said.

The US officials reportedly ordered the vessel to sail from the port and anchor out of the US waters for clean-up and disinfection.

CBP reportedly delivered suspected egg masses to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for extensive analysis, identifying the specimens as AGM.

CBP reportedly conducted a follow-up inspection of the vessel many days following the primary discovery. Fortunately, they could not see any more AGM egg masses on it. CBP eventually permitted the ship to move ahead with cargo operations, CBP mentioned.

CBP agriculture experts reportedly discovered suspected AGM egg masses on the vessel’s exterior surfaces and railings on the lower and main decks.

The USDA mentions that the AGM is an exotic pest. But it isn’t established in the US. They’re similar to the European gipsy moths discovered in the northwest, but the Asian variety has a broader range, making them way riskier.

Female moths have hundreds of eggs and eventually yield some hundred caterpillars that can feed on over 500 species of plant.

References: FOX News, Finno Expert

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