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Sensation Pest Control Services

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FSMC / AGM Inspection

FSMC / AGM (Asian Gypsy Moth) Inspection and Quarantine in Ships

Asian gypsy moth (AGM) is an oriental species seen in japan, Korea, china and South Russia. This species is a great threat to the plantation. This species in the form of egg masses or pupae are migrated to other parts of world through ships enrouted through the above regulated areas.

All the ships entering to the countries like Canada, USA, Australia and Newzeland during the period of march to September are screened thoroughly and quarantined at offshore before berthing, to protect the plant life.

Asian gypsy moth (AGM) is a serious pest that can be carried on the superstructure of ships and cargo. AGM populations are prevalent in some seaport areas in far East Russia, Japan, Korea, and Northern China. It is a quarantine pest for both Canada and the United States (U.S.). If introduced, AGM could have significant negative impacts on the North American plant resource base, commerce that relies on those plant resources, and to market access Canada and the U.S. Are working together to manage AGM risk at origin through the vessel pre-departure certification program.

Vessels must arrive to north american ports free of AGM and with required pre-departure certification. It is vital that the maritime industry collaborates, with the U.S And Canadian authorities on measures to minimize the risk of AGM incursion. Although the plant health and agricultural agencies of the U.S And Canada are independent and have variances in their legislation AGM Risk Mitigation and exclusion efforts are a joint effort and considered a high priority.

In 2013, u.s. And Canadian authorities intercepted vessels with AGM egg masses on the Super structures of ships and cargo. Many vessels arriving to North America with AGM life stages present were ordered into international waters to mitigate risk of introduction. In all cases of vessels arriving without the required AGM certification, or upon detection of AGM, significant delays in cargo loading or discharging activities as well as in routine clearance can occur, resulting in loss of revenue to the shipping line and associated parties.

The shipping industry has significantly enhanced awareness of necessary quarantine compliance for AGM. This has been vital to maintaining shipping schedules. Both countries are committed to working with industry partners to support measures that will reduce AGM risk at origin.

We at sensation pest control services are providing the services of AGM inspection, quarantine/disinfestation through all the indian ports.

Four Stages : Egg → Larva (caterpillar) → Pupae (cocoon) → and Adult Moth

AGM egg masses may be found on trees, stones, walls, logs and lawn furniture and other outdoor objects. Each 1 ½ inch egg mass contains 100 eggs. The mass is covered with a buff or yellowish fuzz which comes from the abdomen of the female.

AGM eggs begin hatching into caterpillars in the spring. All of the damage caused by the AGM is done during this stage. The fully grown caterpillar is about 1 1/2 to 2 inches long.

AGM caterpillars stop feeding when they enter the pupa or cocoon stage. This begins in late June or July.

Adults emerge from the cocoons in 10 to 14 days.
AGM does not feed in the moth stage but only mate and lay eggs. Eggs are laid between July and September.
The eggs remain dormant during the winter and hatch in the spring. The life of adult moth is One week only.

 

Life Cycle of Asian Gypsy Moth

Why Asian Gypsy Moth is considered as a BIG THREAT

  1. Wide host range (500 species of trees and shrubs)
  2. Larch, oak, poplar, alder, willow and some conifers including hemlock, pine, spruce and southern white cedar
  3. All of the damage caused by Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM) is caused during the caterpillar stage.
  4. If became established could cause defoliation of millions of acres of trees causing a huge economic impact. Additionally, large amounts of caterpillar frass, destroyed leaves and dead moths would be a nuisance to homes, yards and parks.
  5. Native to Asia. Transported to US by ships from Russia and Germany
  6. First identified in British Columbia in 1991
  7. Not established in the U.S. But has been detected and eradicated

Damages Registered so far

Adult moths frequently lay their egg masses on cargo ships and shipping containers, and these hardy egg clusters often survive to hatch at ports of call around the world, including the United States.

The first such known introduction was in 1991, where egg masses on a Soviet ship docked in Vancouver were found to be hatching. Due to fear that the larvae could have blown onshore, efforts to detect and identify any Asian gypsy moth introductions in the Northwest were made.

During the summer and fall of that year, Asian gypsy moth was found in Vancouver, Portland and Tacoma and these local populations were eradicated quickly. Since 1991, there have been 20 introductions of Asian gypsy moth in the U.S. All of which were eradicated successfully.