CBP Posts "Maritime Alert" on Vessels Infested with Asian Gypsy Moth Eggs (Infested Vessels Cannot Unload)

According to the alert, U.S. and Canadian authorities have intercepted live AGM egg masses on an unprecedented number of commercial vessels calling on west coast ports in 2008. Ten of these events were severe enough to consider vessels significantly infested resulting in the vessels being ordered into international waters. In all cases, delays in cargo loading and in routine clearance were significant.

U.S., Canadian Officials Seek Increased Collaboration with Shipping Lines, Etc.

According to the alert, both Canada and the U.S. are aware that the shipping industry is interested in quarantine compliance and maintaining schedules in response to recent AGM events. Both countries are committed to working with industry to support measures that will reduce AGM risk at origin.

U.S. and Canadian officials seek increased collaboration with shipping lines, agents, and associations in order to try to minimize these events with support of port monitoring and vessel pre-inspection techniques. According to the alert, it will be necessary for shipping lines to order all vessel crews to conduct intensive vessel inspection to remove and destroy all egg masses prior to entering U.S. and Canadian ports.

USDA and CFIA officials will work with industry to produce information on AGM specific to vessel sanitation to support collaboration and minimize vessel clearance time at U.S. and Canadian maritime ports.

Specific Instructions for Vessels Transiting Far East Russia & Japan, Calling on China and Korea

The alert states that the recent events are leading U.S. and Canadian officials to believe that AGM populations in seaport areas in Japan and other parts of northeast Asia have risen dramatically and will continue into 2009.

As a result, USDA and CFIA officials are recommending that vessels transiting in far east Russia and Japan during designated periods maintain compliance by obtaining certification prior to departure from these countries.

In addition, all vessels calling on China and Korea must insist on high levels of vigilance and self inspection to ensure that no egg masses remain on board the vessel when it arrives in the U.S. and Canada.

Note that USDA and CFIA officials are not recommending avoidance of any foreign port.

Vessels Found Infested Cannot Load/Unload Cargo Until Free of AGM Life Stages

Vessels found infested by U.S. or Canadian authorities are not authorized to load or unload cargo until the free of AGM life stages (egg masses, live larvae, and live adults). In addition, due to North American coordination to prevent entry of this pest, vessels cannot redirect to Canada or Mexico, but can choose to proceed to other foreign locations.

(See alert for details, including periods of AGM flight and infestation risk for certain countries, areas where AGM egg masses can be found, etc.)

(See ITT's Online Archives or 03/24/09 news, 09032425 1, for BP summary announcing the availability of this alert.

See ITT's Online Archives or 03/30/06 news, 06033020, for BP summary of APHIS issuing information on AGM, potentially affected ports/vessels, etc.

See ITT's Online Archives or 07/31/06 news, 06073115, for BP summary of APHIS amending gypsy moth regulations on bark, bark products from Canada, etc.)

AGM Maritime Industry Alert (posted 03/20/09, dated 02/09) available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/trade/priority_trade/agriculture/agm_alerts.ctt/agm_alerts.doc