The discovery occurred on May 28 while CBP agriculture specialists were inspecting the vessel. The suspect masses were removed from the vessel and sample specimens were sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture laboratory for identification. The USDA’s final report confirmed the identification as Asian Gypsy Moth.
The interception is significant in that the Asian Gypsy Moth is not established in the United States. Their introduction as an invasive defoliating pest could be extremely detrimental to the forests of the United States, causing severe economic and environmental damage.
“This interception highlights the diligent work that CBP agriculture specialists perform in safeguarding U.S. agriculture trade from harmful pests and plant diseases as well as protecting the broader American agriculture sector,” said Joanne Fogg, acting area port director in Charleston.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
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