Swiss interception of Anoplophora glabripennis on wood packaging material from China
The NPPO of Switzerland recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of an interception of wood packaging material originating from China, from which adults of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO A1 List) were able to emerge. The presence of the insect was detected on 2012-05-21 by 2 sniffer dogs (Austrian team) on a consignment of granite stones at the Rhine port of Basel (Birsfelden). Although the wood packaging material was marked in conformity with ISPM no. 15, 5 larvae and 2 pupae were found. In addition, there was evidence that 2 more pupae had been able to hatch (adult beetles were not found). The identity of the larvae is still under verification, but their morphological characteristics strongly suggest that the species is A. glabripennis. The consignment of granite was repacked and the original packing material was incinerated. Because of the vicinity of the German border (right bank of the Rhine), the map of the demarcated area together with other relevant information will be provided to the German NPPO. Finally, the Swiss NPPO is developing a contingency plan for this pest.
The pest status of Anoplophora glabripennis in Switzerland is officially declared as: Transient, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Switzerland (2012-05).