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USDA-APHIS expands European Grapevine Moth Quarantine in California

Eileen Smith, APHIS, Helmuth Rogg, ODA, and Vaughn Walton, OSU

USDA-APHIS Quarantine for European Grapevine Moth (EGVM) is expanded to portions of Nevada and Santa Cruz Counties in California, which is very concerning. This change has additional implications regarding import of crop from these and other California EGVM quarantine areas to Oregon.  The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is expanding the EGVM quarantine area, effective immediately, to include portions of these two counties in California.  EGVM is a significant pest of grapes and other specialty crops. In October 2009, APHIS confirmed the first detection of EGVM in the United States in major grape production areas of northern California. 

On June 7, 2011, APHIS confirmed the detection of a single adult EGVM in a wine-producing area of Santa Cruz County, California.  The moth was found at the same location as the September 2010 EGVM detection.  The EGVM Technical Working Group reviewed the situation and determined that a low level population was present and recommended that APHIS establish a quarantine area to prevent the spread of this pest.  This area of Santa Cruz County will become the tenth county added to the EGVM quarantine area and represents approximately 87 square miles of the overall quarantine area.  In addition, this new area will connect to the western edge of the Santa Clara County quarantine area boundary for a combined quarantine area of approximately 181 square-miles.

APHIS is actively working with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and stakeholders to survey and gather information on EGVM. EGVM traps are being deployed at protocol levels as part of an extensive delimitation survey being conducted around all new EGVM detection sites.  APHIS, in partnership with CDFA and the affected Counties, is working closely with industry, the University of California, and other stakeholders to control this pest.

The February 10, 2011 Federal Order outlines the safeguarding measures required for the interstate movement of regulated articles from quarantine areas.  The state's interior quarantine for EGVM is parallel to the Federal Order. Further information can be found at:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/eg_moth/index.shtml

For additional information on the EGVM program, you may contact Eileen Smith, APHIS National Emergency Response Coordinator at (301) 734-5235.