As expected, in the face of last month's notification of USDA-APHIS by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency that box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) had been detected in a Niagara peninsula, Ontario, Canada nursery, USDA has now moved to prohibit the importation of all host genera (Buxus, Ilex, Euonymus spp.) from Canada until further notice. Trace-forwards and associated inspections are underway in at least 25 customer facilities in at least six US states (initially MI, OH, NY, CT, MA, SC but the list may change). Preliminary and unofficial reports suggest that the pest has been detected in at least some of these states, in association with the targeted plants. Regulatory efforts are ongoing and will almost surely involve stop-sales and host plant destruction. Since much material has likely moved through retail channels to the end consumer, trace-forwards to end consumers may be attempted but we know that is difficult.

Here is the link to the FO:  https://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/plant_imports/federal_order/downloads/2021/da-2021-11.pdf

This is considered a high-consequence defoliating pest of boxwood. We are hopeful that the regulatory response efforts are successful, giving more time for the ongoing research agenda which HRI has helped to leverage forward to better equip the industry with tools to manage the pest if it establishes in the U.S. in the future. We’ll share pertinent information as it becomes available.