Can the United States stop importing goods from China to avoid these pests?
A. No. Instead, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) works with the Chinese authorities to take steps to prevent future infestations of ALB and similar pests, including restrictions on SWPM from China and imposition of treatment requirements for these materials before they arrive in the United States.
A. No. Instead, APHIS is working with the Chinese authorities to prevent future infestations of the Asian longhorned beetle and similar pests, including restrictions on solid wood packing material from China and imposition of treatment requirements on these materials before arrival in the United States. Federal law prohibits APHIS from discussing potential regulatory actions before they are published in the Federal Register. APHIS is reviewing many issues that involve importation of solid wood packing materials. The agency will implement a strategy to mitigate the risks associated with these wood-boring pests, in addition to any interim action regarding the Asian longhorned beetle. Additional Information For additional information about the Asian longhorned beetle contact APHIS’ Plant Protection and Quarantine at (301) 734-8295. You can also get information about this and other APHIS programs on our Web page (http://www.aphis.usda.gov). For details specific to the Asian longhorned beet
