The UK P&I Club informed about the high risk season for Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM). Namely, ships which have called an infested area during the period in which AGM is likely to contaminate them, especially from June to September, should be inspected and get an Inspection Certificate of Freedom from AGM before entering the NAPPO region (USA, Canada, Mexico).
Vessels that don’t have AGM inspection and certificate may be refused entry to the NAPPO region, redirected to other destinations and may be subject to penalties.
During this time it can be expected that Port State inspectors increase their efforts to prevent the spread of this invasive species, especially on the North American Continent.
The Gypsy Moth is a highly destructive forest pest which can enter the United States by laying eggs on vessels and/or cargo while in foreign ports. The females may fly and lay eggs between May 15 and October 15, and can literally cover a vessel during that time.
Ships originating in or transiting Europe, China, Japan, Korea, Russia, Turkey and the Mediterranean may have been exposed to Gypsy Moths. It is unlikely that live adult Gypsy Moths will be on these vessels, but there may be egg masses.
In January, the Gard P&I Club issued an alert drawing attention on Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM), highlighting that Australia has heightened vessel surveillance for AGM and New Zealand introduced new AGM requirements from 1 February 2018.
