APHIS actions against moth deemed justifiable

A new report from the Nat’l Research Council finds that USDA-APHIS is within its broad regulatory authority to classify California's invasive light brown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana) as an "actionable" pest. The committee found APHIS met the minimum standard within its broad regulatory powers to declare the moth is of potential economic importance and is actionable. However, the council report said APHIS would benefit greatly from referencing more robust science to support its position, as its draft response did not adequately explain the moth's most likely future geographic distribution in the U.S. or the level of economic harm it could cause. APHIS classified LBAM, which was confirmed in California in 2007, as an "actionable quarantine significant pest" and applied its authority to implement a program of quarantine restrictions and eradication, which has been met with some public resistance. At the time the council committee wrote the report, the moth had been found in 17 Calif. counties. The report was sponsored by APHIS.

Photo courtesy of SARDI, Greg Baker