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CBP intercepts two insect pests threatening local agriculture at Dulles Airport

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CBP intercepts two insect pests threatening local agriculture at Dulles Airport
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Entomologists at the US Department of Agriculture have confirmed that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists at Washington Dulles International Airport intercepted two insect pests that could threaten local agriculture. These insects were found in a shipment of 188 protea and chamelaucium cut-stem flowers imported from South Africa on October 7th, intended for an address in King George County, Virginia.

The discovery is significant as one of the insects had never been seen in the region before, while the other had not been observed locally for 40 years. The CBP agriculture specialists routinely inspect flower imports to ensure they are free of pests that could harm agricultural and environmental resources.

The intercepted insects were identified by a USDA entomologist as Caprhiobia sp. (Lygaeidae) and Oxycarenus maculatus (Protea seed bug). The Caprhiobia sp. is known to occur in South Africa and causes extensive damage to vegetation. This finding was marked as a 'first-in-port' discovery since there were no previous reports of this insect in the region.

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Oxycarenus maculatus, or Protea seed bug, poses a threat to crop industries such as corn, grains, wheat, cotton, fruit, tree nuts, and vegetables. Although it has been seen in the area before, it had not been observed since November 1984.

Marc Calixte, CBP’s Area Port Director for Washington DC's Area Port emphasized the importance of their work: “Invasive insect pests pose a severe threat to our agricultural industries and to our nation’s economic security.”

Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists play a crucial role in protecting natural resources from invasive pests and diseases that could impact the economy. They inspect international passengers and cargo daily across 328 ports of entry nationwide.

On average last year, CBP agriculture specialists seized 3,287 prohibited plants, meat products, animal byproducts, soil samples, and intercepted 231 insect pests at US ports of entry.

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