The USDA and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have placed the District under federal quarantine for the Emerald Ash Borer, or agrilus planipennis for you science types.
The invasive wood-boring beetle is native to China and eastern Asia. Since its first U.S. detection in Michigan, the EAB has been responsible for the death and decline of tens of millions of ash trees in the U.S. Interstate transport of firewood from quarantined areas also increases the risk for spreading the beetle.
APHIS works with state cooperators and foresters to raise awareness about this bug, and the potential threats associated with long distance movements of firewood.
In order to prevent spreading of the pest, the quarantine was issued for D.C., Baltimore city, and nine additional counties because of their proximity to EAB infestations.
For more information on the Emerald Ash Borer, click here or here.
