Web Alert: Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM) Risk Period 2017

Members with ships calling Far East ports are reminded that the risk period for Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM) will be commencing soon. The regulated areas and risk periods are mentioned below -

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have issued a joint statement outlining the actions that should be taken by vessels, which include following measures:

• Vessels must be inspected and must obtain pre-departure certification from a recognized certification body.
• Vessels must arrive in North American ports free from AGM. 
• Vessels must provide two year port of call data, at least 96 hours prior to arrival in a North American port, to the Canadian or U.S. agent. 

In Australia, the heightened vessel surveillance window for AGM is between January and May each year. The vessels that have visited AGM risk seaport during the 2016 AGM flight season are being risk assessed by the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources from 9 January 2017. This activity is expected to conclude on 31 May 2017.

For full details of how best to avoid this risk, members are recommended to refer to Club’s publication and poster on AGM.