Japanese Cargo Ship Turned Away at L.A. Port Due to Gypsy Moth Eggs On Board

Officials reported on Tuesday that U.S. Customs agents removed masses of eggs of Asian gypsy moths that had infested a Japanese cargo ship headed into California’s Los Angeles port.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that if the Asian gypsy moth were to be introduced into the United States, it would pose a very serious threat of defoliation and deterioration to the country’s forest habitats nationwide.

The vessel which was headed to the L.A.-Long Beach port earlier in the month was discovered to have 24 masses of eggs in the gangway of the ship, tucked away under pipes, as well as covering parts of the main deck.  In addition to the egg masses, a dead adult Asian gypsy moth was found.

All of the eggs were removed from the Japanese ship which was forced to wait in international waters until tests were finished on the specimens.  At a later inspection, U.S. Customs deemed the vessel to be pest-free after the initial removal of the eggs.

Officials with U.S. Customs and agricultural agencies partner diligently to identify and eliminate threats to U.S. agriculture and forest resources by closely monitoring the vessels arriving at U.S. ports with accidental or intention introduction of harmful pests.