Travelers beware, don't pick up invasive hitchhikers
Global travelers
cautioned against bringing back pests and diseases to Oregon
February 7, 2018… Invasive species are unwelcome
hitchhikers. The message from agricultural officials to
international travelers is simple– be aware of where you are
traveling and what you might be bringing back to Oregon.
Pests and diseases from other parts of the globe can threaten the
state’s agriculture and natural resources.
“Enjoy your experience overseas, but leave it all there,”
says Helmuth Rogg, Director of Plan Protection and Conservation with
the Oregon Department of Agriculture. “Take pictures, but don’t
bring back live plants and animal products to Oregon. There’s
always a risk associated with travel in that you can bring
hitchhikers that can establish in Oregon and the US.”
The world has gotten smaller. Travelers can be halfway
around the globe in a day. It’s no problem for spores, seeds,
insects, and pathogens to survive the return trip.
“You can easily transport pests that we don’t have and
don’t want in Oregon,” says Rogg.
There are several examples of people bringing back an
invasive species or a disease to the US that has resulted in
millions of dollars in crop losses or other environmental damage.
Oregon averted a potential disaster three years ago when
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspectors at Portland
International Airport contacted Rogg at a time when parts of Russia
and Japan experienced a large Asian gypsy moth infestation. An
alert passenger traveling from Tokyo noticed something strange on
his checked-in luggage upon arrival. He alerted CBP inspectors who then closely
examined the suitcase and found an Asian gypsy moth egg mass.
Apparently the luggage was on the ground in Japan and in the open
long enough while being loaded into the cargo hold of the plane for
a female Asian gypsy moth to quickly lay eggs. If it had gone
unnoticed, those eggs might have hatched, finding a new home in
Oregon.
“You always wonder how many other pieces of luggage arrive
unnoticed,” says Rogg.
Essentially deputizing travelers to inspect on their own
is one solution. Cautioning them to avoid picking up something
invasive to begin with is a good first step. Messages and campaigns
have been created to make travelers aware of the role they play
in protecting Oregon from pests and diseases.
“When you travel, especially to tropical countries, there
are a lot of bugs flying around,” says Rogg. “If your suitcase is
left open, ants, spiders, and cockroaches can crawl in. This can
happen even in the finest hotels and resorts. Walking outdoors,
you can pick up weed seeds onto your shoes and socks. You might unknowingly
bring back a new infestation. Before you come back to Oregon, clean
your shoes and socks, clean out your suitcase, and make
sure there is nothing in there that might be a surprise for you when
you come back home.”
Foreign animal diseases hitching a ride back to Oregon is
the concern of State Veterinarian Dr. Brad Leamaster. USDA and state
animal officials keep an eye on the activity status of critical
diseases.
“If an economically important disease has been detected in
a foreign country that we commonly do business with, then we will
want to be extra diligent in following procedures that will prevent
the disease from making its way to the US,” says LeaMaster.
“Right now, China is reporting foot and mouth disease (FMD) present
in cattle and sheep in the north central part of their country.
China is one of our largest trading partners. There is a huge
amount of goods and people moving between our two countries. We are
also seeing elevated detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
(HPAI) and African Swine Fever in areas in Europe and we are
keeping close watch on those disease threats.”
FMD, in particular, grabs the attention of the livestock
industry. The disease is very contagious and can survive for a long
time under the right conditions. Contaminated shoes or clothing of a
traveler from an affected farm could lead to the virus hitching
a ride to the US where it could end up being economically
devastating.
“Indeed, the world has gotten smaller,” says LeaMaster.
“The increased amount of jet airline travelers these days increases
the risk of bringing an unwanted disease or pest back to the US. My
advice to travelers is to be diligent and aware of possible
exposure to animal disease risks, especially when traveling in rural
areas. Do not bring prohibited materials or goods home. Most
importantly, do not bypass or ignore agriculture inspection
procedures at border entry stations. Pay attention, be aware, and be
responsible.”
ODA, the Oregon Invasive Species Council, and Oregon State
University’s Sea Grant Program have collaborated on an outreach
effort modified from USDA’s “Don’t Pack a Pest” campaign. Now in
its second year, the Oregon campaign focuses on a smaller group
of world travelers– international students at the major
state universities. Brochures, videos, and a social media presence
have combined to make these students aware that when they go
home and come back, it’s best not to return with certain items from
their native country.
“Our state universities have a fairly large population of
international students,” says Rogg. “They travel back and forth from
Oregon and sometimes return with food or a plant from their native
country. Many students are not aware you aren’t allowed to
bring back live plants, animals, or specific food items that are
risky.”
Other states are interesting in implementing a similar
campaign to their international students.
In addition to potentially causing harm to agriculture and
the environment, bringing back certain items and products is against
the law. A long list of prohibited and restricted items is
maintained by CBP and includes fruits and vegetables, plants
and seeds, and soil. Travelers can apply to USDA for a permit to
import certain regulated plants and plant products for consumption
or propagation. But absent of getting the permit, the best
advice is to just say no to the idea of bringing back something that
could cause a great deal of harm.
Whether the concern is an animal disease or one affecting
plants, the message is the same to travelers– play it safe and be
smart upon return.
For more information, contact Bruce Pokarney at (503)
986-4559.
|
