Just had this forwarded to me from a friend working in environment protection:-
An outbreak of the Asian longhorn beetle (ALB), an exotic beetle pest which could have severe consequences for British trees, has been found in Kent. This is the first time an outbreak of this pest has been found in the UK and it is being treated extremely seriously.
The Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera) and the Forestry Commission are taking urgent steps to try to eradicate the outbreak before it has the chance to spread further afield.
They are asking all stakeholders to be alert for this very distinctive species.
They are urging anyone who suspects they have seen an Asian longhorn beetle, or evidence of its presence, to contact the Fera Plant Health Helpline 0844 2480071 or email [email protected]
They say that, if possible, the beetle should be caught and placed in a secure container so that an Inspector can collect it. The beetles are not harmful to humans, though they should be handled with caution as they can nip the skin.
Further information can be found at the following links.
Fera Press Release:
http://www.fera.defra.gov.uk/showNews.cfm?id=529
ALB Quarantine Identification card:
http://www.fera.defra.gov.uk/plants/publications/documents/QIC57.pdf
ALB Pest Alert:
http://www.fera.defra.gov.uk/plants/plantHealth/pestsDiseases/asianLonghornBeetle/documents/pestAlert.pdf
Q&A:
http://www.fera.defra.gov.uk/plants/plantHealth/pestsDiseases/asianLonghornBeetle/faqs.cfm
