U.S. Customs and Border Protection has reported the detection of a potentially harmful bark beetle species discovered in wood originating from Ivory Coast at the airport in Detroit. The finding, uncovered in February, was officially disclosed by officials on Thursday.
During a routine examination of a passenger flight bound for Texas, the insect measuring approximately three millimeters was detected within partly dried bark brought for medicinal purposes. The passenger was allowed to proceed without any issues. By mid-October, the insect was identified as a Ctonoxlyon spinifer egger.
Notably, this marks the first instance in the records of border officials where this particular insect has been confiscated at a U.S. port of entry. Port director Fadia Pastilong emphasized the significance of this interception, stating that many bark beetle species are known to cause harm to trees.
The interception of this bark beetle for the first time underscores the exceptional efforts of CBP agriculture specialists, as highlighted by Pastilong. While information on this specific bark beetle species is limited, some known types are documented to feed on fig and olive trees, as per border officials.
Mary C. Raybon, CBP’s director of field operations, emphasized the potential dangers posed by small yet significant threats like this bark beetle.
