Alert in Chañaral: Forest Pest Detected on International Ship
The Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) has confirmed the detection of the spongy moth (Lymantria dispar), a highly destructive forest pest, on a cargo ship that arrived at the port of Barquito in the commune of Chañaral in late August. The inspection carried out by SAG revealed viable pest eggs attached to the ship's deck; the vessel arrived from Ecuador and had previously visited China, where the moth is endemic.
The spongy moth is known for its ability to devastate forest and agricultural ecosystems, affecting more than 500 plant species, including forest, fruit, and ornamental trees, by consuming their foliage. SAG's rapid response included fumigating the ship and detaining it in the port until ensuring the phytosanitary treatment was completed, in collaboration with the maritime authority, the shipping agency, and the ship's captain.
Carla Montiel González, the regional director (acting) of SAG, emphasized the importance of keeping this pest out of Chile, as it is not present in the country. Furthermore, it was highlighted that the attraction of moths to cargo ship lights facilitates the deposition of eggs on the vessels. During the inspection, live insects from the Coreidae and Carabidae families, exotic pests not present in Chile that represent an additional risk, were also found.
This incident marks the second time that the presence of Lymantria dispar eggs has been detected in the Atacama region, the first case being in 2020 at the port of Huasco, on a ship arriving from the United States.
