Asian gypsy moth
The Asian gypsy moth is an invasive insect. It poses a significant threat to Canada's forests, biodiversity and economy. These moths can feed on a wide range of economically important tree species, as well as other important plants.
Ships and cargo including containers and used vehicles can carry the egg masses of these moths to Canada from China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea and Russia (Far East region). In the right conditions, caterpillars hatch from these egg masses and they can go great distances with the wind to find food.
What information is available
Marine vessels
- Policy clarification: Canadian Asian gypsy moth requirements
- PI-014: Asian Gypsy Moth Critical Response Plan
- Asian gypsy moth certification for marine vessels entering Canadian ports
- Canada-United States Joint AGM Industry Notice 2019 - PDF (222 kb)
- Poster - Inspect before entry
- What you can do to prevent the spread of Asian gypsy moth
Policy directives
- D-08-04: Plant protection import requirements for plants and plant parts for planting
- D-02-12: Import requirements for non-processed wood and other non-propagative wood products, except solid wood packaging material, from all areas other than the continental United States
- D-01-12: Phytosanitary Requirements for the Importation and Domestic Movement of Firewood
- D-98-08: Entry Requirements for Wood Packaging Material into Canada
- D-96-12: Greenhouse Certification Program for Export of Greenhouse-Grown Plants to the United States
- D-95-08: Phytosanitary import requirements for fresh temperate fruits and tree nuts
- D-95-03: Plant protection policy for marine vessels arriving in Canada from areas regulated for Asian Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar, Lymantria albescens, Lymantria postalba, Lymantria umbrosa)
Reports
Additional government and industry information
- Australian Government Department of Agriculture
- New Zealand – Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
- United States Department of Agriculture – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
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