Overview
- CBP agriculture specialists in February found an approximately 3-millimeter bark beetle inside partially dry bark from the Ivory Coast carried for medicinal use by a passenger transiting through Detroit to Texas.
- USDA on Oct. 16 identified the insect as Ctonoxylon spinifer Eggers, and officials announced the first recorded U.S. interception of the species on Dec. 11.
- Officers seized the prohibited bark and the beetle for further analysis, and the passenger was released without incident.
- Officials say Ctonoxylon species tunnel and breed within bark layers and several known species feed on fig and olive trees, posing potential risks to regions that grow those crops such as Texas.
- CBP notes research on this species is limited and urges travelers to declare agricultural items to help protect U.S. agriculture and natural resources.