SAG Biobío conducts simulation to prepare for forest pest outbreaks

The Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) in the Biobío region of Chile has conducted a technical training session and a regional simulation to test its contingency plan for eradicating outbreaks of Lymantria dispar, a highly destructive forest pest. While the species is currently absent from Chile, it is considered a major global threat.

Authorities noted significant pressure from international maritime trade, reporting that egg masses from the pest have been intercepted on vessels arriving from Asia at local ports. Due to this risk, Biobío is identified as one of the regions with the highest potential for introduction.

As a preventive measure, SAG maintains a network of 167 traps within a 7-kilometer radius of the ports of Coronel, San Vicente, and Lirquén. In the event of an emergency, the agency plans to use Bacillus thuringiensis, a biological control agent that is specific to eliminating larvae and safe for humans, to manage outbreaks.