An outbreak of an exotic beetle in Kent could have severe
consequences for UK trees the Food and Environment Research
Agency (fera) has warned. The discovery is being taken extremely
seriously and steps have already been made to eradicate the
beetle before it can spread to other parts of the UK. Seven
Asian Longhorn Beetle (ALB) larvae were found inside a poplar
tree during a routine survey by the Forestry Commission at a
site near the village of Paddock Wood. Forest Research had been
monitoring an area around the site where an adult beetle had
been found in 2009 and this is the first infestation discovered
to date. It is thought the beetles were imported in wood
packaging containing stone from China. The non-native beetle
poses a considerable threat to a wide range of broadleaved trees
and shrubs such as sycamore, elm, horse chestnut, willow,
poplar, birch and some fruit trees. Speaking about proposals to
contain the outbreak Martin Ward, Head of Plant Health Policy at
fera said, "Our Plant Health Inspectors