Severe geographic disparities exist in liver transplantation; for patients with comparable disease severity, 90-day transplant rates range from 18%–86% and death rates range from 14%–82% across donor service areas (DSAs). Broader sharing has been proposed to resolve geographic inequity; however, we hypothesized that the efficacy of broader sharing depends on the geographic partitions used. To determine the potential impact of redistricting on geographic disparity in disease severity at transplantation, we combined existing DSAs into novel regions using mathematical redistricting optimization. Optimized maps and current maps were evaluated using the Liver Simulated Allocation Model. Primary analysis was based on 6700 deceased donors, 28,063 liver transplant candidates, and 242,727 Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) changes in 2010. Fully regional sharing within the current regional map would paradoxically worsen geographic disparity (variance in MELD at transplantation increases from 11.2 to 13.5, p=0.021), although it would decrease waitlist deaths (from 1368 to 1329, p=0.002). In contrast, regional sharing within an optimized map would significantly reduce geographic disparity (to 7.0, p=0.002) while achieving a larger decrease in waitlist deaths (to 1307, p=0.002). Redistricting optimization, but not broader sharing alone, would reduce geographic disparity in allocation of livers for transplant across the United States.

This chapter presents an overview of Western corn rootworm (WCR) monitoring in Europe from 1992 to 2003. The other topics covered include monitoring as a tool for multiple purposes and some characteristics of the spread of WCR in Europe.

A small outbreak of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), was discovered in June 1995 in the South Woodford area of northeast London, near Epping Forest. The origin of this outbreak remains unknown, but the eggs may have been transported from continental Europe, where major outbreaks occurred in the early 1990s. A risk assessment concluded that severe defoliation by this forest pest was unlikely to occur in the UK under current climatic conditions, but if the gypsy moth did become established, then sporadic damage to amenity tree species could be expected. Therefore an eradication programme was undertaken, which involved determining the extent of the outbreak area via population monitoring, and chemical treatments of any larval infestations, to prevent further spread. A series of targeted publicity campaigns was carried out with the aim of raising public awareness of the pest in the wider outbreak area. Details of gypsy moth finds (egg masses and larvae) and pheromone trap catches (adult males) are given for the years 1995 -2003. Pheromone traps were maintained at a relatively high density (c. 188 per 1 km 2 ) in the immediate outbreak area-and similarly in an adjacent portion of the Epping Forest-and it remains a possibility that some mating disruption has occurred. Although Lymantria dispar persists at this site, the numbers of adult male moths trapped has declined markedly in comparison to the first 2 years (1995 -1996). The outbreak is, however, continuing to persist at a very low level and may be becoming more widely dispersed, albeit very sparsely. It is also possible that observed population trends in terms of pheromone trap catches reflect a natural population cycle, and for these reasons work is continuing in an attempt to eradicate this damaging broadleaf tree pest from the UK.

Several important quarantine pests have been introduced into protected crops in the UK as a direct result of international trade, particularly in cuttings of ornamental plants. Such trade is increasing and diversifying, with a continuing risk of further pest introductions. Various control techniques are used as part of statutory campaigns aimed at the exclusion and eradication of quarantine pests in the UK, and these are outlined with reference to Lirioniyza trifolii, L. huidobrensis, Bemisia tabaci, Spodoptera littoralis and Opogona sacchari. The use of quarantine disinfestation treatments is highlighted as an important means of pest exclusion, and the integrated use of chemical, biological, physical and cultural options for glasshousebased eradication campaigns is discussed. Increasing restrictions on the use of plant protection products, particularly on edible crops, have led to a greater emphasis on the use of non-chemical options. The development of biological control techniques against a number of quarantine species is discussed, outlining their integral role in many statutory eradication programmes. IntroductionThe potential for dispersal of pest species through international trade is substantial (Frey, 1993). Shorter transit times and the continuing expansion and diversification of international trade in plants, within the European Union and globally, have increased the need for effective phytosanitary controls. The creation of a single trading area without internal frontiers at the end of 1992 required substantial changes to be made to EU phytosanitary legislation in order to counter the increased potential for further distribution of pests already present in some parts of the EU. Import inspections at the borders between EU member states have been replaced by inspections at the place of production, with the exporting country responsible for ensuring that plants are free from pests (Vereecke, 1993).A range of control measures will be presented, with reference to current statutory campaigns against introduced glasshouse pests in the UK. These include disinfestation treatments for quarantine purposes, to prevent pest introductions, in addition to control measures used within the glasshouse. Cultural, physical, chemical and biological control options will be discussed, highlighting how each method can be effectively integrated within eradication and containment programmes.

The protected crop environment has long been recognized as offering particularly good opportunities for the application of biological control and this is reflected in the predominance of integrated pest management programmes and the wide range of biological control agents available. The introduction of new pest species of quarantine concern can often occur in glasshouse crops, as a result of international trade in plant material, and can have a highly disruptive impact upon well established, integrated pest management programmes. The use of biological control agents against quarantine pests is discussed, including both the use of exotic species and those established in the UK. The relevant legislation in the UK is outlined in relation to the introduction of non‐native species, including both plant protection and conservation interests. Environmental safety aspects such as the impact of such introductions on non‐target species and issues of quality control to prevent the introduction of contaminants are noted as of particular plant health interest.