Erasing the Asian Longhorned Beetle with Determined Actions, but at High Costs—A Case Report

Abstract

Abstract:In 2012, an infestation of Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) was detected in Winterthur (Canton Zurich, Switzerland). With more than 140 adult beetles and several hundred eggs and larvae, the infestation was by far the most extensive in Switzerland. Based on long-term experiences made in Braunau (Austria), where the first ALB infestation in Europe occured, the beetle was fought with extensive actions: removal of all infested trees, preventive removal of potential host trees and installation of a focus-and a buffer zone. Transport of plant material out of these zones was banned and a close monitoring regime including specialised dogs put in place. As a result of these efforts, there were no adult beetles and only a few living larvae detected 2013. Neither larvae nor beetles were found in 2014. However, costs are high: 700,000 Swiss francs were spent in 2012 alone, not including hundreds of working hours spent by employees of the Canton Zurich. The previewed monitoring programme between 2013 and 2017 is estimated to cost another 2.8 million Swiss francs, if no more living beetles are detected. The experiences from Winterthur thus show that elimination of a relatively small ALB infestation with determined actions is likely possible in short time. However, the high costs demonstrate the need for strong boarder controls or alternative packaging materials for imports from infested regions (China). In addition, a concept for small communities with limited resources is needed.