Defra's Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS) has announced very worrying news for Britain's trees. An outbreak of the Asian longhorn beetle (ALB), an exotic beetle pest which could have severe consequences for British trees, has been found in Kent the Food and Environment Research Agency confirmed today. This is the first time an outbreak of this pest has been found in the UK and it is being treated extremely seriously.

The Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera) and the Forestry Commission are taking urgent steps to try to eradicate the outbreak before it has the chance to
spread further afield. 

Verity Hunter of the NNSS at Fera says: "We need all stakeholders to be alert for this very distinctive species."

If you suspect you have seen an ALB, or evidence of its presence, please contact the Fera Plant Health Helpline 0844 2480071 or email

If possible, the beetle should be caught and placed in a secure container so that an Inspector can collect it. The beetles are not harmful to humans, thoughthey should be handled with caution as they can nip the skin. 

For more information please follow these links.  

Fera Press Release: 

http://www.fera.defra.gov.uk/showNews.cfm?id=529

ALB Quarantine Identification card: 

http://www.fera.defra.gov.uk/plants/publications/documents/QIC57.pdf

ALB Pest Alert:  http://www.fera.defra.gov.uk/plants/plantHealth/pestsDiseases/asianLonghornBeetle/documents/pestAlert.pdf

Q&A:

http://www.fera.defra.gov.uk/plants/plantHealth/pestsDiseases/asianLonghornBeetle/faqs.cfm