Source: dvm 360
The northern giant hornet, Vespa mandarinia, has been successfully eradicated from the United States, according to the USDA and the Washington State Department of Agriculture. This milestone marks the culmination of a 5-year collaborative effort involving federal agencies, researchers, and the public. Native to Asia and the largest hornet species in the world, this invasive pest threatened pollinators and ecosystems, capable of decimating honey bee colonies within hours.
First detected in Canada in 2019 and later in Washington state, the eradication effort employed innovative tools, including radio telemetry to locate nests hidden in forested areas. Between 2020 and 2021, four nests were destroyed. Community involvement played a pivotal role, with public sightings accounting for nearly half of confirmed detections. This achievement underscores the power of collective action, protecting pollinators, crops, and ecosystems. APHIS Deputy Administrator Mark Davidson highlighted the success as a model for combating invasive pests through unity and vigilance.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.dvm360.com/view/northern-giant-hornet-eradicated-from-the-united-states