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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Albany, California » Western Regional Research Center » Invasive Species and Pollinator Health » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #369849
Research Project: Management of Invasive Weeds in Rangeland, Forest and Riparian Ecosystems in the Far Western U.S. Using Biological Control

Location: Invasive Species and Pollinator Health

Title: International live insect trade – insights and issues

Author
item QUINLAN, MEGAN - Imperial College
item MUMFORD, JOHN - Imperial College
item MESSORI, STEFANO - World Organization For Animal Health
item ENKERLIN, WALTHER - International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
item SHIMURA, JUNKO - The Secretariat Of The Convention On Biological Diversity
item BISHOP, SAMUEL - Department For Environment Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
item Smith, Lincoln
item DASS, BRINDA - Foundation For The National Institutes Of Health, Inc
item OLIVA, CLELIA - Interprofessional Technical Center For Fruits And Vegetables(CTIFL)
item NELSON, CARA - Consultant
item CHAND, RAKESH - World Organization For Animal Health
item TORRES, GREGORIO - World Organization For Animal Health

Submitted to: Global Policy
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/11/2022
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Live insects and mites are shipped internationally for a variety of purposes. Commercial enterprises produce and ship honey bees and bumblebees to pollinate crops. Likewise, various predators and parasites are produced for use as biological control agents to manage pest populations. The sterile insect technique (SIT) involves rearing and releasing hundreds of thousands of sexually sterile male insects to suppress wild pest populations. Insects are increasingly being used as a source of animal feed and human food. More than 30 billion live insects are shipped per year, yet the existing standardized regulations that were developed for plants and animals do not readily apply to insects as a commodity. The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing mandates signatory countries to develop procedures and regulations for the importation and exportation of biological materials, including insects. However, very few countries have developed such procedures or regulations. Commercial couriers and carriers are reluctant to move live insects because of uncertainty of regulations and liability. Thus, there is a need to develop guidance for the international movement of live insects and mites.

Technical Abstract: Billions of live insects and mites are sent in international air shipments every year for purposes of research, industrial applications, pest control and to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, this activity has potential risks, for example through unintentional escape during transport or by introduction of an alien pest or disease-vectoring agent. The sheer diversity of the purposes for shipments, species, and characteristics of live insects being shipped leads to gaps and inconsistencies in: international guidance, approaches to national implementation, and private carrier interpretation of the risks. Lack of coordination amongst regulatory or guidance bodies, which have different mandates, and the lack of cohesive data have hindered making a comprehensive overview of live insect trade. Harmonization of guidance for this activity is needed urgently and will require close coordination amongst the key stakeholders. Better guidance will foster the benefits from live insect trade for pollinator services, improved control of pests and disease vectors, production of alternate food and feed, and the enhancement of international scientific research, while also addressing potential risks to public welfare or environmental biodiversity more rationally and effectively.