The Ag Department says its efforts are working to slow the spread of the sap-drinking pest.
âLast spring we quarantined 12 counties with isolated infestations, and those counties have not been overrun because of the heightened awareness a quarantine brings,â said Ruth Welliver, director of the departmentâs Bureau of Plant Industry. âWith continued aggressive treatment and monitoring, and an actively engaged community, we can help ensure families and businesses in these new counties arenât inconvenienced by widespread infestation.â
Control efforts have been driven by $20 million in federal funds and $14 million from the state.
In November the Ag Department acquired the nationâs first spotted lanternfly-sniffing dog, a German shepherd trained at the University of Pennsylvania. Lucky helps to inspect businesses like nurseries, greenhouses, vehicle fleets and log yards.