Species not Established in the U.S.

The following species of concern represent examples of why we must increase our efforts in early detection and rapid response and prevention of new introductions. See Manager's Tool Kit - Early Detection and Rapid Response: Species not Established in the U.S. for general resources and other species information.

• Alder dieback
• Chrysanthemum white rust
• Classical swine fever
• Foot and mouth disease

This information is provided as an educational tool and is not inclusive of all invasive microbial species not yet established in the U.S.

Scientific name: Phytophthora alni Brasier and Kirk

Common name: Alder dieback

Native To: Europe

Images: Invasive.org and Google

Impact: Infects and kills alder trees (trees of the genus Alnus).

Resources:
Phytophthora alni
North American Forest Commission. Exotic Forest Pest Information System.

Alder dieback
Invasive.org.
Published by Faith Campell. Information is no longer maintained but provides useful information.

Scientific name: Puccinia horiana Henn.

Common name: Chrysanthemum white rust

Native To: Asia

Images: Invasive.org and Google

Impact: Has become established throughout most of the world. There have been several outbreaks in the U.S., but the disease has been eradicated each time. Fungus that infects and kills chrysanthemum. If established in the U.S., chrysanthemum white rust could have significant impact on both greenhouse and outdoor chrysanthemum plants.

Resources:
Chrysanthemum White Rust Diagnostic Fact Sheet
USDA. ARS. Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory.

Chrysanthemum White Rust
USDA. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Chrysanthemum white rust (PDF | 188 KB)
Utah State University Extension. Exotic Pest Monitoring Series.

Scientific name: Family Flaviviridae, genus Pestivirus

Common name: Classical swine fever, hog cholera

Native To: Origin unknown; may have come from hogs imported from England or the European continent.

Images: Google

Impact: Highly contagious, viral disease of pigs that is usually fatal. The virus is most often transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated feed or garbage. Used to be endemic to the U.S., but hog cholera was eradicated 1978. The disease is still present in many countries, so there is a risk that it could become established in this country once again. While classical swine fever does not cause foodborne illness in people, economic losses to pork producers would be severe if the disease were to become established again in this country.

Resources:
Clasical Swine Fever (PDF | 40 KB) and Classic Swine Fever Surveillance
USDA. APHIS. Veterinary Services.

Classical Swine Fever
Louisiana State University. Extension Disaster Education Network.

Scientific name: Family Picornaviridae, genus Aphthovirus

Common name: Foot and mouth disease, hoof-and-mouth disease

Native To: First observed in 1514 in Italy.

Images: Google

Impact: Contagious disease of cattle, swine, sheep, goats, deer, and other cloven-hoofed animals. Nine Outbreaks of foot and mouth disease occured in the U.S. between 1905 and 1929. It is widespread through the world, but it was eradicated from the U.S. in 1929. Foot and mouth disease is considered to be the most economically devastating livestock disease in the world, and represents a worst-case scenario for livestock diseases because of the variety of species involved, rapid spread, and difficulty in controlling outbreaks. The 2001 FMD outbreak in Great Britain resulted in the slaughter of more than 6 million animals and an estimated economic loss of 20 billion dollars.

Resources:
Foot and Mouth Disease
USDA. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Foot and Mouth Disease
Iowa State University. Center for Food Security and Public Health.