Interception and Eradication of Colorado Beetle in England and Wales, 1958 ‐ 1977

For over a hundred years the policy of the British Government has been to maintain total freedom from Colorado beetle by preventing its introduction and eradicating any breeding colonies which may be found. Interceptions on imports during the years 1958 to 1977 are analysed by country of origin and also by the means of introduction. The numbers vary according to the time of year and also for each five‐year period of the twenty years. During the 20‐year period 563 live beetles of known origin were intercepted, 235 of them in 1973‐1977. The means used to intercept Colorado beetles are discussed. The statutory powers available in Great Britain for use in controlling Colorado beetle are summarised. The eradication of a breeding colony at Thanet, Kent in 1976‐1977 is described to illustrate the organisation and methods available. Estimates are presented which compare the cost of living with Colorado beetle as a pest (£0.7‐4.7 million) per year with the cost of statutory prevention (as low as £24,000 per year). The actual cost of the prevention and eradication campaigns during September 1976 to December 1977 are estimated to have been £105,000. The scope of research and development recently undertaken at Harpenden Laboratory is discussed briefly.