Did You Know?
The Genista giant-scale (Crypticerya genistae) insect feeds on the sap of plants, causing stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and eventually death of the plant. This insect is native to South America and was most likely introduced to the Cayman Islands before 2006.
The Agricultural Health Inspection Services (AHIS) unit at the Department of Agriculture ask the general public to be proactive in declaring goods and items imported into the Cayman Islands through containers, passenger luggage etc which serves as a pathway for the introduction of invasive alien species that can potentially cause harm to agriculture food security and the environment. Strict regulations and protocols are in place for the importation of plants, in order to prevent the introduction of harmful pests and diseases to the islands. Continue to check your crops, or garden for any pest that seem harmful to your plants and report it to AHIS by calling 345-946-2967 or emailing ciagricultureimports@gov.ky.
The Agricultural Health Inspection Services (AHIS) from the Department of Agriculture work efficiently and effectively to prevent the introduction and spread of pests that could cause a potential threat to the Cayman Islands.
