Gypsy Moth & Salmonella Outbreak

Gypsy Moth & Salmonella Outbreak. I'm Greg Martin with today's Northwest Report.

After six straight years of single digit detections, the Oregon Department of Agriculture has trapped 14 gypsy moths this summer including two Asian gypsy moths in the Portland area. The results signal an increased concern of the threat posed by the plant-eating invasive species and has prompted an evaluation of next steps to deal with the insect pest. ODA's Clint Burfitt says seven of the moths were trapped near Grants Pass, five in the greater Portland area with two being the Asian gypsy moth:

BURFITT: This is an exceptionally destructive forest pest. It would change the health of our forests, it would make them far more vulnerable to other invasive plant issues. In addition to that, it would have very damaging impacts on our forest product industry and other agricultural related industries would be quarantined.

Tainted cucumbers have been discovered as the cause of 21 cases of salmonella in Idaho over the last several weeks and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare said those numbers could rise. Recalls have been issued for "Limited Edition" brand cucumbers from Andrew and Williamson Fresh Produce of San Diego bought between Aug. 1 and Sept. 3. The cucumbers were grown in Baja Mexico and sent to to Idaho, Utah, Montana, Oregon, Nevada, and several other states. If you bought cucumbers since Aug. 1st you need to contact the store where you purchased them for more information.

That's today's Northwest Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network of the West.