Latest Forecast from ETOP – 5th December 2013

Synopsis: Outbreaks beginning to be reported in southern Africa

Current situation: African armyworm (AAW) outbreaks were reported the Golomoti area of Dedza district in Malawi where an estimated 61 ha of pasture and early planted maize were affected during the third week of November. Affected farmers launched controlled the outbreak with assistance from the MoA. Zimbabwe reported high moth catches in the Zambezi Valley during this month. No AAW outbreaks were reported in the rest of the IRLCO-CSA or DLCO member countries during this time (DLCO-EA, IRLCO-CSA, PHS/Tanzania).

Forecast: There is a high probability of more AAW outbreaks occurring in the coming months in Malawi. Mozambique, Tanzania and Zimbabwe will also experience increased AAW presence and invasions during the forecast period. National Forecasting Services, including community forecasters where available and trap operators are advised to maintain fully operational pheromone traps, monitor moth movements and report to concerned authorities and alert farmers on a timely fashion (DLCO-EA, IRLCO-CSA, OFDA/AELGA).

This forecast is issued by the Emergency Transboundary Outbreak Pest team, with thanks to Dr Yene Belayneh at USAID. Learn more about ETOP activities and projects