Special measures have been implemented in the Kherson region due to a locust infestation

Special plant protection measures have been implemented in the Kherson and Dnipropetrovsk regions following the detection of locust infestations. At the same time, the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection has warned of the risk of this dangerous pest spreading to the Mykolaiv, Odesa, and Zaporizhzhia regions.

This was reported by the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection.

Currently, the special measures are in effect in only two regions of the country.

In the Dnipropetrovsk region, phytosanitary monitoring detected migratory locusts (Locusta migratoria L.), with populations reaching 30–40 individuals per square meter in some areas. As a result, special measures were implemented across an area of 30 hectares.

In the Kherson region, special plant protection measures are in effect across an area of approximately 155 hectares, and a buffer zone has been established around the outbreak site. At the same time, the State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection noted that, as of June 30, locust mortality has already been observed in the region.

Despite this, the agency warns that there is a risk of further spread of the pest. In addition to the Kherson and Dnipropetrovsk regions, the Mykolaiv, Odesa, and Zaporizhzhia regions are also under potential threat.

Farmers and residents are urged to immediately report any locust outbreaks to the local offices of the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection so that specialists can promptly conduct inspections and take the necessary measures.

Recently, on the night of June 20–21, the streets, sidewalks, and alleys of Shevchenko Park in Odesa were suddenly swamped with large, long-winged grasshoppers. In the morning, the insects could be seen on the asphalt of roads, park paths, near streetlights, and illuminated buildings, leading residents to conclude that Odesa had once again been hit by a locust swarm.

As a reminder, the first locust infestation in Ukraine was recorded on July 15–20 in the Kushuhum territorial community in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Within the first few days, the pests had already spread across approximately 2,991.6 hectares in the region. Later, locusts were reported in the Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, and Odesa regions. There were also reports of swarms from residents of the Vinnytsia region.

Андрій Колісніченко