Biosecurity

The United States is under constant threat of exotic species invading our shores. These invasive species can be pests and may cause disruption and losses to agriculture, forestry and other parts of the economy.

In Pennsylvania, government agencies and Penn State University have formed a collaboration, Pennsylvania Biosecurity and Invasive Species Consortium (PBISC), to provide more effective surveillance and management of invasive species.

The partners in this collaboration include:

• USDA / APHIS - The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is responsible for protecting and promoting U.S. agricultural health, administering the Animal Welfare Act and carrying out wildlife damage management activities.
  
  
• PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources- DCNR maintains and preserves the 116 state parks; manages the 2.1 million acres of state forest land; provides information on the state's ecological and geologic resources; and establishes community conservation partnerships with grants and technical assistance to benefit rivers, trails, greenways, local parks and recreation, regional heritage parks, open space and natural areas.
  
  
• Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture - PDA encourages, protects and promotes agriculture and related industries throughout the commonwealth.
  
  
• Penn State University - Since most invasives are initially detected by the general public, Penn State will concentrate on informing the public about how to recognize invasives and who to contact about them.
  
  

This web site is one way that PBISC communicates with the public. Listed below are important invasive species including pictures, links to other web sites that describe the biology and management, as well as people and agencies that should be contacted if invasive species are suspected.