Taipei, 17 Jun (Xinhua) -- Taiwan's competent departments for agriculture announced on 17 June that 21 cases and 55 autumn marching insects had been found in 18 counties and cities, including Kinmen, Matsu, Penghu, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Chiayi, Pingtung, and Hualien, from 14 to 17 June.
Autumn marching insects are a very fertile agricultural pest that can endanger crops such as corn and rice. In response to the rapid spread of insect pests in the autumn march, Taiwan's agricultural authorities have set up emergency response teams to initiate epidemic prevention measures including compulsory spraying and field control in 18 counties and cities where pests are found.
On June 10, Taiwan's agricultural authorities confirmed the discovery of the first case of autumn marching insect larvae and launched relevant epidemic prevention measures. (End)