Quarantine Pest

Pronunciation
/KWAR-an-teen PEST/
Category
Regulatory Entomology
Singular
Quarantine Pest
Plural
Quarantine Pests

Definition

A pest of potential economic importance to an area and not yet present in that area, or being of limited distribution and being officially controlled in that area.

Etymology

From the Latin 'quarantinus,' meaning 'forty days'.

Example

The introduction of a quarantine pest could have devastating consequences for agriculture.

Related Terms

  • Plant Quarantine
  • Border Inspections
  • Pest Risk Assessment

Usage Notes

Quarantine pests are often targeted by regulatory agencies to prevent their spread.