Taiwan is in "high readiness" for a massive invasion of an army worm, Prime Minister Su Zeng-chan said on June 11 after reporting the first detection of an aggressive pest on a corn field.

On Saturday, June 8, an army worm was discovered in the Miaoli region on the northwest coast of the island, which has spread rapidly in recent months throughout Asia. This is stated in a statement by the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ).

The Bureau also checks reports that the pest may have reached Yilan County and Chiayi County in the northeast and southwest of the island, respectively.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, June 11, Premier Su said the government has set up an emergency response team to control pests, but he also called on the public to help identify and notify authorities of suspected cases.

“Please help us prevent this. The threat is greater than the African swine fever, ”the Prime Minister requested.

Army worms, which drink large quantities of juices from the stems and leaves of many plant species, can damage hundreds of hectares of crops in one night.

According to the head of BAPHIQ, Feng Hai-dong, the pest can reduce the yield of wheat, corn, sorghum and rice in Taiwan by 20-30% and affect 45% of the sown area.