PORTLAND, OR (KPTV) -
Ships coming to Portland from overseas are bringing an unexpected and unwelcome piece of cargo.
Four egg clusters of the Asian Gypsy Moth were found during a recent 10-day period by U.S. Customs and Border Protections agents in Portland.
Each cluster contained hundreds of eggs.
Experts said this kind of moth can be devastating to local habitats. They eat the foliage of more than 500 different species of forest trees and plants.
They also have the potential to spread quickly, because the female moth can fly up to 25 miles.
Agriculture specialists for U.S. Customs and Border Protection said if Asian Gypsy Moths were able to establish a population in America, they could decimate agricultural production.
The discoveries were made between July 17-27. The egg masses were found on ships arriving from Japan and South Korea.
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