New Swarm of Locusts Threatens Israel’s South
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Swarms of locusts have continued to cross into Israel from Egypt and the Agriculture Ministry is preparing to carry out additional spraying of the insects, which pose a threat to agriculture. Sunday afternoon the ministry reported another large swarm moving toward Ashalim in the northwestern Negev.
The ministry staff plans to monitor their movements and undertake spraying as necessary. Since last week, the ministry has carried out spraying operations centered around the Nahal Lavan region of the northwestern Negev, near a collection of communities that farm large areas of cropland. Yesterday the Ramat Negev regional council contacted the Egyptian government suggesting that the two sides cooperate in addressing the locust swarms.
Although the spraying has been fairly effective at this point, there is concern that the insecticide will adversely affect wildlife in the region. The area is highly important from an ecological standpoint. It is home to a large number of rare species, particularly of birds.
For more, go to Haaretz.com
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