Although not a threat to humans, locust pests can be catastrophic for crop fields. The problem has been well known in Argentina since the 1950s, when political power had to act to end the plague of animals in the country. Although they have disappeared, they have returned, and since 2015, this is the third time that there is an invasion of locusts in Argentina.
“We have been in a state of emergency for five years in Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. The difference is that the plague is now advancing towards eastern Argentina. It has been 73 years since I arrived in the province of Corrientes and that is why there are also alerts in Brazil and Paraguay. As they are advancing 150 kilometers a day, they may soon cross the nearest borders ”.
This is the explanation of Héctor Medina, coordinator of the National Grasshopper Program, the Argentine animal health and quality office. The locusts advance during the day, and set in the late afternoon, during the night. When temperatures are low or it rains, the wave does not take off and many experts believe that the plague will not advance to Buenos Aires because of the arrival of winter.
However, nothing prevents the animals from advancing to Brazil and for this reason, the Argentine authorities are in contact with the Brazilian ones. However, being able to anticipate the direction the plague is taking is very difficult.
“Since Wednesday, we have been trying to understand where exactly the plague is going. Where they will go and how far they will go will depend on the direction and intensity of the wind, ”explained Medina.
Brazil shows concern. Although there is still no damage, locust pests, when choosing cultivation fields, can destroy them in a matter of hours. The south of Brazil fears the appearance of animals but a cold front has not let them go.
“The climate is the determining factor. As rain and a drop in temperatures are expected in the coming days, the problem is not likely to get worse. However, there is always a risk and we are attentive ”, explained the head of the health department of the Department of Agriculture of Brazil.
The fear is that the plague will destroy cultivated fields in an area of Brazil that lives off agriculture, rice and soy cultivation. “If the plague reaches Rio Grande do Sul it will be a disgrace. They eat everything, leave only the stems ”.
The concern is growing and measures have already been taken for the possible arrival of these locusts, and a cooperation network has been created between the Brazilian and Argentine authorities. Those who do not have access to the authorities are in informal whatsapp groups to contact local businessmen and rural unions to try to minimize damage.
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