The Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) has reported that the risk of an Asian locust infestation in Dagestan persists.

This potential invasion is attributed to several factors. Notably, limitations on pesticide application within federal lands, protected natural areas and zones adjacent to water bodies, including Agrakhan Bay, pose a significant challenge. These restrictions are mandated by federal environmental regulations. Consequently, the control of locust populations in certain regions of the Northern Caspian Sea, where similar bans apply, remains difficult.  Besides, extensive protected areas in neighboring territories, which are monitored effectively, serve as potential breeding grounds for locusts.

The use of insecticides within riverine floodplains and Caspian reed beds is prohibited due to sanitary-epidemiological and ecological-hygienic standards. The Rosselkhoznadzor also highlights the presence of islands within the Caspian Sea covered in reed vegetation, which provide sustenance for Asian migratory locusts before they mature and take flight.

Despite these challenges, the Rosselkhoznadzor confirmed that as of late July, 33,000 hectares of cropland in Dagestan had been treated to mitigate the locust threat. The state agency assures the public that efforts to combat this destructive pest will be continued.