More Desert Locust swarms will form during October and start to move towards Northwest Africa, perhaps on a larger scale than occurred in February, according to the Desert Locust Bulletin issued by FAO Emergency Centre for Locust Operations this week.

In summary, the latest issue of the monthly Desert Locust Bulletin states that:

•           The situation remained extremely serious in the Sahel and West Africa during September with an increasing number of new swarms formed in Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

•           By the end of September, vegetation was drying out in the Sahel and many swarms were moving around the region. Severe crop and pasture damage was reported locally in many countries.

•           Although control operations are in progress, more swarms will form during October and start to move towards Northwest Africa, perhaps on a larger scale than occurred in February 2004.

•           A second generation of egg laying and hatching will occur in parts of the Sahel, leading to the formation of new hopper bands from mid-October onwards.

The bulletin is posted on the following URL: http://www.fao.org/news/global/locusts/312bull/DL312e.pdf

For the latest situation, please consult the Desert Locust Information Service on URL:
http://www.fao.org/news/global/locusts/locuhome.htm