MONITORING THE SALE AND TRAFFICKING OF INVASIVE VERTEBRATE SPECIES USING AUTOMATED INTERNET SEARCH AND SURVEILLANCE TOOLS

The internet is often an unregulated pathway that can lead to the introduction of invasive species. Surveillance of internet-related sale or trade activities can reduce the movement of potentially invasive species and serve to lessen the risk of an introduction. The Invasive Species Internet Monitoring System automates the process of searching the internet for suspect sites (e.g., internet storefronts, chat rooms, etc.) involved in the sale or trade of targeted species. Additionally, this software system incorporates data management features that permit the archiving of suspect website content, assists subject matter experts in evaluating sites for risk, send informational emails to website owners and can track sites for compliance. This software system is currently being used by United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine and the Smuggling, Interdiction and Trade Compliance Program to search for websites selling regulated insects, weeds, mollusks, fruits and vegetables, and for animals and animal products that have the potential to carry Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza