2400 Acres of Potatoes in East Idaho Infested with Parasite

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Federal officials say the number of acres in eastern Idaho infested with a microscopic parasite that damages potato crops is up to 2,400 acres. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that the 22 infested fields are within a 5-mile radius and are located in northern Bingham County and southern Bonneville County. The agency in a release Wednesday says 8,500 acres are being regulated.

The discovery of the pale cyst nematode in seven fields in 2006 was the first detection of the pest in the United States. Authorities have been trying to eradicate it ever since.