Situation of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in Portugal
In 1999, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (EPPO A2 List) was first found in Portugal (EPPO RS 99/152) and since then it has been submitted to an eradication campaign (destruction of infested trees, intensive surveys and restrictions on the movements of pine trees, wood and wood products). The first outbreak of B. xylophilus was detected near Setubal but despite phytosanitary measures, the pest continued to spread to other regions of Portugal (in particular in the central part of Portugal near Coimbra and in the south of the Alentejo region). Since mid-2008, the whole territory of continental Portugal has been considered to be a demarcated area and is subject to an official action plan.
In November 2009, the first outbreak of B. xylophilus was detected on the island of Madeira. A manager of a golf course near Funchal observed declining pine trees and notified the NPPO. Since then, a rapid increase in the number of declining trees has been observed across the island. Surveys were conducted in Madeira and in April 2010 the results were presented as follows: out of a total of 538 tested samples (taken from 1387 pine trees), B. xylophilus was detected in 117 samples (taken from 362 trees) collected from the following localities: Funchal (51 samples), Machico (23), São Vicente (17), Santa Cruz (16), Santana (9), and Calheta (1).
The situation of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in Portugal can be described as follows: Present, several outbreaks reported in mainland Portugal (Centro, Lisboa e Vale do Tejo, Alentejo regions) and Madeira, under official control.
Sources
FVO (2010) Final report of a mission carried out in Portugal from 26 April to 07 May 2010 in order to evaluate the situation and control for Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. (no. 2010-8611), Food and Veterinary Office, DG(SANCO), European Commission, 28 pp. http://ec.europa.eu/food/fvo/rep_details_en.cfm?rep_id=2550
Anonymous (2009) Commission staff working document concerning the control of pine wood nematode in the forestry sector in the European Union. http://ec.europa.eu/food/plant/organisms/imports/roadmap_renewned_strategy_en.pdf