EU additional and temporary measures against the dissemination of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
As reported in EPPO RS 99/152, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (EPPO A1 quarantine pest) has been found in a limited area in Portugal. In reaction to the introduction of this pest into Europe, the EU has taken additional and temporary measures (subject to revision in December 2000) to prevent any further spread of B. xylophilus within EU territory. Official surveys have to be carried out by all EU member states to confirm the absence of B. xylophilus and by Portugal to determine the extent of the infestation and to establish pest-free areas. Phytosanitary measures mainly concern the movement of wood and isolated bark of conifers (other than Thuja) and of plants of Abies, Cedrus, Larix, Picea, Pinus, Pseudotsuga and Tsuga within Portugal (with a final aim of eradication), and between Portugal and other EU member states. In summary, the phytosanitary measures relating to movements of concerned commodities from Portugal to other EU member states include: consignment and place of production freedom for host plants; kiln-drying for wood and bark; fumigation of chips, particles and wood waste; absence of bark and grub holes, moisture content ;;20°C at manufacture time for packing material. In addition, plant passports should accompany the movements of plants, wood, bark, chips and particles of commodities concerned.
Sources
Commission Decision (2000/58/EC) of 11 January 2000 authorizing Member States temporarily to take additional measures against the dissemination of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner et Bührer) Nickle et al. as regards areas in Portugal, other than those in which Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner et Bührer) Nickle et al. is known not to occur.