Update on the situation of Anoplophora glabripennis in France
In France Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO A1 List) was first found in 2003 in Gien (Centre-Val de Loire region) (see EPPO RS 2003/114). Since then 4 other outbreaks were found in different parts of France; 2 of which have been successfully eradicated (Strasbourg and Sainte-Anne-sur-Brivet). Following EU Decision 2015/893, eradication measures are being applied in Corsica. In Gien and Divonne-les-Bains, the French authorities have declared to the Commission that they are applying containment measures in accordance with European Decision 2015/893, while maintaining an overall objective of eradication. This change to the pest status does not modify the strategy for eradication, which is realistic, as fewer and fewer infested trees are found each year, but formalizes the fact that in the infested zone some specified trees are not cut down but are subject to intensive monitoring.
An update on these outbreaks is provided below.
- In the outbreak of Gien (Loiret department, Centre-Val de Loire region), 13 infested trees (10 Acer spp. in 2020 and 2 Populus spp. and 1 Betula spp. in 2019) were felled in 2020. The demarcated area covers 42 km² in the municipalities of Gien, Nevoy, Poilly-lez-Gien, Saint-Martin-sur-Ocre and Saint-Gondon. Preventative felling of host trees (as specified in EU Decision 2015/893) in an area of 100 m around the infested trees was partially done. Some host trees in this area have not been felled (‘derogatory trees’), because of their high cultural, social or environmental value but are being intensively monitored. An awareness campaign is also being conducted.
- In Corsica, A. glabripennis was first detected in the department of Haute-Corse (Corse region) in 2013 (RS 2013/139). Official surveys are conducted annually in the municipalities of Furiani, Bastia and Biguglia. No infested trees were detected in 2020, for the third consecutive year.
- In Divonne-les-bains (Ain department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region), the pest was first found in 2016 (RS 2017/005). In 2020, no infested trees were detected. Derogatory trees are being intensively monitored.
The pest status in France is officially declared as: Present, restricted distribution, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of France (2021-04).