Erwinia amylovora eradicated from Ireland
The NPPO of Ireland recently informed the EPPO Secretariat that Erwinia amylovora (EPPO A2 list) does not occur in Ireland, although it was previously recorded as present with a restricted distribution. On the basis of national surveys, Ireland is considered as a protected zone for fireblight by the European Union. More than 2000 laboratory tests are conducted every year, resulting in on average 0.75 % positive cases, the majority of which can be traced back to material originating from other countries. In all cases, affected material and associated material is destroyed.
The status of Erwinia amylovora in Ireland is officially declared as follows: Absent, eradicated.
Sources
NPPO of Ireland, 2007-01.