First report of Drosophila suzukii in Austria
The NPPO of Austria recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first report of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae – EPPO A2 List) on its territory. The pest was found on fruit of Rubus idaeus (raspberry), Actinidia spp. (kiwifruit) and Sambucus spp. (elder) in the regions of Tyrol, Kärnten and Styria. The insect was identified on the basis of morphological characters by the laboratory of AGES (Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety). The origin of the pest could not be clarified. The regional Plant Protection services have ordered hygiene measures, including the disposal and destruction of infested fruit. Control strategies against D. suzukii will be developed during 2012.
The pest status of Drosophila suzukii in Austria is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under surveillance.
Sources
NPPO of Austria (2012-01).