Interception of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus on bark from Portugal
The Swiss authorities (Office fédéral de l’environnement and Office fédéral de l’Agriculture) have reported their first interception of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (EPPO A2 List) in a consignment of coniferous bark imported from Portugal. This bark was intended to be used for ornamental purposes in gardens. On the 2011-05-11, it was decided that all lots of conifer bark imported from Portugal should not be sold or distributed. These lots should be stored (in a way to avoid any further spread) before being tested for the possible presence of the nematode. Their commercialization will only be possible when the absence of B. xylophilus is confirmed.
Sources
Confédération Suisse. Office fédéral de l’environnement (OFEV) Communiqués aux médias (2011-05-05) Organismes nuisibles: réglementation plus stricte de la vente d’écorce du Portugal. http://www.bafu.admin.ch/dokumentation/medieninformation/00962/index.html?lang=fr&msg-id=39005