First record and eradication of Hirschmanniella caudacrena in Switzerland
The NPPO of Switzerland recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of the nematode Hirschmanniella caudacrena on its territory. Hirschmanniella spp. (except H. behningi, H. gracilis, H. halophila, H. loofi and H. zostericola) are A1 quarantine pests for Switzerland. It can be noted that H. caudacrena has been recently found and eradicated in Denmark (EPPO RS 2023/047).
Following a notification in February 2023 that 135 Vallisneria plants probably infested with H. caudacrena had been imported into Switzerland in November 2022, trace back and forward inspections were conducted to detect the nematode. An infested plant was found in the canton of Schaffhausen in March 2023 in an aquarium shop. The necessary measures were taken and the infestation was eradicated.
The pest status of Hirschmanniella caudacrena in Switzerland is officially declared as: Absent, pest eradicated.
Sources
NPPO of Switzerland (2023-04).