Update on the situation of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in Spain
The pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (EPPO A2 List) was first reported in Spain in 2008 (EPPO RS 2010/051). Since then, several isolated findings and outbreaks have been reported across Spain, a monitoring programme and eradication measures have been taken in all instances (EPPO RS 2010/058; EPPO RS 2010/202; EPPO RS 2012/047; EPPO RS 2014/020; EPPO RS 2018/140). Since 2008, there have been ten reports of infestations in three Spanish provinces; four outbreaks are now active in Galicia (As Neves and Lobios), Castilla y Leon (Lagunilla) and Extremadura (Sierra de la Malvana). A recent update is provided bellow:
- Galicia
In Galicia, B. xylophilus was first detected in As Neves (Province of Pontevedra) in November 2010. A demarcated area was established and intensive surveys and eradication measures have been applied since (EPPO RS 2010/202). In 2024 over 150 infected Pinus pinaster and P. sylvestris trees as well as 168 infected Monochamus galloprovincialis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae - vector of B. xylophilus), were detected in the demarcated area. In February 2025, the Government of Galicia considered that eradication of the pest in this area is now longer possible. The demarcated area was redefined considering the recent findings (with an infested zone and a buffer zone of 20 km radius) and designated as a ‘containment area’ where containment measures now apply.
In September 2024, a new outbreak of B. xylophilus was reported in Parque Natural Baixa Limia-Xurés, in the municipality of Lobios (Province of Ourense). During official annual surveys 4 symptomatic P. pinaster trees were found and the identity of B. xylophilus was confirmed by molecular testing. B. xylophilus is believed to have come from Portugal via natural spread. It is noted the vector M. galloprovincialis is present in the area. Eradication measures have been taken, including the establishment of a demarcated area.
- Castilla y León
In Castilla y León, an isolated finding of B. xylophilus was first reported in Languilla (Province of Salamanca) in 2018 (EPPO RS 2018/140). Since then, there have been several detections of infested trees within the demarcated area, including a P. radiata tree in 2021, a P. pinaster tree in 2023, and 15 Pinus pinaster and one Pinus sylvestris tree in 2024. The vector M. galloprovincialis was also reported in the area. Eradication measures are taken.
- Extremadura
In Extremadura, B. xylophilus was first reported in the province of Cáceres in 2010 (RS 2010/051), and eradicated. It was detected again in 2019 in a pine tree (P. pinaster) located in Sierra de la Malvana (municipality of Valverde del Fresno, province of Cáceres), less than 500 m from the border with Portugal. A demarcated area was established that extends in the Salamanca province in Castilla y León. In January 2023, another P. pinaster was found to be infested within the demarcated area. This did not change the size of the demarcated area. Eradication measures are taken.
The pest status of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in Spain is officially declared as: Present, only in some parts of the Member State concerned, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Spain (2025-02, 2024-10).