Eradication of Leptinotarsa decemlineata in the United Kingdom
In July 2023, an outbreak of the Colorado beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae – EPPO A2 List) was detected in a potato field in South East England (EPPO RS 2023/158). The national contingency plan for the Colorado beetle was implemented. This included intense and regular inspections of potato crops (Solanum tuberosum) within the infested area (<1km from the infestation) and in the buffer zone (<5km from the infestation) over a period of 2 years and 3 months. In addition, insecticide treatments were applied to fields in the infested area. A single adult beetle was detected in the infested area in August 2023, but since then there have been no further findings of the pest. Intensive inspections continued through harvest and concluded with a final inspection of the potato crops and accompanying soil from the infested area in September 2025. The outbreak is now eradicated.
The pest status of Leptinotarsa decemlineata in the United Kingdom is officially declared as: Absent, pest eradicated.
Sources
NPPO of the United Kingdom (2025-12).