New finding of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in France
The pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (EPPO A2 List) was first reported in France in November 2025 in the municipality of Seignosse (Landes department, Nouvelle-Aquitaine region) (EPPO RS 2025/263). Official measures are being applied.
As a result of official surveillance in the 3 km-radius area around the initial finding, another symptomatic Pinus tree was identified in the municipality of Angresse, in a private park 2.3 km south of the initial outbreak. In March 2026, the identity of the pest was confirmed. The infested tree was immediately felled and shredded. Surveillance will be intensified in the area. The demarcated area will be modified accordingly.
The pest status of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in France is officially declared as: Present, only in some parts of the Member State concerned, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of France (2026-03).
Prefet de Gironde (2026-03-18) Press release : Nématode du pin : une nouvelle détection autour du foyer de Seignosse https://www.gironde.gouv.fr/Actualites/Communiques-de-presse/Communiques-de-presse-2026/Mars-2026/Nematode-du-pin-Une-nouvelle-detection-autour-du-foyer-de-Seignosse