Official measures against Phytophthora pluvialis no longer apply in the United Kingdom
Phytophthora pluvialis (EPPO Alert List) was first detected in the EPPO region in 2021 in the United Kingdom affecting western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi). Six demarcated areas were established in England, three in Scotland, and five in Wales with associated official measures (EPPO RS 2021/227, RS 2022/060, RS 2024/040).
The NPPO of the United Kingdom recently notified the EPPO Secretariat of their decision to lift restrictions. Scientific studies showed that timber was not a major pathway for spread, and that the commercial value of timber was not significantly affected by the disease. In addition, surveillance data confirmed no positive findings had been identified at any nursery sites in the regulated areas. A revised PRA concluded that P. pluvialis poses a low environmental and economic risk.
Demarcated areas have been revoked in England and will also be lifted in Scotland and Wales.
Sources
NPPO of the United Kingdom (2026-03). https://www.gov.uk/government/news/tree-disease-restrictions-lifted-across-seven-counties
Rapid risk Analysis for Phytophthora pluvialis (updated March 2026). https://pra.eppo.int/pra/9bf446a3-733a-43e6-88b9-3a8741340126