First outbreak of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera in Kärnten, Austria
Until 2008 Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae – EPPO A2 List) was only found in the eastern part of Austria (Burgenland, Niederösterreich, Steiermark). In 2008, an isolated outbreak was first detected in the western part (Tirol, see EPPO RS 2008/154) and then in the southern part (Kärnten). During the annual monitoring, 4 beetles were caught in 2 traps in the municipality of St Andrä (district Woflsberg) and 4 beetles in 1 trap in the municipality of Neuhaus (district Völkermarkt). All 3 traps were located in the area of the natural spread of the pest, near the Slovenian border. A containment programme will be enforced in the districts of Wolfsberg and Völkermarkt.
The situation of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera in Austria can be described as follows: Present, occurs in Burgenland, Niederösterreich, Steiermark (eastern part of Austria), isolated outbreaks in Tirol (west) and Kärnten (south), under official control.
Sources
NPPO of Austria, 2008-12.