First report of Agrilus planipennis in Slovakia
The NPPO of Slovakia recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first report of the emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae – EPPO A2 List) on its territory. This is the second report of this pest in the European Union after the finding in Hungary in June 2026 (EPPO RS 2026/137). In the EPPO region, A. planipennis was first reported in the European part of the Russian Federation in 2007 (RS 2007/067), in Ukraine in 2019 (RS 2019/202), and in Belarus in 2025 (RS 2025/208).
As part of the official survey, 18 adult specimens of A. planipennis were caught in a pheromone funnel trap on an ash-tree (Fraxinus sp.) on 25th June 2026, in the park next to the manor-house of Streda nad Bordogom (district of Trebišov, region of Košice, Eastern Slovakia). In total 24 ash trees grow in this park. The pest was identified morphologically on 3rd July by the national laboratory (CCTIA) and this result was sent for confirmation to the EU reference laboratory. Ten additional traps were placed in the vicinity of the outbreak. On 7th July new specimens were caught in the trap on the same ash-tree as the first positive sample.
Phytosanitary measures are implemented. Awareness raising activities are also conducted.
The pest status of Agrilus planipennis in Slovakia is officially declared as: Transient.
Sources
NPPO of Slovakia (2026-07).