First report of Xylella fastidiosa in Ecuador
The NPPO of Ecuador recently reported the first detection of Xylella fastidiosa (EPPO A2 List) on its territory. The pest has been reported in neighbouring countries recently: Peru in 2024 (RS 2024/222) and Colombia in 2025 (EPPO RS 2025/066).
As a result of specific phytosanitary surveillance activities carried out in 2025, the presence of X. fastidiosa was detected in Arabica coffee plants (Coffea arabica) located in the parish of Zumba (Chinchipe canton, Zamora Chinchipe province). The pest was identified by molecular tests (conventional PCR), with positive results obtained at seven monitored production sites.
Official measures have been implemented to demarcate the outbreak area, and reduce the risk of spread of X. fastidiosa to other production areas of the country.
The pest status of Xylella fastidiosa in Ecuador is officially declared as: Present, not widely distributed and under official control.
The report does not include details on the subspecies found in Ecuador.
Sources
IPPC website. Official Pest Reports- Ecuador (2026-07-07): declaratoria oficial de la situación fitosanitaria de Xylella fastidiosa en la República del Ecuador. https://www.ippc.int/fr/countries/ecuador/pestreports/2026/07/declaratoria-oficial-de-la-situacion-fitosanitaria-de-xylella-fastidiosa-en-la-republica-del-ecuador/