Update on the situation of Agrilus planipennis in Slovakia
In Slovakia, the emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae – EPPO A2 List) was first reported in Streda nad Bordogom (district of Trebišov, region of Košice, Eastern Slovakia) in June 2026 (EPPO RS 2026/163).
The NPPO of Slovakia recently informed the EPPO Secretariat that the identity of the pest was confirmed by the EU Reference Laboratory for Insects and Mites on 20 July 2026 and that delimiting surveys were ongoing. As of 7th August 2026, 2297 sites had been surveyed. The NPPO reports that 115 sites with host plants in Trebišov and Michalovce districts were considered to be infested by the pest based on diagnostic and visual methods. The total infested area is 62 208 ha. A buffer zone extending 10 km from the outer boundary of the infested area has been established according to EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/434. In addition, movement of plants and plant products of ash (Fraxinus spp.) and fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) from within 100 km of the outer boundary of the infested area is prohibited in accordance with Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. Official phytosanitary measures are applied to eradicate the pest. They also include surveys and communication activities.
The pest status of Agrilus planipennis in Slovakia is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Slovakia (2026-07, 2026-08).
https://www.uksup.sk/agrilus-planipennis
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/434 of 5 February 2024 on measures to prevent the establishment and spread of Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire within the Union territory. OJ L 2024/434. http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2024/434/oj