First report of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa in Luxembourg
The NPPO of Luxembourg has recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first detection of Xylella fastidiosa (EPPO A2 List) on its territory.
On 12th October 2026, X. fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa was detected in samples of Vitis vinifera plants from three locations in Mertert and Grevenmacher municipalities (Canton of Grevenmacher), in the Luxembourgish Moselle wine growing region. The pest was identified by real-time PCR testing.
Eradication measures are applied in accordance with EU Implementing Regulation 2020/1201. Infested zones of 50 m around each infected plant, bringing the total infested area to 2.35 ha, and buffer zones of 2.5 km around every infected zone have been established. Samples have been taken from plants surrounding the affected vineyards. Infected or suspected plants, including asymptomatic plants will be destroyed. Enhanced surveillance will be carried out in the buffer zones in the Canton of Grevenmacher (Mertert, Manternach, Grevenmacher, Biwer, and Wormeldange municipalities) and the Canton of Echternach (Rosport-Mompach municipality). Measures have been implemented to control insect vectors, and the movement of host plants is prohibited out of the demarcated areas. As the buffer zones extend over the border with Germany, the German authorities have been contacted, and similar measures are now being implemented by the NPPO of Germany.
The pest status of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa in Luxembourg is officially declared as: Present, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Luxembourg (2026-10).
Le gouvernement du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg (2026-10) Détection de la bactérie dans le vignoble mosellan luxembourgeois. Accessed at: https://agriculture.public.lu/de/aktuelles/2026/oktober/xylella.html
A map of the infested area is available at https://agriculture.public.lu/dam-assets/aktuelles/2026/oktober/annexe-1-carte-des-zones-dlimites-zones-infestes-et-tampons.pdf