EFSA identifies 12 bark and ambrosia beetle species posing high risk to EU plant health
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), in collaboration with the University of Padua (Italy), has identified 12 species A subdivision of the genus, a species is a group of closely related and similar-looking organisms; for example, in the case of Homo sapiens (humans), the second part of the name (sapiens) represents the species of bark and ambrosia beetles that pose a high economic or environmental risk to plant health in the EU territory. The beetles, which attack broadleaved trees, are currently absent or not yet widespread in the EU and meet the criteria for classification as potential Union quarantine pests According to Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, a pest is a ‘quarantine pest’, with respect to a defined territory, if it fulfils all of the following conditions:(a) its identity is established;(b) it is not present in the territory or, if present, is not widely distributed within that territory;(c) it is capable of entering into, becoming established in and spreading within the territory, or, if present in the territory, but not widely distributed, is capable of entering into, becoming established in and spreading within those parts of that territory where it is absent;(d) its entry, establishment and spread would have an unacceptable economic, environmental or social impact on that territory, or, if present but not widely distributed, for those parts of the territory where it is absent; and(e) feasible and effective measures are available to prevent the entry into, establishment in or spread of that pest within, that territory and to mitigate the risks and impact thereof. (QPs).
Part of the subfamily of bark and ambrosia beetles known as Scolytinae, this high-risk group of pests could enter the EU with wood or wood products, or with plants for planting. Once introduced, they could become established in parts of the EU due to the availability of host plants and climate suitability. Control measures are available to prevent introduction, including importation from pest A living organism (e.g. an insect, rodent, weed, fungus or virus) that is harmful to plants and/or their products (e.g. seeds, fruits)-free countries, isolation of plants for planting material before trade, and management of growing conditions.
EFSA and the University of Padua identified the 12 as part of a wider investigation into 6,495 beetle species. Even when looking at the larger group, there is still considerable uncertainty Scientific concept used in risk assessment to describe all types of limitations in available knowledge at the time an assessment is conducted, with the agreed resources, that affect the probability of possible outcomes to the assessment about the potential impact of many species that have not been extensively studied. There is also a lack of reliable identification methods for many species, which poses a challenge for their identification during import controls at EU borders.
Background and next steps
EFSA’s pest categorisation is the first step in the risk assessment A specialised field of applied science that involves reviewing scientific data and studies in order to evaluate risks associated with certain hazards. It involves four steps: hazard identification, hazard characterisation, exposure assessment and risk characterisation process. The European Commission and EU Member States may request EFSA to carry out a quantitative assessment of the pest’s risk to inform decisions on possible quarantine listing and the implementation of risk mitigation options under EU legislation.
#PlantHealth4Life campaign
With plant pests and diseases posing a significant economic and social threat to Europe, EFSA is running the #PlantHealth4Life campaign in partnership with the European Commission and EU Member States. Backed by a comprehensive analysis of attitudes and behaviours towards plant health across the EU, this multi-year initiative aims to raise awareness among European citizens about the importance of plant health and everyone’s responsibility to safeguard it.
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