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.
O artigo foi publicado originalmente em EFSA.
