There are known outbreaks of Xylella fastidiosa in Italy, France (Corsica and mainland France).
An outbreak in the UK could lead to destruction of host plants within 100 m and a 10 km movement ban for host plants for five years.
Landscapers, designers, retailers and anyone directly importing plants are now subject to the same stringent measures as growers and suppliers.
A new plant passporting obligation for all ‘professional operators’ has been introduced, which requires that the movement of all ‘host plants’ across the EU must be accompanied by a plant passport.
Anyone importing host plants from the EU needs to ensure they are accompanied by a plant passport confirming they have been sourced from disease free areas/sites.
Be vigilant for signs of X. fastidiosa and report any sightings.
Anyone importing host plants from the EU needs to ensure that they are accompanied by a valid plant passport confirming they have been sourced from disease free areas/sites. The already extensive list of host species is likely to grow and includes species of oak, maple, hebe, lavender, rosemary and many other popular plants for gardens, landscapes and forestry. The host list will be updated frequently and is available at http://ec.europa.eu/food/plant/plant_health_biosecurity/legislation/emergency_measures/in dex_en.htm .
