Brussels, 03/02/2016 (Agence Europe) - The EU Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) published its final report at the end of January on the audit carried out in Italy from 10 to 20 November 2015 to evaluate the situation and control measures applied for Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterium attacking olive trees in Italy and plants in France (see EUROPE 11458).
While acknowledging that measures have been put in place since their previous audit in the summer (action plan, annual survey, etc.), the experts feel that they are still insufficient. “The existing programme of surveys still does not ensure the timely detection of new outbreaks or the accurate determination of the true extent of the spread of Xylella fastidiosa in the demarcated area”, the report states. “It is of real concern that so many infected plants, and plants at very high risk of infection remain in place, given the evident consequences for producers in the affected areas and the onward and rapid spread of the disease to new areas and new producers”, the FVO experts say. They conclude that, unless effective eradication and containment measures are implemented, the further rapid spread of the disease throughout the region is inevitable. The European Commission opened infringement proceedings against Italy on 10 December for failing to take all necessary measures to combat the spread of the Xylella fastidiosa bacterium (see EUROPE 11450). (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)