A new implementing decision to control Xylella fastidiosa spread adopted by the EC on May 12, 2016

The European Commission adopted new measures against Xylella fastidiosa, contained in the Implementing Decision EU 2016/764 published on May 12, 2016. These measures update some elements of the existing emergency provisions (Decision EU 789/2015), taking into account the evolution of Xylella fastidiosa in the Italian territory (Apulia region), and the fact that new outbreaks have been reported in the area surrounding the infected province of Lecce. They also provide for an enlarged demarcated area in order to prevent further spread of the bacterium in the rest of the Union territory.

Major amendments are covered by the Article 9 of the Decision: i) the movement of all plants which have been grown in vitro in a demarcated area is now facilitated; ii) the movement of specified plants inside the infected zone (not outside) is not forbidden anymore.