The Spanish Ministry of Agriculture implements containment measures for Xylella fastidiosa in the Balearic Islands
The presence of Xylella fastidiosa in the Balearic Islands was first reported on 25 November 2016, and subsequent eradication measures were immediately put in place in this region. Based on the results of recent surveys, the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Environment (MAPAMA) published on 21 January 2017 a new phytosanitary regulation (APM/21/2017) for the containment of Xylella fastidiosa in the archipelago.
This regulation prohibits the movement of plants for planting from the Balearic Islands in order to avoid further spread of X. fastidiosa to other regions. The list of regulated plants includes more than 300 species, based on the scientific report published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Plants for planting exported from the Balearic Islands before 21 January 2017 will be traced and subjected to a rigorous surveillance program for X. fastidiosa. Any plants exported from the Balearic Islands after 21 January 2017 will be destroyed. Agents failing to comply with this regulation will incur in civil and criminal liability.
