Defra has issued a statement clarifying the ongoing situation with regards to imports being held at Sevington BCP, due a suspected outbreak of pochazia shantungensis, saying that no trucks are being held there.

It also said that if Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera) results come back positive for the test, the loads will be destroyed after which the trailers will be washed down allowing the haulier to leave the site.

This follows the HTA’s comments yesterday criticising Defra for a lack of communication over the ongoing matter.

“Protecting UK biosecurity remains one of our key priorities, so it is reasonable to hold consignments until sampling results are confirmed by the laboratory,” says Defra.

“Physical checks play an important park in ensuring harmful plant and animal diseases don’t reach our shores and cause damage to the environment, farming and food sectors.”

To clarify the situation regarding the trucks, Defra say that the drivers and trucks exited the site after the inspections and hold notices were applied.

Where possible the goods were offloaded with the trailer then leaving with the truck but, due to the size of some of the individual plants onboard, however there are currently a number of trailers held.

Defra clarified that inland treatment is not an option as it is not possible to effectively manage biosecurity risks. Due to France subjecting the pest to official control, it would not be possible to export it again, should the results come back positive from Fera.

Defra clarifies: “The pest has a high-spread capacity and affects a wide range of hosts, and as such movement inland presents a biosecurity risk in terms of dissemination to further premises and exacerbating difficulties in preventing the introduction of the pest.”

It also stressed that the plant health service of an exporting country is responsible for ensuring that consignments of plants meet the phytosanitary requirements of the importing country.

It comes after the Border Control Point system came into force at the end of April and Defra say it will continue to monitor and review the impact of the new controls.

It also states it will work closely with industry, trade partners and enforcement agencies to minimise disruption and costs to trade, while continuing to protect biosecurity.