Review concludes Phytophthora pluvialis does not pose high-level risks
It has been announced that trade restrictions on conifer trees have been lifted across seven counties in England after a review has concluded the tree disease Phytophthora pluvialis no longer meets the criteria for quarantine pest status.
The areas now revoking restrictions include Cornwall, Devon, Cumbria, Herefordshire, Surrey, Gloucestershire and Shropshire.
The disease was first identified in Great Britain in Cornwall in September 2021.
While restrictions are now lifted, the four year scientific study was primarily undertaken by Forest Research to better understand the disease.
Nicola Spence, Defra chief plant health officer says “this is a positive outcome for the forestry and plant trade sector,” adding:
“Four years of Defra-funded research have shown Phytophthora pluvialis does not pose the level of risk to justify continued quarantine measures and has allowed us to now reassess the risk of this pathogen.”
She urges both the public and trade to report any suspected findings of Phytophthora pluvialis via TreeAlert.
Demarcated areas in Scotland and Wales will also be lifted, reflecting cross-border research and a coordinated GB-wide approach to plant health policy.