The analysis of detections in consignments to identify and target pests5 entry pathways

摘要

An analysis of detections of quarantine pests in consignments of imported commodities of plant produce was used to identify pathways that present a phytosanitary risk. Of 263 consignments contaminated with quarantine pests in England and Wales during2001, almost 70% were cut flower consignments, particularly Solidago and Gypsophila. The most frequently detected quarantine pest was Bemisia tabaci. Such analysis provided evidence for changes in the perception of the risks posed by specific commoditiesto European crop production and led to amendments of European Community Plant Health legislation. From April 2003 Solidago and Gypsophila cut flower imports have required a phytosanitary certificate for entry into the EU. A comparison of contaminated consignments of Solidago and Gypsophila before and after the legislative changes shows a significant drop in the incidence of quarantine pests, from 7% of consignments contaminated to 3%, indicating that the measures introduced are having the desired effect.