Dangerous tree virus enters Europe
According to the Italian and French media, the bacterium probably came in with a shipment of ornamentals from Costa Rica which entered Europe via the Harbour in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. "We do not know where the virus came from yet. Before spreading unconfirmed rumours, we need to know the facts about how the bacterium entered Europe and how it can spread."
France has decided unilaterally to hold all imports of products that might carry the virus from the affected areas. "Understandable, but unwise" says Schreijer-Pierik "it is not a French but a European problem. If countries are going to close their borders all of a sudden, then finding a targeted solution becomes even more difficult."
Over the last few months, the anxiety over the Xylella fastidiosa bacterium found in Italy (Apulia) has increased. The bacterium is very dangerous for some plants and trees, especially olive trees, and comes originally from Latin America. At the moment, millions of trees are threatened by this bacterium in Italy.
