News
IPPC Announces 12th of May as International Day of Plant Health
The United Nations designated 12 May the International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) to raise global awareness on how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect biodiversity and the environment, and boost economic development.
Scottish Government Unveils New Plant Health Strategy to Safeguard Scotland’s Natural Environment and Economy
The Scottish Government has published a new comprehensive five-year plan aimed at protecting plant health across Scotland.
Scottish log exports to Ireland paused following beetle finding
Pause of Scottish log exports to Ireland following finding of Ips Cembrae beetles at Irish port
Eight-toothed spruce bark beetle found on Sitka spruce trees in the UK for the first time
Woodland managers, landowners and the forestry industry are encouraged to remain vigilant as the Forestry Commission announces a number of new Ips typographus findings in the South East of England.
The Plant Health Centre partners with Lauriston Agroecology Farm
A new partnership between the PHC and Lauriston Farm in Edinburgh will increase biosecurity in the farm through workshops, resources and protocols.
No breeding population of Ips typographus found around port of Grangemouth
Surveys carried out by Scottish Forestry and Forest Research in the woodlands surrounding the port of Grangemouth have revealed no evidence of a wider breeding population of Ips typographus.
New funding available for plant health innovations
A new fund is available for UK biosecurity. The Small Business Research Initiative: Plant Health Innovations for Biosecurity is now open for applicants. Deadline 20th December 2023
Invasive Bark Beetle Detected in Scotland, Officials Believe it's an Isolated Case
In a significant development for Scotland's forestry industry, a solitary Ips typographus, commonly known as the Spruce Bark Beetle, was found in a trap within a Fife woodland as part of a new surveillance program by Scottish Forestry.
Border Target Operating Model launched
The UK Government has published a new Border Target Operating Model (29th August 2023), setting out new controls to create a world-class border system based on smarter use of data and technology. The model has been developed in collaboration with the Scottish and Welsh Governments to implement a coherent approach.
Colorado potato beetle larvae confirmed in Kent
Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on the 11th of July 2023 confirmed the identification of Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) in a field in Kent.
APHA are working closely with the affected grower to eradicate the pest from the site, including performing a 1km survey to determine whether there are further cases beyond the immediately infested area.
APHA are working closely with the affected grower to eradicate the pest from the site, including performing a 1km survey to determine whether there are further cases beyond the immediately infested area.