EU designates pine nematode as priority quarantine threat
EU designates pine nematode as priority quarantine organism, citing precedent of spread in Asia, Portugal, and Spain.
Event / Environment
France Pine Nematode Infestation
Multiple cases of pine nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) detected across France starting November 2025, affecting coniferous forests and posing risk to forestry industry.
5 reported locations
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2026-08-15 to 2026-11-12 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 18 Jul, 13:48 UTC
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What happened
First pine nematode case detected in Seignosse, Landes in November 2025
The initial case of pine nematode infestation was detected in Seignosse, Landes, in November 2025, triggering eradication measures including removal of pines within a 500-meter contamination zone and dead tree removal in a 20-kilometer buffer zone.
Pine nematode detected near Orléans on July 9, 2026
The pine nematode was detected through insect trapping near Orléans on July 9, 2026, indicating geographic spread of the pest beyond the initial outbreak region.
Pine nematode vector insects detected in two Landes communes
Pine nematode vector insects (beetles) were detected through trapping in Saubion and Orthevielle communes in Landes, near the initial outbreak zone.
Landes-Gascogne forest at risk to pine nematode
The Landes-Gascogne forest massif, covering over one million hectares across Landes, Gironde, and Lot-et-Garonne departments, is composed of 75% maritime pines, which form the basis of the regional forestry industry.
Pine nematode classified as priority quarantine organism in EU
The pine nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) is classified as a priority quarantine organism under European legislation and is considered a major sanitary threat to coniferous forests. The pest transmits through beetle vectors and blocks sap circulation, causing rapid death of infested trees.
Pine nematode previously recorded in Asia, Portugal, and Spain
The pine nematode has previously caused damage in Asia, Portugal, and Spain before being detected in France.
Pine nematode detected in Lescar, Pyrénées-Atlantiques
The French national food safety agency (Anses) confirmed the presence of the pine nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) on a symptomatic tree in Lescar, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, located approximately 60 km east of the initial outbreak zone identified in November 2025.
Second pine nematode case confirmed in Angresse, Landes in March 2026
A second case of pine nematode was confirmed in Angresse, Landes, approximately 5 kilometers from the initial outbreak site in Seignosse.
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2 alternative perspectives
Vector insects for pine nematode found in Landes region
Pine nematode vectors detected in Landes, threatening the region's forests.
Pine nematode spreads across France in widening geographic threat
Pine nematode confirmed at four French locations spanning southwest to central regions between November 2025 and July 2026.