Tree-killing Asian beetle detected in EU for first time

A tiny beetle from Asia, responsible for the death of millions of ash trees in North America, has made its first appearance in the European Union, authorities announced. Slovakia reported finding 18 emerald ash borers in the Streda nad Bodrogom district in the country's east. Hungary confirmed two adult beetles were found in a trap in the Beregsurany forest, near its border with Ukraine. The emerald ash borer is considered "one of the most serious pests affecting ash trees," having already caused "significant ash tree mortality in North America and Eastern Europe," Hungary's NEBIH food safety office stated. Hungarian authorities have ordered more traps and enhanced monitoring to track the beetle's spread. The public is urged to report any trees showing suspicious symptoms. Authorities in North America have battled the pest for years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports the beetle has killed or damaged tens of millions of ash trees across 38 states and Washington D.C. since its first detection in Michigan in 2002. The beetle is described as a "good flyer and spreads naturally" and is well-suited to various climates. Many European countries have contingency plans in place should the beetle be detected. Hungary has formally requested that the beetle's presence be discussed at the next EU agriculture ministers' meeting. "We are aware of the gravity of the situation and are doing everything possible to prevent this pest from becoming permanently established in Hungary or turning into a plant health issue for the whole European Union," Hungary's Agriculture Minister Szabolcs Bona told the Agroinform.hu farm news website.

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one of the most serious pests affecting ash trees