A Serious Threat to Danish Plants

Danish plants are facing a potential new threat from the plant disease “Xylella Fastidiosa.” This bacterium has already caused extensive damage in several EU countries, including France and Italy, where it was discovered in the Puglia region in 2013. In this area, it has succeeded in destroying millions of olive trees, which has had severe consequences for local agriculture.

The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (Landbrugsstyrelsen) is now warning that the plant disease could spread to Denmark, where it could have catastrophic effects on both nature and agriculture. This bacterium deprives plants of their ability to absorb water and nutrients, which can lead to their death.

To prevent the spread of this destructive bacterium, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration has launched an awareness campaign called #PlantHealth4Life. This campaign is part of a larger EU initiative aimed at protecting plant health across the union. As part of this campaign, representatives from the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration will be present at Copenhagen Airport on August 6 and 8, where they will distribute beach balls and luggage straps to travelers to remind them of the importance of being vigilant about the spread of plant diseases.

Kristine Riskær, head of the Plant & Biosafety unit at the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, emphasizes the importance of not moving plants and seeds, especially when traveling outside the EU. Even within the EU, where a plant health certificate exists, it is recommended to leave plants where they are. This is a necessary precaution to prevent “Xylella Fastidiosa” from reaching Denmark.

If the bacterium does manage to enter Denmark, the only effective method to prevent its spread would be to destroy infected plants. This highlights the seriousness of the situation and the necessity of following the advice given to protect Danish nature and agriculture.