European Mountain Ash Ringspot-associated Virus

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs written question – answered at on 19 June 2023.

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Photo of The Bishop of Exeter The Bishop of Exeter Bishop

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the spread of European mountain ash ringspot-associated virus in the UK; and what mitigating measures can be taken to slow its spread.

Photo of Lord Benyon Lord Benyon The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

We have a dedicated programme of risk and horizon scanning, which continuously and proactively assesses emerging threats to plant health and the potential impact on the UK.

A comprehensive Pest Risk Analysis for European mountain ash ring-spot-associated virus (EMARAV) was conducted in 2013. This is available to view on the published UK Plant Health Risk Register (https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/) and is attached to this answer. It provides the basis for the inclusion of the pest on that national prioritisation tool.

EMARAV is a virus of the genus Sorbus, commonly known as Rowan or European mountain ash. Evidence demonstrates the virus has a widespread presence in Scotland and previous findings in other parts of the UK. The virus has a limited impact and is considered to pose a low risk to the UK. Statutory action is not taken against this pathogen.

Assessment of EMARAV (pdf, 222.6KB)

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