The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published an event report on the tenth webinar in its series on Group 2 long-horned beetles, focusing on the EU priority pest Aromia bungii. The webinar, held as part of a round of 20 on EU priority pests, provided an overview of the pest's characteristics and included a practical simulation using the RiPEST tool. The recording is available on EFSA's YouTube channel and the EU Academy platform.
The webinar is the seventh in the series on long-horned beetles, following earlier webinars on Anoplophora chinensis and Anoplophora glabripennis. It was organized by EFSA in collaboration with academic experts under a framework contract for technical and scientific support to EFSA's training courses on plant pest surveillance, aimed at improving plant health crisis preparedness. The event report, published on 17 July 2026, details the main results and is part of EFSA's ongoing efforts to enhance surveillance and response capabilities for priority pests across the EU.
The training targets plant health officials, inspectors, and researchers involved in pest surveillance. By using RiPEST, a simulation tool for risk-based pest surveillance, participants can practice survey design and detection strategies for Aromia bungii, a beetle that attacks stone fruit trees and can cause significant economic damage. The webinar series supports EU Member States in meeting their obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 on protective measures against plant pests.
EFSA's initiative aims to standardize surveillance practices and improve early detection of invasive pests. The practical simulation component helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and field application, potentially reducing the time needed to detect and respond to outbreaks. For national plant protection organizations, this training can lead to more efficient use of resources. However, the reliance on digital tools may pose challenges for regions with limited internet access or technical capacity. The webinar series is expected to continue with additional sessions covering other priority pests.