At the end of January, EURL staff was informed by the NRL in Cyprus about moth specimens identified as S. frugiperda after real-time PCR molecular analysis. These specimens had been trapped at Pissouri Village by an amateur entomologist and quickly delivered to the NRL. Two adult specimens were sent to ANSES and AGES for morphological and molecular confirmations that did not left any doubt: this priority quarantine pest crossed the Union borders.

Spodoptera frugiperda worldwide spread has been strikingly rapid and relentless. Native to tropical-subtropical areas of the Americas, this moth is a migratory species capable of flying north up to southern Canada every summer. It cannot therefore be excluded that the moth flew to the island of Cyprus from the surrounding countries of the Mediterranean basin where it is present. According to EFSA, Cyprus is one of the European countries where the pest could find suitable climatic conditions for its establishment, as well as southern regions of Portugal, Spain, Italy, Malta and Greece. Enhanced monitoring will be necessary in Cyprus to determine the actual establishment and extent of distribution In other EU countries excepted the northernmost ones. Detailed information on the risk analysis, potential spread and economic impact for EU can be found on EFSA website.

Maximum vigilance is required by the NRLs' network

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