Originating in North America, the pinewood nematode damages conifers and has historically appeared in the EU starting with Portugal in 1999 and Spain in 2008.

The prefect of Nouvelle-Aquitaine will convene local actors to implement measures to prevent propagation, with further actions expected to be announced later.

A pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, has been detected for the first time in France, in Seignosse, Landes, marking a confirmed outbreak that threatens pine forests.

The nematode poses no risk to humans or animals, but foresters must heighten vigilance and implement control measures to protect pines.

The pest spreads via beetles and is designated a priority quarantine organism by the European Union.

The ANSES national reference laboratory confirmed the presence, and local authorities will coordinate stakeholders in Nouvelle-Aquitaine to enforce mandatory containment measures.

Protection and containment measures are mandatory to eradicate the infestation, with authorities organizing local coordination to prevent spread.

Previous INRAE assessments suggest earlier attempts to halt propagation were unsuccessful, underscoring the seriousness of potential outbreaks.

The nematode is not airborne and spreads when beetles move from diseased hosts to healthy pines; monitoring and surveillance are ongoing.

Draaf Nouvelle-Aquitaine warned of a major sanitary threat to resinous massifs and urged vigilance over movements of resinous wood and pallets from Spain or Portugal to prevent spread.

If established, the nematode blocks sap flow and can cause rapid death of infested trees, with local spread aided by beetles such as Monochamus galloprovincialis.

The detection was announced by the relevant ministry and confirmed by Anses, triggering ministerial coordination and planning of containment actions.