The Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance, Rosselkhoznadzor, has issued a call to several European countries to suspend the certification of Ecuadorian carnations beginning February 9. This action follows the detection of the California flower thrips pest in flowers imported from Ecuador, as reported on the agency’s official website.
Expressing concern over the increasing instances of phytosanitary violations within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Rosselkhoznadzor stated, “The agency is troubled by the growing cases of violations of the phytosanitary requirements of the EAEU in the deliveries of Ecuadorian cut flowers due to the detection of the Western (California) flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande) in them.”
According to Rosselkhoznadzor, the infected flowers were imported from Ecuador via European Union countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, Latvia, and Lithuania. In response to this, the agency has formally requested the competent authorities of these nations to cease the certification of Ecuadorian carnations from February 9 onward. Rosselkhoznadzor cautioned that if the delivery of infected plants persists, it may be compelled to escalate measures, potentially introducing further restrictions on other types of flowers.