Pest categorisation of potato virus M (non‐EU isolates)

Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health has addressed the pest categorisation of non‐EU isolates of potato virus M (PVM). The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, epidemiology, potential entry pathways, potential additional impact compared to the current situation in the EU and availability of control measures of non‐EU isolates of PVM has been evaluated with regard to the criteria to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. Because non‐EU isolates of PVM are absent from the EU, they do not meet one of the requirements to be regulated as a regulated non‐quarantine pest (RNQP) (presence in the EU); as a consequence, the Panel decided not to evaluate the other RNQP criteria for these isolates. Populations of PVM can be subdivided into two strains: the ordinary strain (PVM‐O) is present in the EU, while the divergent strain (PVM‐D) is absent from the EU or considered to have at most a limited distribution in the EU. Non‐EU isolates of PVM‐O are not expected to have an additional impact in the EU compared to EU isolates and therefore do not meet the corresponding criterion to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. The Panel is unable to conclude on the potential impact of non‐EU PVM‐D isolates in the EU territory, but PVM‐D isolates meet all the other criteria to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest.