The National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) announced on Tuesday the ban on the introduction of all types of plants (seedlings, ornamental plants and seeds) by travelers, in order to avoid the import of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa on the national territory.
To this end, “any plant (plant, ornamental plant and seed) introduced by travelers will be seized and destroyed in accordance with the regulations in force”, indicates the Office in a press release.
In addition, ONSSA reports a strengthening of preventive measures against this bacterium, by suspending all imports of ornamental plants from countries that have recorded the presence of this bacterium.
At the same time, the phytosanitary control system for the import of plants has been strengthened with regard to the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa at border posts. Indeed, ONSSA services systematically carry out documentary and physical checks and laboratory analyzes and only plants that are phytosanitary compliant are admitted.
The Office also reminds professionals that any import of plants must be accompanied by a prior import authorization issued by ONSSA and a phytosanitary certificate issued by the competent phytosanitary authorities of the country of origin. In the event of non-compliance with these conditions, the imported plants will be systematically rejected or seized and destroyed in accordance with the regulations in force, wishes to emphasize the Office.
And to specify that the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa is a formidable plant-specific disease, noting that it “is not present in Morocco and is not transmissible to humans or animals”.
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