Pest categorisation of Satsuma dwarf virus

Area of Science:

• Plant Pathology
• Virology
• Entomology

Background:

• Satsuma dwarf virus (SDV), a species in the genus *Sadwavirus*, primarily affects citrus species.
• SDV is currently present in Asia and not known to occur within the European Union (EU).
• Existing EU legislation addresses regulated non-quarantine pests (RNQPs), but SDV's status requires evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a pest categorisation of *Satsuma dwarf virus* (SDV) for the EU territory.
• To assess SDV's potential to qualify as a Union quarantine pest.
• To identify knowledge gaps regarding SDV epidemiology and spread within the EU.

Main Methods:

• Pest categorisation performed by the EFSA Panel on Plant Health.
• Review of existing scientific literature and regulatory information on SDV.
• Evaluation against criteria for Union regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP) and Union quarantine pest status.

Main Results:

• SDV is not currently present in the EU, thus not meeting RNQP criteria.
• Plants for planting of unregulated hosts represent a potential entry pathway for SDV into the EU.
• SDV meets all evaluated criteria to be classified as a Union quarantine pest.

Conclusions:

• SDV poses a significant quarantine risk to the EU citrus industry due to potential introduction and establishment.
• Knowledge gaps concerning unregulated hosts, trade of plants for planting, and natural spread mechanisms require further investigation.
• Classification as a Union quarantine pest is recommended to manage the risks associated with SDV introduction.