The Bugs in the Bags: The Risk Associated with the Introduction of Small Quantities of Fruit and Plants by Airline Passengers

Abstract

Among European countries, Italy is the most exposed to the risk of biological invasions, principally for its numerous entry points (ports and airports) and for climatic conditions favorable for the acclimatization of several invasive species. Here it was assessed that the greatest threats to our agro-ecosystems come mainly from the passenger baggage in which a variety of fruits and vegetables are carried. From 2016 to 2021, large quantities of plant products were found in the luggage of passengers travelling from outside the EU and seized at the BCPs (border control posts) in the Campania region. Inspections and the following laboratory analyses were conducted on the plant material to assess the presence of exotic pests. Inspections led to several non-native species being recorded, and among the intercepted organisms, some should be considered “alarming”, such as Bactrocera dorsalis, Anastrepha obliqua, and Leucinodes africensis. Despite a well-organized border inspection system, travelers transporting infested material unknowingly contribute to increasing the risk of the introduction of exotic species. Given the current situation, it is necessary to impose stricter controls and greater attention, ensuring compliance with the requirements of the new phytosanitary regulations by the actors involved in the transport of plant material. Finally, it is essential to improve awareness through a phytosanitary campaign on plant health risks, especially for people wishing to transport fruits and vegetables in their luggage.

Preparatory work in support of risk communication on plant health

“…On air transport, Pace et al (2022) reported the risks of introducing pests via air are not yet well studied, and their frequency may be underestimated. The data collected at three Border Control Points (BCPs) in Italy (Campania region) suggested that travellers are often unaware of the risks connected with the imports of plants, fruits, and vegetables.…”

“…Less frequent sources of information included biosecurity communications through social media (2% of tourists) and airport signage (2%). Pace et al, (2022), suggested that infographics or factsheets could be helpful to inform passengers about the risks of plant health transport, making them responsible for the transport of plants. Additionally, the authors suggested that the advertising campaign the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO) was running at the time to raise public awareness and to stimulate responsible behaviour, should be updated each year with new potential plant and fruit health threats.…”

“…In total, five of the 31 articles reviewed discussed the levels of awareness, knowledge and risk perception surrounding the phytosanitary certificate and the import of plants and plant products into the EU (Oude Lansink et al, 2011;Marzano et al 2015;Urquhart et al, 2017;White al., 2019;Pace et al 2022).…”

Communication on plant health risks:Social science research, audience segmentation, and communication strategy for an EU awareness‐raising campaign

“…In a study focusing on invasive species intercepted at three Border Control Points (BCPs; two ports and one airport) in Italy (Campania region) from 2016 to 2021, Pace et al (2022) found that during this period "large quantities of plant products were found in the luggage of passengers travelling from outside the EU and seized at the BCPs". Results suggested very high risk for possible introduction of threatening pests through luggage from air passengers, and the authors noted that there is lack of sufficient data on the risk and that its frequency is underestimated.…”

The spread of Carpophilus truncatus is on the razor's edge between an outbreak and a pest invasion

“…Invasive insects and pathogens represent an increasing threat to agriculture and forestry worldwide 1 , 2 . Despite the implemented preventative measures, the transport of goods (stored products, living plants and fruits), and people facilitate the introduction of invasive species in new areas 3 , 4 . And climate change promotes modification in the distribution range of pests and can cause the weakening of host plants and a higher level of damage by pests 5 , 6 .…”