Russia Blocks Moroccan Blueberry Shipment Over Dangerous Pest Concerns

Russia has banned the entry into their territory of a batch of fresh blueberries from Morocco. This decision, announced on Thursday, June 5, by Rosselkhoznadzor, the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance of Russia, follows the detection of a dangerous parasite in a shipment stored in St. Petersburg.

The inspection was carried out by agents of the Northwest Interregional Service. They examined 15.3 tons of berries. The analyses revealed the presence of Drosophila suzukii, an insect better known as the Asian cherry drosophila. This pest is known for the damage its larvae can cause to fruits.

According to the Rosselkhoznadzor statement, "the contaminated batch was identified during a routine check. This is a quarantine organism whose detection requires immediate refusal of entry into the territory of the Federation." The affected merchandise will also be subjected to a disinfestation operation before any further handling.

The federal agency emphasized that "this type of interception, although rare, requires an immediate reaction to prevent any risk of dissemination of the exotic species." As a direct consequence of this discovery, Morocco, which is a major supplier of fresh blueberries to the Russian market during the off-season, is now subject to strengthened phytosanitary controls at entry points.