In previous surveys carried out within the RISKBURS - Project (FAIR 950083) the Pine Wood Nematode (PWN), bursaphelenchus xylophilus, was not detected in Austria. According to article 3 in Commission Decision 2000/58/EC between May and October 2000 more than 270 samples all over Austria were taken. The sample plots of the new survey concentrated on high risks sites. Especially conifers of poor vitality, mainly Pinus sylvestris, or recently died coniferous trees around wood importing companies, timber yards, sawmills, entry points along the Austrian boarder and along main transport lines were sampled with a drill or by cutting out wood chips from the lower stem parts with an axe. In a few cases dying trees were cut and stem discs and branches were taken to the laboratory for nematode isolation. The samples were transported to the lab in plastic bags, marked with a specific number, incubated for at least 2 weeks at 25°C before extraction.
