Some 150 palm trees are known to have been infected by the Red Palm Weevil, but the parasite does not appear to have crossed over to Gozo, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino said in Parliament.

Mr Pullicino said the Plant Health Department is in contact with similar departments across the Mediterranean to monitor the situation in the region. Locally, three seminars have been held on how the spread of the parasite can be contained.

Mr Pullicino said that at present there are no government plans for compensation for the replacement of palm trees. The agriculture department is, however, giving financial assistance so that infected trees can be removed and burnt.

Mr Pullicino was replying to a parliamentary question by Robert Arrigo (PN).

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