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<p>No recent assessment has been made of the numbers of non-native flatworms in the
UK. While some data on New Zealand flatworms (<em>Arthurdendyus triangulates</em>)
is collected this is not sufficiently systematic to support a full assessment.</p><p>
</p><p>We encourage the public to submit sightings with photographs to iRecord (which
can be found at irecord.org.uk) such that the species can be accurately identified.
The record is then uploaded to the biological records centre and will improve our
understanding of the distribution of the species.</p><p> </p><p>We have developed
a <a href="https://www.nonnativespecies.org/biosecurity/pathway-action-plans/horticulture-pap-for-great-britain/"
target="_blank">Horticulture Pathway Action Plan</a> (PAP) (copy attached) which aims
to prevent and manage the risk posed by species such as the New Zealand flatworm using
measures such as raising public awareness, minimizing the contamination of goods,
commodities, vehicles and equipment by invasive non-native species, and ensuring appropriate
border checks. An action within this document specific to flatworms is to establish
a task-and-finish group to review existing guidance and develop new guidance on flatworms.
We are due to consult on the PAPs later this year, and following the conclusion of
that exercise, the actions such as this one in the PAPs will commence.</p><p> </p><p>In
addition, Invasive Species Week is coming up and will take place from the 20th to
26th May 2024. This is an annual week of awareness raising and events to help prevent
the spread, and reduce the harmful impacts, of invasive non-native plants and animals.</p>
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