EFSA methodology for estimating pest survey parameters for detection surveys

Abstract Since 2025, EFSA has conducted expert knowledge elicitations to estimate survey parameters for the detection of EU priority pests listed in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/1702, in cases where pest‐specific information is lacking in the scientific literature. The design and implementation of statistically sound and risk‐based surveys require quantitative parameters such as sampling effectiveness, design prevalence and relative risk. This report presents the methodology and scenario assumptions used to estimate these parameters. It will be followed by pest‐specific reports detailing the results of each estimation, along with the supporting evidence and expert rationale. The estimated parameter values will be integrated into the EFSA Plant Pest Survey Toolkit to support EU Member States in designing harmonised pest surveys across the EU.