The decision means that it becomes impermissible to “keep or breed the species, even if it takes place in closed storage, to use or exchange the species, and to release it into the environment”, writes the government in a press release.
The flatworm is a predator. If it spreads and becomes established in Sweden, it could mean serious consequences.
“This can affect decomposition processes in the soil, which in turn leads to worse conditions for agriculture and horticulture,” writes the government.
The carnivorous flatworm Obama nungara is usually native to South America, but has recently been discovered in Malmö’s plantations. The theory is that it has been brought in through imported plant material.