In 1993, fireblight (Erwinia amylovora) was detected for the first time in Austria, in the most westerly part of the country (Vorarlberg). During the following years, especially since 1998, a stepwise migration from west to east was observed. For control, mechanical measures are mostly used. As these measures require early recognition of symptoms, broad information campaigns for the public and extensive surveys of host plants have been set up. Suspicious plant samples are sent to the central laboratory for diagnosis. Regional plant protection services are assisted by trained volunteers. Eradication and pruning measures are performed by trained working teams. Infected plant material is burned. In all pome‐fruit production areas, the disease forecasting system Maryblyt has been established. Regulations concerning the movement of beehives have been adopted, together with prohibition of the planting of certain ornamental host plants (Crataegus, Cotoneaster). Chemical treatments are limited to one copper oxychloride product. In 2003, temporary application of Prohexadione‐Ca for the prevention of shoot infections was authorized. In some areas, the rigorous application of control measures has reduced the incidence of fireblight and possibly slowed down its progress. However these measures are not sufficient to protect against new, unexpected outbreaks.