Washington, DC
March 16, 2007
The U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
and the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency (CFIA), have developed a joint
certification protocol for the potato cyst nematode and golden
nematode for all seed potatoes traded between the United States
and Canada.
The initial phase of the protocol will begin on March 21, 2007,
as the first step in implementing this surveillance for the
United States and Canada. The protocol responds to the 2006
detections of the potato cyst nematode in the state of Idaho and
the golden nematode in the province of Quebec. The goal of this
protocol is to maintain the safe movement of regulated articles
between the United States and Canada while continuing to protect
against the spread of these nematodes. It reflects the risk
mitigating measures agreed upon in the Canada-United States
guidelines for phytosanitary action following the detection of
potato cyst nematode in the United States and the golden
nematode in Canada.
Since most potato fields are currently frozen, the first phase
of the protocol will include sampling and testing of soil
associated with tubers in storage facilities for all remaining
2006 seed potatoes shipped between the United States and Canada.
All shipments between the United States and Canada must include
a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration
confirming that the lot was tested and found free of these
target pests according to the agreed protocol.
The next phase of bi-national potato surveillance will begin
during the 2007 production year and will include more extensive
field surveys for seed potatoes. Bi-national survey detail
discussions will continue between USDA and CFIA officials and
stakeholders over the coming months.
The potato cyst nematode and golden nematode are recognized
internationally as serious plant pests; however they do not pose
a threat to human health. Their primary means of spread is
through contaminated soil. If left uncontrolled, these pests
have the potential to cause significant damage to potato crops.
Potatoes and tomatoes are the principal crops of economic
importance that are attacked by these pests. The economic impact
of these nematodes can be high due to crop losses, pest
management expenses and market access interruptions.
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