Melissa O’Dell (301) 734-5222
CFIA Media Relations (613) 228-6682
USDA AND CFIA BEGIN IMPLEMENTATION OF ADDITIONAL POTATO SURVEILLANCE MEASURES
WASHINGTON, 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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