Nov 26, 2007Golden Nematode Found in Two Canadian Seed Fields
The presence of golden nematode in two seed fields in Alberta, Canada, was detected but has not yet been confirmed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Further testing on the fields has not resulted in golden nematode finds, so the seed farms may not be the original site on contamination.
A USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) team visited Alberta this week and has provided a summary of their trip and findings to senior USDA plant health officials. Currently the U.S. border remains closed to shipments from Alberta of seed potatoes and other potatoes where soil may be present.
APHIS and CFIA recently completed an agreement which specifies actions to be taken when a positive find of either golden nematode or pale cyst nematode occurs. That protocol requires that emergency restrictions must be put in place while additional survey work is completed to identify index” fields and to carry out trace forward and trace back.
As testing is completed and additional information delimiting the find is obtained regulated areas are established and trade is reestablished in areas beyond the regulated areas. The process is designed to provide the appropriate phytosanitary protection while limiting the disruptions in trade to the maximum extent practicable.
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