International standards for the diagnosis of regulated pests

Abstract

For the last 10 years, the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) has run a European Panel on diagnostics, which has developed regional standards on diagnostic protocols. Nearly 80 such standards have now been approved, and are in active use in EPPO countries. In 2003, the Commission for Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) of FAO, in reviewing global needs for International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs), recognized that there is a strong interest in developing diagnostic protocols for all contracting parties to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). Such protocols would support the harmonization of detection and identification procedures worldwide, contribute to greater transparency and comparability in the diagnostics for regulated pests, and assist in the resolution of disputes between trading partners. In addition, such protocols would be very useful in technical assistance programmes. In 2004, the CPM adopted a mechanism for rapid development of ISPMs in specific areas, particularly suitable for diagnostic protocols. A Technical Panel was accordingly established to develop protocols for specific pests and meets on an annual basis. A format for international diagnostic protocols was adopted in 2006 and a list of priority pests was established. In 2003, EPPO initiated a new programme on quality management and accreditation for plant pest laboratories and Standards are now also being developed in this area. In 2006, a survey of existing diagnostic capacities in EPPO member countries was undertaken and a database on diagnostic expertise was created.