OTTAWA, October 31, 2007 The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has
confirmed the presence of potato wart in a single potato field (18.2 Ha) near Freetown,
Prince Edward Island, following inspection and diagnostic activities carried out over the
past weeks.
Potato wart, a soil-borne fungus, poses no threat to human health and does not affect
the safety of potatoes for consumption. It is considered to be a quarantine pest by Canada
and many other countries because it reduces yield and makes potatoes unmarketable. Potato
wart can be transmitted to pest-free areas through infected soil or potatoes.
In accordance with its international obligations, CFIA has advised its major trading
partners that potato wart has been confirmed. On-going containment measures and the
implementation of a long-term management plan are designed to minimize trade impacts for
the potato industry in PEI and the rest of Canada. This plan was established after the
initial finding of potato wart in 2000 to identify regulatory requirements, manage
detections and prevent trade disruptions in the event of future positive finds of the
plant disease in Canada or the U.S.
The latest find of potato wart was made following the voluntary submission of a tuber
displaying potato wart symptoms to the CFIA and the resulting investigation to determine
the precise origin of the infected tuber. The field is located in close proximity to a
field which is already known to be positive and has been under surveillance since the
first potato wart detection in 2000. When the producer submitted the sample, the CFIA
immediately implemented control measures to limit the potential spread of infested soil
and plant parts. These measures are consistent with potato wart regulatory measures taken
to date in PEI.
Compensation may be available to affected parties under the Potato Wart
Compensation Regulations, 2003, which provides compensation to persons for any
treatment, prohibition, restriction or disposition imposed as a result of the presence of
potato wart.
For more information please
visit the CFIA Web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.
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For more information:
CFIA Media Relations:
613-228-6682
CFIA Local spokesperson
Dave Cameron
Acting Regional Director, Prince Edward Island Regional Office
Charlottetown, PEI
902-566-7290
CFIA National spokesperson:
Alain Boucher
National Manager, Potato Cyst Nematode Emergency Section
Moncton, New Brunswick
506-851-2511
Main Page - Potato Wart
