Managing plant diseases offshore

Abstract

Managing exotic plant diseases and other potential pests imported into the United States (US) on incoming cargo is an on-going challenge for many countries including the US. The primary exclusionary strategy used by the US for exotic pathogens is inspection of arriving cargo and passengers at ports of entry. In spite of these efforts, introductions of many exotic pests have occurred through numerous ports of entry resulting in costly eradication efforts by Government and US industry. In an effort to moderate these risks, the US is focusing on offshore strategies. One offshore strategy developed first as a pilot project and currently as an ongoing project is known as the Offshore Pest Information System (OPIS). OPIS is a secure web-based information sharing tool that allows users to communicate in an organised manner about offshore plant and animal health events and issues. OPIS was designed to allow the US to quickly and effectively respond to offshore plant pests that could potentially threaten the US.