Draft pathway analysis Assessing pathways of introduction for potato wart (Synchytrium endobioticum) from Canada into the United States is available for public comments

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) developed a pathway assessment to evaluate the potential introduction of potato wart (causal agent Synchytrium endobioticum) from Canada into the United States. Synchytrium endobioticum is regulated by APHIS as a Select Agent and is known to occur in Canada. On May 26, 2021, APHIS issued a Federal Order (DA-2022-14) amending entry requirements for the importation of potato (Solanum tuberosum) from Prince Edward Island, Canada to prevent the introduction of potato wart into the United States. The purpose of this pathway analysis is to evaluate three potential pathways of introduction of the potato wart pathogen from Canada into the United States: 1) commercially produced propagative material (excluding true potato seed), 2) commercially produced potatoes for consumption, and 3) soil. This document will be used to inform any updates to import requirements for the importation of potatoes from Canada.

APHIS is sharing the draft pathway analysis to determine whether stakeholders have information that might lead us to revise the assessment before we consider changes to import requirements governing potatoes and soil from Canada.

The draft pathway analysis will be available for review and comment until November 14, 2022.To view the assessment or submit comments, go to https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-health/risk-assessment-consultation.