Book Description

In 2016, the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures adopted a recommendation on the importance of pest diagnosis. The recommendation stresses the importance of pest diagnosis in underpinning many activities involved in the implementation of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). The recommendation encourages regional plant protection organizations and contracting parties to share knowledge and expertise, and support laboratory capacity in diagnostic protocols. Encouraging national plant protection organizations to maximize the utilization of diagnostic protocols as official procedures to adequately fulfil their obligations under the IPPC is essential. There remain, however, some strategic issues associated with pest diagnosis that should be integral to all aspects of the IPPC work program. It is in this context that a survey was conducted within the framework of the Implementation Review and Support System (IRSS) on IPPC diagnostic protocols, under the remit of the Implementation and Capacity Development Committee. This report presents the results of the survey, reflects the data received from participants, and illustrates the analysis and recommendations for optimizing the use of diagnostic protocols.