The USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service report on the status of the current potato wart infestation on Canada’s Prince Edward Island is likely larger than reported. National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles says unfortunately the report confirms many fears of the U.S. potato industry. “The pathways of the disease to get into the U.S. through either seed potatoes or potatoes through consumption are endless. The mitigation measures have to be ramped up in order to prevent this disease to from getting into the U.S.” The U.S. currently does not have potato wart. Quarles says the next step is to look at available mitigation measures. “Right now, there is a plan from 2015 that is in effect, but USDA said that is not efficient. No one wants to see an export ban, but when you’ve got this much unaddressed risk, I think everything should be on the table.”
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