PI-010 – Eradication Protocol for Propagation Nurseries Confirmed with Phytophthora ramorum

2nd Revision

Table of Contents

Contact

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

Review

This directive will be revised when new information regarding appropriate procedures for eradicating or controlling the spread of P. ramorum is identified.

Endorsement

Approved by:


Joanne Rousson, Project Coordinator


Greg Stubbings, Chief Plant Health Officer

Amendment Record

Amendments to this document will be given consecutive numbers. Amendments to this document will be posted on the Phytophthora ramorum pageof the CFIA website.

Number of amendment: Amended by: Date of submission for approval of amendment: Summary of amendment and number of amended page(s):
1 John McDonald September 18, 2009 Review date changed. No other changes were made.
2 Shane Sela February 25, 2010 Amended Appendix 4 for clarification.

Distribution List

The most up to date version of this document will be maintained on the CFIA Internet. In addition, the signed original will be maintained in the Quality Systems Procedures Committee Coordinator's office and the master electronic copy will be kept by the Quality Systems Procedures Committee Coordinator.

1.0 Introduction

Phytophthora ramorum is a quarantine pest, regulated by the CFIA in policy directive D-01-01, Phytosanitary Requirements to Prevent the Entry of Phytophthora ramorum. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) along with a number of other countries regulate commodities to prevent the entry or movement of P. ramorum.

In the past several years, incursions of P. ramorum have been detected in nurseries as a likely consequence of trade in infested plants. Introductions of the pathogen into cultivated areas of the United States (US) and Canada have necessitated eradication actions by regulatory agencies in both countries. The USDA and CFIA attempt to harmonize, wherever possible, field level procedures for management of P. ramorum. This document outlines Canadian regulatory actions to eradicate P. ramorum incursions at commercial nurseries propagating plants.

2.0 Definitions

Definitions for terms used in the present document can be found in the Plant Health Glossary of Terms.

3.0 Goal

The goal of this protocol is to ensure that any infestations at propagation nurseries are consistently and effectively eradicated. A propagation nursery is any place of production where plants for planting are multiplied, excluding those that multiply plants for planting exclusively by seed or tissue culture.

Cooperation by nursery management personnel is essential. Early detection and reporting of P. ramorum finds are critical to ensure that the infestation is contained and spread minimized. The eradication principles employed in this protocol are similar to those employed by the US States and the European Union.

4.0 When to use this Protocol

A summary of the measures and activities in this protocol are found in Appendix 10.

This protocol shall be implemented when the presence of P. ramorum has been confirmed in a propagation nursery. Samples may have been collected as part of a trace forward or trace back activities, as part of the national P. ramorum survey or found by other means. Confirmed samples must have been analysed using a methodology approved by the CFIA at a CFIA laboratory.

If P. ramorum is detected at a propagation nursery within one year of issuance of a Notice of Release from Quarantine, this may be an indication that previous eradication measures failed. In these cases the propagation nursery must undertake the measures specified in Appendix 9.

5.0 Regulatory Control – Securing the Nursery

Upon detection of P. ramorum at a propagation nursery, all host plants [those regulated plants identified in the List of Plants Regulated for Phytophthora ramorum (Sudden Oak Death)] and all plants within the block(s) of plants in which the infested plants are found shall be placed under quarantine and held until delimitation sampling and testing within the nursery is complete. The block of plants is a group of plants found together. The boundary of the block is formed by a separation of 2 m produced by either non-host plants or no plants. The quarantine shall be established using the appropriate notice as specified in Appendix 4.

During the quarantine, the nursery will be permitted to carry out nursery operations to maintain the health of plants, provided such actions are not in contravention of the standards established here or on notices prescribed by a CFIA inspector or in opposition to the management practices prescribed in Appendix 3.

Quarantine actions shall ensure that cull piles and any potentially infested soils or water used for irrigation are secured until all testing is complete.

Once delimitation surveys are complete and sampling results have confirmed the extent of the infestation, destruction and or treatment areas shall be identified as per Section 8 of this protocol. The facility quarantine may then be removed. Destruction and quarantine areas, as identified in Sections 8 and 10 shall remain under quarantine until testing confirms that the nursery is free of the disease.

As per Appendix 3, all equipment used on the nursery site is not to be moved from the place of production or an infested field without proper cleaning. The nursery staff shall not be permitted to enter quarantined areas, unless permitted by CFIA. Any additional required sanitary measures as specified in Appendix 3 may be required to prevent spread of P. ramorum shall be detailed on the appropriate notice.

6.0 Survey and Inspection of the Nursery and Perimeter

A CFIA inspector shall identify the nursery and record details related to its operations on the checklist provided in Appendix 6.

6.1 Sample Submission

All samples collected shall be submitted per the instructions in Appendix 8 to:

Attention: Plant Pathology

Ontario Plant Laboratories
Floor 2
3851 FALLOWFIELD RD
P.O. BOX 11300
OTTAWA ON K2H 8P9

6.2 Delimitation survey

Once a positive plant has been detected, CFIA shall inspect all host plants [those regulated plants identified in the List of Plants Regulated for Phytophthora ramorum (Sudden Oak Death)] within the place of production focusing particular attention on high risk hosts. All plants in holding areas, retail sales areas and in propagation areas shall be inspected. Any plants showing symptoms consistent with diseases caused by P. ramorum, shall be identified, sampled and the samples submitted according to the protocols detailed in Appendices 7 and 8.

Upon the completion of the delimitation survey, any plants confirmed to be infested with P. ramorum and adjacent plants as described in Section 8 below shall be placed under quarantine and destroyed. All high risk host plants [those regulated plants identified in the List of Plants Regulated for Phytophthora ramorum (Sudden Oak Death)] must be held under quarantine during this period.

6.3 Trace Forward and Trace Back Surveys

Where feasible, inspectors shall identify all shipments of infested plants (and/or host plants of same origin of production) moved within the 12 months prior to the first positive detection of P. ramorum. Trace-forward activities should focus on plant movements to places of production and places of plant distribution given that these sites represent greater risk of pathogen spread. Where records exist, tracing shipments to landscape and retail locations may also be performed.

Inspectors shall also attempt to determine the origin of infested plants that may have been moved into the facility through trace back activities.

Trace back information relating to infested plants received from outside the local area shall be communicated to the Lead Specialist for P. ramorum Management who will relay this information to other areas for inspection or other actions as necessary.

6.4 Soil and Potting Media Sampling

If infested high risk host plants (i.e., plants of the genera listed in Appendix 1 of this document) are situated on soil, or on a permeable surface covering soil, or soil areas are downhill from infested plants Inspectors shall sample these soil areas to determine if the infestation has contaminated these soils. Inspectors shall also determine the content, origin (composition), storage and handling of soil or potting media used in the facility. Appendix 7 outlines details soil and potting media sampling methods. Soil samples shall be kept separate from potting media samples.

6.5 Water Sampling

The source of water used at the facility to irrigate plants shall be determined. If irrigation water is obtained from surface water on site, the irrigation water should be sampled according to the standards outlined in Appendix 7. Water sampling is not required for irrigation water from municipal water facilities that treat their water prior to release.

6.6 Perimeter survey

A perimeter survey shall be conducted of all high risk host plants (plants of the genera listed in Appendix 1 of this document) within 10 m of the propagation nursery. The purpose of the perimeter survey is to ensure that P. ramorum has not spread from the infested nursery, and to verify that the source of the infection on the affected nursery did not originate from the surrounding environment. This survey shall be conducted during a period conducive to the occurrence of symptoms of the disease and during the period when the nursery has been placed under quarantine as specified in Section 6 above.

6.7 Survey of Fungicide Use

Determine if fungicides are used on the plants at the nursery. If fungicides were used, copies of records regarding the dates of treatments, the material(s) used, the amounts used and application rates shall be recorded. Inspectors shall determine if any other type of treatments (soil amendments, fertilizers) are applied to the plants, soil or growth media.

7.0 Regulatory Control – Destruction of Infested Material

A destruction area consisting of a contiguous group of plants in which one or more plants known to be infested with P. ramorum and to be destroyed shall be identified, based on the criteria established in Sections 8.1 and 8.2 The extent of the order to destroy infested plants is dependant upon whether the infested plants are high or low risk host plants. Destruction orders shall be provided to the propagation nursery using the appropriate notice, as per the instructions specified in Appendix 4.

Plant debris in the destruction area must be collected by raking in from the outer edge in towards the infested plants from a distance of three (3) metres outside the perimeter of the destruction area. Debris must be double-bagged and disposed of with the infested plants according to the requirements.

7.1 Destruction of High Risk Host Plants

If the infested plants are high risk host plants (plants of the genera listed in Appendix 1 of this document), a destruction area shall be established which consists of all host plants within a block of plants. The block of plants is a group of plants found together. The boundary of the block is formed by a separation of 2 m produced by either non-host plants or no plants.

The plants shall be destroyed according to the specifications in Appendix 2. Any non-host plants that are present in a destruction area will be held in place, or moved under official supervision to a safeguarded area with a non-porous surface, during the quarantine period and be subject to the same conditions as the host plants in the quarantine area(s).

7.2 Destruction of Low Risk Host Plants

If the infested plants are low risk host plants [those plants identified in the List of Plants Regulated for Phytophthora ramorum (Sudden Oak Death)] not including the plants identified as high risk host plants in Appendix 1 of this document), a destruction area shall be established which consists of all host plants within 2 m of the infected plants. Plants shall be destroyed according to the specifications in Appendix 2.

8.0 Regulatory Control – Treatment of Infested Soil and Water

Where water, soil or growing media at the facility has been found to be positive for P. ramorum, treatment is required in accordance with the specifications in Appendix 2. Additionally, if the infested water was used for irrigation purposes, all plants and growing media in the irrigated area shall be tested and placed under facility quarantine until testing confirms that the plants are free of evidence of P. ramorum.

If any plants, plant material, growing media, or soil from a cull pile is found to be positive for P. ramorum, the cull pile must be treated or destroyed using one or more of the techniques detailed in Appendix 2. The appropriate notice must be issued as per Appendix 4.

9.0 Regulatory Control – Quarantined Areas Following Destruction

An area of 10 m surrounding the destruction area shall be quarantined using the appropriate notice specified in Appendix 4. All host plants [those regulated plants identified in the List of Plants Regulated for Phytophthora ramorum (Sudden Oak Death)] within this area shall be held for a minimum of 90 days following the date of the first positive test results, ensuring that the 90 days is inclusive of environmental conditions conducive to disease expression. Non-host plants in this area may be moved, provided the conditions for movement have been prescribed in writing by a CFIA inspector.

During the quarantine period:

Host plants may not be moved within or out of the quarantine area.

All high risk host plants [those genera listed in Appendix 1 of this document) within the quarantined area shall be inspected and sampled according to the protocol detailed in Appendix 6 at least twice during environmental conditions conducive to expression of the disease. Any other plants showing symptoms resembling P. ramorum should also be sampled. Inspection and sampling should occur at about halfway through the anticipated quarantine period and once again near the end of quarantine, with the final test results coinciding with the end of the quarantine.

If a plant sample tests positive for P. ramorum, the destruction area(s) and area(s) under quarantine shall be redefined, and the quarantine period reestablished.

If water, soil, and/or media samples tested positive for P. ramorum during the delimiting survey, samples of the infested water, soil, and/or media material will be re-sampled and tested during each of the two quarantine period plant samplings.

If a soil sample or potting media sample is found to be positive, then any plants (host or non-host) in the block with the infested soil are to be placed under an appropriate quarantine notice, sampled and tested.

10.0 Release of the Nursery from Quarantine

There are two options for release from regulatory control:

10.1 Release Prior to the Completion of Quarantine

If water, and soil, potting media and perimeter sampling are negative for P. ramorum, a propagation nursery may avoid the 90 day quarantine period specified in Section 10 by voluntarily destroying all host plants [those regulated plants identified in the List of Plants Regulated for Phytophthora ramorum (Sudden Oak Death)] and host plant parts in the destruction and areas under quarantine specified in Section 10. In addition, any officially required treatments must have been completed. The nursery must, however, be revisited after approximately 90 days of conducive conditions for development of the disease to conduct an inspection and sampling of soil in the destruction area.

OR

10.2 Release upon Completion of Quarantine

Propagation nurseries that have been placed under quarantine for 90 days as specified in Section 10 may be released by CFIA, if:

During conditions conducive to the development of the disease, there are no additional detections of P. ramorum in the area under quarantine specified in Section 10 following destruction of infested plants, and/or treatments of soil or water based on CFIA approved sampling and testing protocols; and

Water, soil, and potting media have also tested negative for P. ramorum based on CFIA approved sampling and testing protocols.

11.0 Post Eradication Monitoring

Nurseries that have been infested will continue to be monitored for two years following release from quarantine. Sampling shall take place during a season in which there are optimal conditions for the growth and development of P. ramorum symptoms. These nurseries are not under any quarantine or regulatory action, unless additional outbreaks are detected.

12.0 Appendices

Appendix 1 – List of High Risk Host Plants
Appendix 2 – Treatments and Disinfectants
Appendix 3 – Biosecurity Measures for Nurseries under Regulatory Control
Appendix 4 – General recommendations on the use of the regulatory forms
Appendix 5 – Delimitation Sampling for the Confirmed Nursery Protocol
Appendix 6 – Inspector's Checklist and Record
Appendix 7 – Soil and Water Sampling
Appendix 8 – Sample Handling and Laboratory Submission
Appendix 9 – Measures Required of Propagation Nurseries with Positive Detections of P. ramorum within One Year of Receiving a Notice of Removal of Quarantine
Appendix 10 – Summary of Eradication Activities

Appendix 1

List of High Risk Host Plants

Plants of the following genera:

  • Camellia
  • Rhododendron
  • Pieris
  • Kalmia
  • Viburnum

Appendix 2

Treatments and Disinfectants

The following treatments may be ordered by CFIA in the event of detection of P. ramorum in plants, soil, media or water.

Alternative treatments may be proposed to CFIA and may be utilized if approved by the CFIA in writing.

1. Infested Plants

Note: host material, including leaf litter, must not be placed in compost piles or be removed from the facility as trash or in debris removal. Host material shall be collected and incinerated or double-bagged and deep buried in a site approved by CFIA.

Incineration (burning to ash): Infested plants, associated growth media, associated containers (i.e., pots and trays), all leaf debris in and around the area where plants were stored may be disposed of by incineration at a facility or other location (e.g., on site) if permitted within provincial and municipal statutes or regulations and acceptable to CFIA. Off-nursery movement must be properly safeguarded and every effort to prevent plant debris or soil from being dislodged from the plants prior to incineration shall be taken. Burning may be through open burning or in an incinerator.

Deep burial: Infested plants, associated growth media, associated containers (i.e., pots and trays), all leaf debris in and around the area where plants were stored must be double-bagged using plastic bags of 2 mm thickness or greater and buried to a depth of no less than two metres. The material must be buried at a CFIA approved site. Every effort to prevent plant debris or soil from being dislodged from the plants shall be taken.

2. Non-Porous Surfaces

Most disinfectants are not labelled for use in soil and are only useful for nonporous materials such as concrete floors, nursery pots, and plastic sheeting. A number of disinfectants are registered for use on nonporous surfaces that may effectively reduce populations of Phytophthora species. If it is practicable, tools such as knives, pruners, water breakers, water wands and other implements used in the quarantine area shall only be used in the quarantine area. If tools and other implements must be moved from the quarantine area, then regular disinfection, using an appropriate disinfectant for the control of P. ramorum, is required prior to removal from the quarantine area. Any porous surfaces (soil-like) will require treatment, as described for soil.

Water

Water shall be treated with a method approved by the CFIA, e.g., enough chlorine that will result in 2 mg/litre of active chlorine or greater in samples taken at the emitters/sprinklers. The treatment must be approved by the regulatory official, and must be properly monitored and documented.

3. Soil and Potting Media

Potting media: Potting media must be heated such that the temperature in the centre of the load reaches at least 82°C for 30 minutes. Treatment must be conducted in the presence of an inspector.

Soil: Soil must be heated such that the temperature in the centre of the load or throughout the soil, to a depth of at least 10 cm, reaches at least 82°C for 30 minutes. Treatment must be conducted in the presence of an inspector.

Appendix 3

Biosecurity Measures for Nurseries under Regulatory Control

The following measures shall be put in place by affected nurseries and may be ordered by CFIA inspectors:

1. Restricted Access

Access to infested areas and hold areas shall be limited to officials and employees. Proper control measures shall be used to prevent unauthorized access including, the use of physical barriers such as barricade tape, temporary fences, hanging tarps, and the use of additional signage identifying an area as restricted. Where it is necessary that visitors enter the facility, the facility shall ensure that every precaution is taken to prevent the movement of infested plants, contaminated soil or debris with the visitor.

2. Sanitation Practices

Appropriate biosecurity measures must be taken to ensure that P. ramorum is not transferred from the destruction area to non-infested areas of the retail nursery. Work shall be scheduled to enable employees to progress from low risk areas to the higher risk quarantine area over the course of the work day. If possible, no inspector shall work in the destruction area and in the rest of the facility for delimitation surveys on the same day.

3. Vehicles

If possible, vehicles shall be parked on paved, concrete or gravel areas away from the immediate inspection area. The tires (or other parts in contact with the soil) of vehicles must be cleaned of soil before leaving the infested facility. A portion of the vehicle must be designated as a clean area and another area such as the trunk or a specified enclosed area shall be designated as a dirty area to hold double-bagged clothes, equipment or material for disposal.

4. Clothing

Coveralls (cloth or disposable) shall be worn for inspection activities. At the completion of the inspection or prior to working in other areas of the retail nursery, coveralls must be double-bagged for disposal/cleaning and stowed in a designated dirty area of the vehicle.

5. Footwear

Footwear shall be cleaned/disinfested on arrival to mitigate any quarantine pest risks and to provide confidence to the facility operator that CFIA is taking appropriate biosecurity measures. A disinfectant foot bath shall be placed and used by personnel entering and exiting the quarantine area at the infested facility, where the movement of soil or plant debris on footwear is likely. The foot bath must be filled with fresh disinfectant on a daily basis. Disposable shoe covers may be used in lieu of a footbath. Upon completion of the inspection, footwear must be cleaned of soil and disinfested, and disposable boot covers must be double-bagged prior to placing into the designated dirty area of the vehicle.

6. Hands

Those working with, or in contact with suspected infested material (including plants), must wash hands using soap or disinfectant immediately after completion of task. In addition, hands shall be thoroughly washed with soap and water (rubbing hands together with soapy water for a minimum of 20 seconds) before entering and after leaving the inspection site. If a hand wash station is not available, antiseptic rubs/gels/rinses must be used (with a minimum of 70% ethyl alcohol). Disposable gloves may be used, and must be double-bagged for disposal.

7. Equipment

Tools such as knives, pruners, water breakers, water wands and other implements used in the quarantine area shall only be used in the quarantine area. Otherwise, any equipment used at a work site must be disinfested prior to leaving the work site. Where practical, equipment shall be disinfested as frequently as possible at each work site. If equipment must leave work site for disinfection, it must be double-bagged before being placed in the designated dirty area of the vehicle.

Appendix 4

General recommendations on the use of regulatory forms

Note: The recommended regulatory forms and wording contained in the table below are meant as general recommendations only, and should not be interpreted as strict guidelines necessarily applicable in all situations. The circumstances presented in each situation should guide the most appropriate course of action in the achievement of effective eradication.

Process/Steps Instructions/Requirements Recommended Forms
(including information on wording in relation to certain templates)
1. Upon detection of P. ramorum at a propagation nursery a. Quarantine and hold (i) all host plants, and (ii) all plants within the block(s) of plants in which the infested plant(s) are found (facility quarantine), until completion of delimitation/sampling and destruction/treatment.

b. Permit nursery to carry out nursery operations to maintain health of plants, in accordance with standards established in the protocol or on CFIA notices and with management practices (Appendix 3).

c. As applicable, secure cull pile(s) and potentially infested soil(s) or water used for irrigation, until all testing complete.

 1. Notice of Quarantine, CFIA/ACIA 0106 (2003/04):

Ending On (date): Until a notice of release is issued

Description of thing(s): All host plants, host plant parts and associated soil and growing media at the location described below. Host plants are those regulated plants identified in the List of Plants Regulated for Phytophthora ramorum (Sudden Oak Death). In addition, all plants, plant parts and associated soil and growing media within the block(s) of plants in which the infested plant(s) is/are found. A block of plants is defined as a group of plants found together with a boundary formed by a separation of 2 metres produced by either non-host plants or no plants.
*As applicable, add as things cull pile(s), soil(s) and/or water used for irrigation.

Conditions of quarantine: Activities may be carried out for the purpose of maintaining the health of plants, provided such activities are not in contravention of the standards and biosecurity measures contained in the attached document.
2. Upon detection of P. ramorum from water, soil, growing media or cull pile sampling, including from plants, plant material, growing media or soil in cull pile a. Order treatment and/or disposal in accordance one or more of the techniques and specifications in Appendix 2.

b. If infested water was used for irrigation, quarantine the plants and growing media found in the irrigation area until testing confirms freedom from P. ramorum.

 2a. Notice of Requirement to Treat or Process, CFIA/ACIA 0112 (2008/02), as applicable:

Description of the place or thing(s): Describe thing(s) in question and place where found in accordance to the particular circumstance.

Treatment or process: Refer to treatments contained in Appendix 2 in accordance to the particular circumstance.

Manner of treatment or process: Refer to treatment methods contained in Appendix 2 in accordance to the particular circumstance.

AND/OR

Notice to Dispose, CFIA/ACIA 0107 (2004/07), as applicable:

Manner of disposition: Refer to disposal methods contained in Appendix 2. Identify that the things are to be disposed of in a manner that prevents the entry, introduction or spread of pests into Canada by incineration or deep burial to a depth of no less than 2 metres in an area where the soil will not be disturbed following burial. The non-compliant materials must be immediately covered with soil/dirt. The grower must maintain identification of things to be disposed, to allow CFIA to know what has been moved and track the affected material through the process.

Place of disposition: Refer to disposal methods contained in Appendix 2. The description shall be in accordance with the disposal method used. For example, if disposal by deep burial, the location of the sanitary land fill shall be noted. In this case, a Movement Certificate would also be necessary, which is usually used in conjunction with a Notice to Dispose.

Description of thing(s): Describe thing(s) in question.

Movement Certificate, CFIA/ACIA 0108 (2002/09):

Description of the thing(s): Precisely describe the thing(s) to be moved. CFIA must be able to verify that the material being shipped is identifiable at destination. The use of labels, etc., is recommended. There is an associated responsibility of the grower to maintain identification of things to be moved.

Conditions of movement: Refer to safeguards illustrated in Appendix 2 and as applicable.

2b.Notice of Quarantine, CFIA/ACIA 0106 (2003/04):

Ending On (date): Until a notice of release is issued

Description of thing(s): Describe plants and/or growing media found in the irrigation area.

Conditions of quarantine: Activities may be carried out for the sole purpose of maintaining the health of plants, provided such activities are not in contravention of the standards and biosecurity measures contained in the attached document.
3. Upon extent of the infestation being known, i.e., once survey and sampling is completed a. Identification of destruction area(s), in accordance with protocol (7.0, 7.1, 7.2).

b. Order the destruction of the plants within the area(s) identified, to be completed in accordance with specifications in Appendix 2.

c. Require collection, double bagging and disposal of plant debris in accordance with the protocol including Appendix 2.

 3. Notice to Dispose, CFIA/ACIA 0107 (2004/07):

Manner of disposition: Refer to disposal methods contained in Appendix 2. Identify that the things are to be disposed of in a manner that prevents the entry, introduction or spread of pests into Canada by incineration or deep burial to a depth of no less than 2 metres in an area where the soil will not be disturbed following burial. The non-compliant materials must be immediately covered with soil/dirt. The grower must maintain identification of things to be disposed, to allow CFIA to know what has been moved and track the affected material through the process. In addition, mention should be made that plant debris in the destruction area must be collected by raking in from the outer edge in towards the infested plants from a distance of three metres outside the perimeter of the destruction area. Debris must be double-bagged and disposed of with the infested plants according to the requirements.

Place of disposition: Refer to disposal methods contained in Appendix 2. The description shall be in accordance with the disposal method used. For example, if disposal by deep burial, the location of the sanitary land fill shall be noted. In this case, a Movement Certificate would also be necessary, which is usually used in conjunction with a Notice to Dispose.

Description of thing(s): Describe the plants within the applicable destruction area based on whether the infested plants are high or low risk host plants and on corresponding criteria (7.1 and 7.2).

Movement Certificate, CFIA/ACIA 0108 (2002/09):

Description of the thing(s): Precisely describe the thing(s) to be moved. CFIA must be able to verify that the material being shipped is identifiable at destination. The use of labels, etc., is recommended. There is an associated responsibility of the grower to maintain identification of things to be moved.

Conditions of movement: Refer to safeguards illustrated in Appendix 2 and as applicable.
4. Upon completion of the destruction in accordance with order(s) a. Remove facility quarantine

b. Quarantine 10 m around identified destruction areas, holding all host plants within this area for a minimum of 90 days following the date of the first positive test result (post-destruction quarantine).

c. Restrict movement of non-host plants within area of post-destruction quarantine.

d. If a plant sample tests positive during post-destruction quarantine, redefine destruction area(s) and area(s) under quarantine and re-establish quarantine period (refer to step 3 above).

e. As applicable, if a soil or potting media sample is found to be positive, quarantine any plants in the block until sampled and tested.

 4a. Notice of Release from Quarantine, CFIA/ACIA 0109 (2004/01):

Description of thing(s): Include all things indicated on the corresponding Notice of Quarantine, less those items which have been destroyed through treatment or disposal.

4b/c. Notice of Quarantine, CFIA/ACIA 0106 (2003/04):

Ending On (date): Ninety-days (90) days following the date of the first positive test results.

Description of thing(s): All host plants, host plant parts and associated soil and growing media within an area starting from the infested plant(s) up to 10 metres around the identified destruction area(s). Host plants are those regulated plants identified in the List of Plants Regulated for Phytophthora ramorum (Sudden Oak Death).

Conditions of quarantine: Activities may be carried out for the sole purpose of maintaining the health of plants, provided such activities are not in contravention of the standards and biosecurity measures contained in the attached document. For the purpose of preventing or controlling the spread of P. ramorum, non-host plants within the area subject to quarantine may only be moved if the conditions for movement have been prescribed in writing by a CFIA inspector in accordance with a Movement Certificate.

4e. Notice of Quarantine, CFIA/ACIA 0106 (2003/04), as applicable:

Ending On (date): Until a notice of release is issued.

Description of thing(s): All plants, plant parts and associated soil and growing media within the block(s) of plants in which the infested soil or potting media is found. A block of plants is defined as a group of plants found together with a boundary formed by a separation of 2 metres produced by either non-host plants or no plants.

Conditions of quarantine: Activities may be carried out for the sole purpose of maintaining the health of plants, provided such activities are not in contravention of the standards and biosecurity measures contained in the attached document.
5. Upon completion of post-destruction quarantine period a. Remove post-destruction quarantine, if conditions are satisfied (10.2).*

*Under certain circumstances (10.1), removal from quarantine may occur prior to the post-destruction quarantine period.

 5a. Notice of Release from Quarantine, CFIA/ACIA 0109 (2004/01):

Description of thing(s): Include all things indicated on the corresponding Notice of Quarantine.

 

Appendix 5

Delimitation Sampling for the Confirmed Nursery Protocol

This procedure is implemented at a site when a sample has tested positive for P. ramorum. If a positive sample can be identified to a single destruction area, further sampling in that block is not necessary and the block can be destroyed. However, if a positive sample was a composite made from more than one block, the blocks from which the positive was drawn must be re-sampled according to Method 1 below. For the remaining negative blocks at the positive site, apply Method 2 below.

In both methods the sample unit is a host species within a block. A block in this case follows the definition for destruction areas in the definitions section of the P. ramorum Confirmed Nursery Protocol.

Sampling Method 1

Use this method when a positive sample cannot be identified back to a single block. Table 1 is used to determine the number of host plants to be randomly inspected for symptoms in the target blocks associated with a positive sample. Inspectors should sample plant tissue from all plants that show symptoms characteristic of P. ramorum. For example, in a block of 5,000 host plants, if 5% of plants show symptoms of P. ramorum then 42 samples would be taken. Each sample consists of symptomatic tissue from one symptomatic plant. The sample shall consist of at least 7 symptomatic leaves, if present. A physical sample of each plant inspected is only to be taken if plant tissue is symptomatic for P. ramorum. If, however, only one leaf is symptomatic include only the one leaf with lesions. Each nursery plant from which a sample was drawn must be marked with the appropriate sample number using a label, flagging tape or stake.

Table 1. Delimitation Sampling Schedule for P. ramorum in Positive Blocks
Number of Host Plants in Block Number of Plants to Inspect
<500 all
1,000 632
5,000 792
10,000 815
>50,000 839

Sampling Method 2.

Use this method for blocks that tested negative in the National or Trace Forward surveys at a site where a positive was found. Attempt to inspect the host material at the site in a consistent pattern representative of the physical layout of the blocks. For each genus within each block at the site, sample symptomatic plants according to Table 2. This will provide one composite sample per block derived from the symptomatic plants in the block. In most instances, only a few leaves per symptomatic plant shall be collected as part of the composite sample.

The number of plants to be selected (as per Table 2) is a minimum. However, if the number of symptomatic plants found in a block is less than the numbers listed in Table 2, then sample up to the minimum number. If the number of symptomatic plants within a block is unusually large, then a larger number could be sampled, not to exceed twice the values given in Table 2.

Table 2. Delimitation Sampling for P. ramorum in Negative Blocks at a Positive Site
Number of Plants per Genus per Block/th> Minimum Number of Symptomatic Plants per High Risk Plants per Block to Select in forming the Composite Sample
<150 3
151-500 5
501-1,200 8
1,201-10,000 13
10,001-35,000 20
35,001-500,000 32
>500,000 50

 

Appendix 6

Inspector's Checklist and Record

Name of Business: 

Manager's Name: 

Owner's Name: 

Site address: 

Mailing address: 

Contact phone number: 

Contact fax number: 

Type of facility:

checkbox Retail Nursery

checkbox Propagation Nursery

checkbox Retail Greenhouse

checkbox Propagation Greenhouse

checkbox Other

GPS Coordinates: 

Size of site: 

Site Information

What is the water source? 

Is the water re-used/re-circulated? If yes, explain system. 

Is there treatment of the water (detail treatment if applicable)? 

Are there established biosecurity measures in place to deal with equipment use and personnel? Explain

Is soil/media sourced off site? If yes, what is the source? 

Is composted material or bark added to the soil mix? If, yes, what is the source of this material? 

List the locations of cull piles and debris piles on the site: 

Attach a sketched map of the facility (include shipping areas)

Chemical Use

Are fungicides used on the facility? 

When were plants that have tested positive last treated with fungicides? 

What product was used, when and at what application rate? 

Condition of plants

Have the suspect plants been trimmed or pruned? 

How are the trimmings disposed of? 

Did the plant material come in pots? 

Were pots disposed of or re-used? 

If re-used, how were they handled? 

Has the producer noticed any problems with plants on the property? If yes
describe. 

Has the producer moved any plants to a different location? 

What types/varieties were moved? 

How long ago? 

What is the location of the moved plants? 

Trace Back Activities

What is the origin (to the point of propagation) of the infested material? 

Plants were propagated 

Plant types 

Plant numbers 

Obtain invoices, packing slips and other relevant documentation for the past 12 months

Appendix 7

Soil and Water Sampling

1. Soil and Potting Media Sampling

Infested soil or growing media will look exactly the same as un-infested soil or growing media. Therefore all soil and media must be handled carefully. All tools used to collect soil or media samples must be disinfested with 10% bleach solution, quaternary ammonium solution or flame-sterilized with a propane torch between samplings. All soil and organic material shall be removed from the tools prior to disinfection. Care shall also be taken not to transfer soil or growing media from one area of the nursery to the next on shoes or clothing. All sampling equipment shall be cleaned and disinfested prior to entering the nursery. Care must be taken to ensure that un-infested soil or growing media is not contaminated by infested soil or growing media. If the areas of soil/media infestation are known or suspected sample these areas last. In other words, begin soil and potting medium sampling at outer edges of buffer zone and work toward the destruction area(s).

1.1 Preparing for sampling

Soil and growing media samples shall be collected as composite samples. Composite samples of growing media shall be kept separate from soil samples. A composite sample consists of a mixture of sub-samples. Sub-samples (See Figure 1) are small amounts of soil (or media) removed from the ground (or pot) and added together to form a composite sample. The use of sub-sampling increases the chances of finding P. ramorum if it is present. Samples shall contain a maximum of 500-ml (volume) of soil and/or growing media (1/2 of a quart-size Ziploc® bag). The number of composite samples collected will depend upon the size of the retail nursery being sampled (see Table 1). There shall be at least two samples, one for growing media and one for soil, unless all plants and associated growing media were destroyed or the plants are not on soil (e.g., on concrete or asphalt). If the surface of soil is covered with gravel take sub-samples from the soil beneath the gravel. If water permeable weed block is present, either covered with gravel or under gravel, the weed block shall be removed prior to soil sampling.

Table 1: Number of composite samples collected based on nursery size.
Size of Treated Sites (hectares) Square Metres Number of Soil and Growing Samples Collected (total)
0.00<n<0.1 n>1012 5 (10)
0.1<n<0.2 1012<n<2023 10 (20)
0.2<n<0.4 2023<n<4046 20 (40)
n>0.4 n>4046 30 (60)

Each composite sample will consist of at least five sub-samples collected from soil or growing media within the targeted area. While five is a minimum, it is preferable to take 24 sub-samples of soil or growing media for each sample, provided the area is large enough (for soil samples) and enough plants are present (for growing media samples). Sub-samples shall be collected according the pattern in the diagram below (Figure 1). Alternatively, if fallen leaves or other debris from the infested plants are present; sub-sampling may be targeted towards those areas. The location of each composite sample shall be maintained (preferably by GPS but at least by flagging) in case follow-up treatment of the soil or growing media for P. ramorum is required. Composite samples may also be collected from neighbouring un-infested plants using the same steps. If you are collecting from areas of un-infested plants, collect the composite soil/growing media samples from these areas first to minimize the risk of contaminating un-infested soil/growing media. If all potentially-infested growing media has been destroyed with the infested plants, collect composite samples from the remaining host plants [those regulated plants identified in the List of Plants Regulated for Phytophthora ramorum (Sudden Oak Death)] within 2 to 10 m of the originally infested plants that have been placed on hold. Preferentially target the growing media of those plants that are downstream (e.g., based on watering patterns) of the originally infested plants.

Figure 1: Recommended pattern for collection of sub-samples for composite soil and/or growing media samples.

Figure 1: Recommended pattern for collection of sub-samples for composite soil and/or growing media samples (multiple passes using a zig-zag pattern)

2. Water Samples

2.1 In Situ Water Sampling With Leaf Baits
  1. Prepare the leaves (contact the Central Plant Health Lab for appropriate leaves) as bait by cutting the leaves in a herringbone pattern into (but not through) the mid-vein or by trimming off the petiole end of each leaf.
  2. Place 3-4 cut leaves into a mesh bag. Label the bag with a plastic tag listing the date, water source (location), and nursery (i.e., nursery license number).
  3. Place the mesh bag into the water source for a minimum of 48 hours to 1 week (preferable).
  4. Do not leave the bait in the water source for longer than 1 week as the bait will begin to decompose.
  5. Place the bags such that the leaves will remain submerged the entire time (i.e., even if water levels fluctuate within the water source). If possible, place the bait near the influent coming from the area closest to or containing the infested plants.
  6. Remove the bait from the water source and transfer to a sealable bag.
2.2 Water Sampling for Filtration
  1. Water samples shall be collected in a sterile wide-mouth bottle and kept at 5 - 10°C.
  2. Water samples shall be taken from the surface to increase the likelihood of obtaining zoospores of Phytophthora.
  3. Sample size shall be approximately 1000 ml. Number of samples is determined by the size of the nursery pond to be sampled (Table 1).
  4. Sample shall be processed within 48 hours of collection. Samples shall be submitted according to the protocols established in Appendix 7.
Table 1. Number of composite samples collected based on pond size.
Size of pond (acres) No. of water samples collected (litres)
0.00 - 0.25 1
0.26 - 0.5 2
0.50 - 1.0 4
1.01 - 2.50 8
>2.51 12

 

Appendix 8

Sample Handling and Laboratory Submission

Critical Instructions for Sample Submission:

  1. Complete a Pest Interception Report (PIR) Form CFIA/ACIA 1303 which is available on Informed Filler.
  2. Submitters shall give an estimate to the lab of how many samples will be sent and when in advance of shipment.
  3. Each sample must be separately bagged (in the case of water sample bottles, place these inside a bag).
  4. On each sample bag record, in permanent marker: the sampling location, area ID's (if possible), plant genus (where possible), sampling date, PIR Number.
  5. Place all of the individual sample bags into a large plastic bag for shipping.
  6. Ship all samples by express courier in Styrofoam coolers containing ice packs. Samples shall not directly contact the ice packs.
  7. Separate sample bags with layers of newspaper or other insulation.
  8. At the end of each sampling day, samples must be stored in a cold room or refrigerator at 4°C ± 2°C prior to shipping.
  9. Be sure to include a copy of all PIR(s) inside the box. Indicate P. ramorum on the outside of the sample box.
  10. Include samples from only one type of SOD activity in a submission to the lab. For example, SOD National Survey samples would be submitted under a separate submission form from those sent for a delimitation survey, or trace forward activity.
  11. In the submission, include a summary list of the plants (varieties, if applicable) and blocks or 'areas' from which the samples were collected and the number of samples of each. Use a separate sheet if necessary.
  12. Use the following survey codes in the Project section of the PIR:
    SOD-NAT – national survey
    SOD-REF – referral (British Columbia Landscape Nursery Association referrals)
    SOD-PE1 – first year post eradication
    SOD-PE2 – second year post eradication
    SOD-DEL – delimitation survey
    SOD-INV – investigation
    SOD-TF – trace forward
    SOD-TB – trace back
    SOD-ZO1 – 1st sampling (day 1) of 90-day zone
    SOD-ZO2 – 2nd sampling (day 45) of 90-day zone
    SOD-ZO3 – 3rd sampling (day 80) of 90-day zone
    SOD-BUF – buffer zone around a positive nursery
    SOD-OTH – Other
  13. Send all samples by courier.

Appendix 9

Measures Required of Propagation Nurseries with Positive Detections of P. ramorum within One Year of Receiving a Notice of Removal of Quarantine

In addition to the measures prescribed in this protocol, the following additional measures shall be implemented in a propagation nursery that has been found to be positive for P. ramorum within one year of receiving a Notice of Removal of Quarantine. CFIA inspectors shall order these measures on the appropriate notice prescribed in Appendix 4.

During the quarantine period an additional inspection of all host plants at the facility shall be conducted. Any plants demonstrating signs or symptoms of P. ramorum infection should be sampled and tested according to the protocols established in Appendix 7 and Appendix 8.

The biosecurity measures prescribed in Appendix 3 shall be ordered by the CFIA on an appropriate notice as prescribed in Appendix 4. Inspectors shall routinely verify that these measures are being observed by the nursery. These measures shall remain in place for a period of at least two years following release of the nursery from quarantine.

All fallen leaves of high risk host plants [those specified in Appendix 1 of this document) shall be removed and destroyed from around these plants on a quarterly basis to prevent infestations entering soil or water.

All high risk nursery stock entering the propagation nursery is to be inspected in a secure area by trained personnel at the nursery before being moved to production areas. Any plants having symptoms of the disease are to be held in the secure area at least 10 m away from other high risk hosts for inspection by CFIA. Should these plants be found positive, these shall be ordered destroyed according to this protocol and all other hosts imported with the positive plants should be sampled and tested according to the protocols established in Section 7.2 above.

Appendix 10

Summary of Eradication Activities

Detection of P. ramorum at a Propagation Nursery
Trigger Positive host plant
Quarantine Action Resulting From Trigger All high risk plants at the facility and blocks with infested plants are held pending sampling and testing. This facility quarantine may be removed once areas of infestation and destruction actions have been identified.

A quarantine area of 10 m. surrounding the destruction area is held until released (see below).
Eradication Action Resulting from Trigger Where an infested high risk host plant is identified, all host plants in a block of plants are destroyed until a 2 m separation of no plants or non-hosts is present, or

Where a low risk host plant is identified as infested, all hosts within 2 m of the infested plants are destroyed.
Surveillance Action Resulting From Trigger All symptomatic plants, particularly high risk hosts are sampled.

Soil/water/cull piles also sampled and tested.

In 10 m perimeter outside the nursery of high risk hosts are sampled and tested.
Trace-out Activities All shipments of related host plants moved to other propagation nurseries in the past 12 months are identified and tracked.

Origin of infested plants is tracked.
Subsequent Surveillance Required for Release From Quarantine Option 1: Completion of destruction of hosts in eradication block and surrounding quarantine

Option 2: Completion of destruction of hosts in destruction area and testing of plants after 90 days quarantine.