Country: United States

Title: Plum Pox Virus regulated areas removed in Orleans and Wayne Counties, New York

Contact:
National Policy Manager Lynn Evans-Goldner at (301) 851-2286

Report: The successful partnership of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM), the Tuscarora Nation of New York, and the stone fruit industry has eradicated plum pox virus (PPV) from Orleans and Wayne Counties in New York. The Federal Order removes these areas from PPV regulated area, effective immediately.

Since the initial detection of PPV in New York in 2006, APHIS and its State, Tribal, and industry partners have worked together to conduct eradication and survey activities throughout the State. Based on three years of negative survey results, which included all orchards and residential properties with host plants within the regulated areas, APHIS has determined that the PPV program has met the criteria for removal of the PPV regulated areas in Orleans and Wayne Counties in New York.

While Federal interstate movement restrictions will no longer be in effect for Orleans County or Wayne County, certain New York State regulations will remain in place. Specifically, people may once again plant PPV-host Prunus trees for fruit or ornamental purposes in what was once a “no plant zone”. New York State regulations still prohibit PPV-host plant propagation, including budwood collection and nursery plantings.

APHIS will continue to regulate portions of Niagara County in New York and survey for PPV via a cooperative program due to a positive test result for PPV in 2011. No positive detections of PPV occurred in Niagara County in 2012.

Under IPPC Standards, Plum Pox Virus is considered to be a pest that is present in limited areas and under eradication in the United States.
 

Posted Date: Sept. 6, 2013, 9 a.m.