ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY THE INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR PLANT AND ANIMAL HEALTH (OIRSA) RELATING TO THE WTO AGREEMENT ON
THE APPLICATION OF SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES

REPORT TO THE COMMITTEE ON SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES
SECOND FOUR-MONTH PERIOD OF 2025 (MAY-AUGUST)

The following communication, received on 14 October 2025, is being circulated at the request of OIRSA.

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1  TRAINING, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AND TRADE

1.1.  Commemoration of the International Day of Plant Health (12 May 2025): OIRSA member countries had the honour of hosting this important global event. The commemoration event was held at OIRSA headquarters in the city of San Salvador, El Salvador. Here, authority figures from FAO and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), who had travelled from Rome, Italy, addressed the subject of plant health at the global level.

-_        The event was livestreamed to all FAO member countries, with interpretation into English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish.

-_        The day, the theme of which was "The importance of plant health in One Health", sought to raise the global population's awareness and promote action in respect of protecting plant health, with a view to ending hunger, reducing poverty, protecting biodiversity and the environment, and boosting economic development.

-_        Event participants included the Vice-Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of El Salvador, Óscar Domínguez; OIRSA's Executive Director, Raúl Rodas; IPPC official, Sarah Brunel; FAO's Director of Plant Production and Protection based in Rome, Yurdi Yasmi; El Salvador‑based FAO representative, Emilia González; and officials from the IDB, the IICA and other international organizations, and from the diplomatic corps accredited to the country.

-_        As part of the event, stands were set up on the various areas of work and activities undertaken by OIRSA, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of El Salvador, and the Salvadoran Coffee Institute. There were also demonstrations by dog/handler pairs, and on technology used in the agricultural domain.

-_        As part of the event, OIRSA presented details of progress made in the use of immersive technologies for phytosanitary management.

1.2.  OIRSA held a subregional workshop on AI-supported epidemiological surveillance for non‑native fruit flies of quarantine importance. The representative of OIRSA in Guatemala, Rosario Gómez, opened the event and highlighted the use of applied technology in phytosanitary surveillance strategies. The workshop included theoretical and practical exercises. During the subregional workshop, technicians from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) of Guatemala, MOSCAMED, and FAO in Guatemala took an in-depth look at aspects such as monitoring and trapping methods, species identification and diagnosis, and the use of the sterile insect technique. The Regional Director for Plant Health, Carlos Urías, emphasized the importance of being aware of successful cases of fruit fly control and eradication in the countries of the region and the use of digital tools and remote sensors for fruit fly surveillance. The workshop was attended by 80 participants from nine countries.

1.3.  In El Salvador, in La Montañona in the department of Chalatenango, and Arambala in the department of Morazán, field days were organized as part of a workshop on bioassays for the management of the Tropidacris cristata dux grasshopper and the Schistocerca piceifrons locust, and forest pests. The workshop was led by Mexican acridologist, Mario Poot, who, together with a team from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) and OIRSA, worked on an initial bioassay protocol for El Salvador that will serve as a tool for managing grasshopper and locust infestations. The activity was attended by plant health technicians from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and OIRSA, and training was provided on the redistribution of and alternative ways of managing the Central American locust, and the current situation as regards Tropidacris cristata dux and Schistocerca piceifrons.

1.4.  Technicians from OIRSA and the Ministry of Agricultural Development of Panama (MIDA) led a number of training sessions on modern coffee-growing, with an emphasis on plant health, for small producers in the province of Coclé.

-_        Producers received training on fundamental aspects, from setting up a coffee plantation to up-to-date phytosanitary management; consideration was given to both conventional and alternative bioregenerative techniques.

-_        The sessions were designed to build the capacity of Panamanian coffee growers in key areas such as the use of effective strategies for controlling weeds, pests and coffee plant diseases.

-_        Around 120 small coffee producers took part in the sessions.

1.5.  El Salvador hosted the Regional Workshop on Satellite Imagery and Technological Immersion for Pest Monitoring Using Virtual Reality and Drones. The activity ran from 30 June to 1 July in the department of La Libertad. It was attended by 40 surveillance technicians and other officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG).

1.6.  Guatemala hosted the International Forum on Technological Innovation in the Prevention and Control of Fusarium TR4, organized by OIRSA, the IDB, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) and the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) of Chinese Taipei. The Forum focused on the experiences of both Chinese Taipei and Latin America, with the aim of enhancing the prevention and control of Fusarium TR4 in banana and plantain crops. The topics covered included the following:

-_        agricultural biochips;

-_        satellite monitoring;

-_        rapid testing for Fusarium TR4;

-_        the use of drones;

-_        canine detection units; and

-_        resistant varieties.

1.7.  The International Forum brought together plant health experts and specialists from, inter alia, Brazil, Cuba, Mexico and Chinese Taipei, and was attended by 250 participants from 12 countries in Mesoamerica.

1.8.  OIRSA coordinated phytosanitary diagnostic capacity building through a workshop on strengthening field and laboratory diagnostic capacities for the detection of the banana bunchy top virus in Musaceae crops in the region. The event was held at the premises of the Honduran Agricultural Research Foundation (FHIA) in Honduras and was led by scientists John Thomas and Kathy Crew from the University of Queensland, Australia. Workshop participants included specialists from the State Phytosanitary Service of Costa Rica and the Directorate-General of Plant Health of SAG-SENASA Honduras, OIRSA staff from Guatemala and Honduras, the exporter DOLE, and other relevant stakeholders from the region's agricultural sector. The aim of the activity was to build technical capacity to identify and manage the virus, thus contributing to the phytosanitary protection of Musaceae crops in the region.

1.9.  OIRSA and SENASA Honduras organized a workshop on developing strategies to control and contain locusts in Honduras. The workshop was held in Olanchito, Yoro; visits were organized to areas affected by the pest, where participants were able to improve their knowledge and skills in respect of early detection and intervention processes. Field day activities included: insect surveillance-oriented exploration work aimed at collecting information on insect behaviour, identifying areas where insects are present and determining their population density; control practices using biological agents such as the Metarhizium acridum fungus; and exercises to optimize spray-based application and treatment processes by prioritizing techniques that contribute to reducing environmental impact.

1.10.  In Guatemala, OIRSA and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) organized the Regional Workshop on Technological Immersion for Pest Monitoring Using Virtual Reality and Drones. The aim of the activity was to provide participants with theoretical and practical knowledge concerning the use of technologies applied to the monitoring and control of agricultural pests. Through interactive sessions, simulation exercises and field activities, technical capacity to collect samples, analyse multi-spectrum data and respond to quarantine outbreaks was strengthened, thus contributing to the modernization and efficiency of the agricultural health system. Thirty technicians from various national institutions took part in the activity.

1.11.  More than 1,700 people gathered in Sinaloa, Mexico, to support agricultural health at the International Convention on Agricultural and Aquaculture Health and Safety (CONISIAPA 2025). OIRSA participated actively in this event, a key forum for the exchange of knowledge between producers, technicians and researchers. Carlos Urías, Regional Director for Plant Health, delivered a keynote lecture on the "One Health" approach, highlighting the interaction between human, animal and ecosystem health, with an emphasis on plant health. OIRSA also took part in discussions on relevant topics linked to this holistic approach. Representing OIRSA were Carlos Urías and Raúl Peralta, regional directors for plant health and safety, together with Santiago Martínez, OIRSA representative in Mexico. Nelson Andrade and Vanessa Bolaños from the Information Technology Unit gave a presentation on the innovative Virtual Simulation Arena for Food Safety Inspection.

1.12.  OIRSA, FAO and the IDB organized an online Plant Health Day on Musaceae market analysis for the first half of 2025. The event was led by market expert Raúl Villacrés and attended by 200 online participants, who learnt about Musaceae production volumes and the destination markets for the world's bananas.

1.1  Strengthening of OIRSA's Regional Canine Unit

1.13.  In June, the SENASICA Canine Training Centre (CEACAN) in Mexico began training 11 new dog handlers for the Dominican Republic's Canine Unit.

1.14.  This training forms part of the National Biosafety and Biocontainment Plan for the Control and Eradication of African Swine Fever in the Dominican Republic, which provides for the training of 35 dog/handler pairs specializing in the non-intrusive inspection of swine products in the passenger departure areas of the country's main airports.

1.15.  Furthermore, within the framework of the Regional Screwworm Prevention, Control and Eradication Project, and in coordination with USDA-APHIS, dog-handling training with a focus on the detection of scents linked to screwworm was provided to Guatemalan delegate, Juan Ricardo Estrada, thereby broadening the region's capacity to tackle this disease.

1.16.  Lastly, in compliance with CEACAN recommendations, which set out the need to conduct exercises to strengthen and recertify dog/handler pairs every two years, a second similar technical event was organized with the Dominican Republic and the support of Dr Roberto Cesario, a dog trainer at CEACAN. This activity ran from 2 to 13 June 2025 in Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic, benefiting 10 dog/handler pairs from the national unit and ensuring the continuity of their operational capacities in accordance with technical and performance standards defined at the regional level.

1.2  Strengthening the capacities of operational staff

1.17.  Training course on agricultural quarantine - SEPA Honduras: In 2025, the Agricultural Protection Service of Honduras (SEPA) organized a training programme for all of its operational staff. SEPA received support from the Regional Directorate of Quarantine Services to coordinate the participation of various international facilitators in this event. The training started on 16 June this year and was scheduled to end on 11 July. It took place on a weekly basis in four groups, with a total of 40 hours of training per participant.

1.18.  Basic training course on quarantine treatment – SITC Honduras: The International Quarantine Treatment Service of Honduras (SITC) provided training for 29 of its collaborators, with a special focus on the use of USDA's Treatment Manual and other topics of technical interest to operational staff. The course ran from 23 to 27 June, with Fernando Lugo from USDA/APHIS playing a prominent role.

1.19.  Basic training course on quarantine treatment - SITC Dominican Republic: The International Quarantine Treatment Service of the Dominican Republic (SITC) provided technical training for 49 collaborators organized into two groups (the first comprising 29 participants and the second 20), with a view to strengthening the skills of operational staff in respect of key aspects of their day‑to‑day work. The activity ran from 9 to 14 June and enjoyed the valuable support of highly experienced group leaders from the SITC, who, as the main facilitators of the course, shared their experience and expertise.

2  SUPPORT FOR THE HARMONIZATION AND EQUIVALENCE PROCESS

2.1.  The Regional Workshop of the International Plant Protection Convention – IPPC 2025 for Latin America was held in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Executive Director of OIRSA, Raúl Rodas, participated remotely in the workshop's opening session, and emphasized that plant health is now a pillar of sustainable development, linked to agricultural productivity, food security and safe trade in agricultural products. Representatives from 16 Latin American countries participated in the event and discussed International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) and their implementation, and regional plant health initiatives. The workshop was attended by OIRSA's Regional Director for Plant Health, Dr Carlos Urías; the Organization's Regional Coordinator of Plant Health Programmes and Projects, Xavier Euceda; and delegates from OIRSA member countries in the region.

3  PREVENTION, CONTROL AND ERADICATION ACTIVITIES (PROGRAMMES OR CAMPAIGNS)

3.1.  OIRSA organized a meeting in Mexico to coordinate efforts with Belize for the prevention and control of sugar cane fusariosis and other crop pests. The event, which took place in Quintana Roo, focused on the phytosanitary management of fusariosis. Plant health technicians examined the current status of fusariosis in Mexico, and looked at developments in research, disease monitoring, integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, and the application of biorational methods to control wilt. In the field, specialists visited areas affected by fusariosis and assessed mitigation strategies. Regional Director for Plant Health, Carlos Urías, took part on behalf of OIRSA, as did the Organization's representative in Belize, Fermín Blanco. This cooperation enabled Mexico and Belize to enhance their joint efforts to ensure sustainable production in sugar cane farming and to improve plant health in the region.

3.2.  OIRSA participated in the campaign "¡Sembrando vida en la República Dominicana!". OIRSA staff took part in a reforestation day in support of the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources and its national reforestation programmes. The day-long event took place in the micro‑watershed of the Yamasá river, where 3,300 trees were planted, including Caribbean pine, musk wood and mara.

4  STRENGTHENING OF NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO FACILITATE TRADE

4.1.  OIRSA, as part of its commitment to the technological modernization of quarantine services and the strengthening of regional phytosanitary protection and inspection capacities, has established strategic alliances with companies specializing in robotics. The purpose of this collaboration is to explore and implement innovative solutions that increase the efficiency and safety of field operations. Such solutions include the use of robots for the automated sampling of grains in storage facilities and on ships, a tool that will help to improve the monitoring of grain quality and reduce inspectors' exposure to unsafe conditions.

4.2.  Closer strategic links have also been forged with companies that make robotic dogs, the aim being to evaluate the use of these devices as support in inspection activities at international airports, particularly in areas that are difficult to access or that see high passenger numbers. These initiatives reflect OIRSA's desire to see emerging technologies used for the purposes of biosecurity and regional agricultural health.

5  STRATEGIC ALLIANCES FOR THE PROMOTION OF HEALTH AND TRADE

5.1.  In Suriname, OIRSA officially handed over coordination of the Inter-American Coordinating Group in Plant Protection (GICSV) to the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA). OIRSA's Regional Director for Plant Health, Dr Carlos Urías, presented a report on GICSV coordination under OIRSA in the period 2023-2025.

5.2.  Chinese Taipei made a fourth disbursement to OIRSA for the implementation of the project for the prevention and control of wilt disease caused by Fusarium TR4 in banana and plantain crops. The project aims, among other things, to improve disease diagnosis on plantations and to introduce a variety of plant resistant to Fusarium TR4. Since its launch, more than 1,400 producers and 4,000 hectares of land used for production have benefited from the project. The disbursement agreement was signed by the representative of Chinese Taipei, Vivia Chang, and OIRSA's Executive Director, Raúl Rodas. Mayra Motta, Vice-Minister of Agricultural Health and Regulations from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA), was honorary witness to the event.

5.3.  Officials from MAGA, the Chinese Taipei technical mission and OIRSA met to discuss strengthening actions for the prevention of wilt disease caused by Fusarium TR4 (Foc TR4) in banana and plantain crops. The meeting was chaired by the Vice-Minister of Agricultural Health and Regulations, Mayra Motta, and focused on the key areas in which MAGA, the Chinese Taipei mission and OIRSA have collaborated to safeguard banana and plantain production in the country. The Regional Project for the Prevention and Control of Fusarium TR4 has promoted the use of technologies such as the satellite monitoring of plantations. Participants shared ideas for possible projects, such as the use of nanostructured biochips and the deployment of drones for agricultural inspections.

5.4.  OIRSA technicians and experts from Chinese Taipei visited Belize, where they met with the country's Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, Abelardo Mai, and held a discussion and analysis forum on:

-_        phase 2 of the Fusarium project;

-_        innovative technologies;

-_        sugar cane fusariosis and the control thereof; and

-_        building diagnostic capacity.

5.5.  Eighty people participated in the event.

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