G/SPS/GEN/1879   
2 March  2021 
(21-1780) Page: 1/5 
Committee on Sanitar y and Phy tosanitar y Measures  Original: Spanish  
 
  
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  
OCTOBER 2020 -JANUARY 2021  
The following communication, received on 25 February 2021, 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.  A meeting was held with plant health officials and managers from the Ministries and 
Secretariats of  Agriculture of Mexico, Central America and the Dominican Republic  with regard to 
updating locust management in the OIRSA region . 
1.2.  A workshop was held in Costa Rica on the C entral American lo cust (Schisto cerca  piceifrons 
piceifrons ) to assess the current situation regarding preventive locust management in  the region. 
This was a joint activity with the State Phytosanitary Service (SFE) of Costa Rica.  
1.3.  In virtual format, t he first session was held of the “Regional training workshop on locust 
prevention and integrated management ”. This was a joint activity of the FAO, OIRSA and the 
Regional Agricultural Technology Fund (FONTAGRO).  
1.4.  A animated video on locusts was produced , with the aim of providing information for producers, 
technicians and the general public on methodology for investigation,  detection and timely  diagnosis 
in relation to  the C entral American lo cust. 
1.5.  A workshop was held on the “Integrated management of bark beetles ”, where information was 
provided o n forest  care and health in the Mesoamerica n region in relation to  bark beetles  and other 
forest pests.  
1.6.  The “1st International Plant Health Congress ” and the “XIV National Congress on technology 
and innovation in plant protection, climate change and post-COVID -19 value chains ” were held in 
Guatemala. Th ese activities were  organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food 
(MAGA) of Guatemala and OIRSA.  
1.7.  A “3rd citrus plant day” was held online . It covered issues relating to  certific ation programmes 
for citrus plants, integrated pest management, diagnosi s, Huanglongbing  (HLB) and Citrus Tristeza 
Virus (CTV)  management strategies , among others. This activity was organized together with the 
University of Manizales, the Agricultural Research Institute ( AGROS AVIA) of Colombia and the 
Sinaloa State Plant Health Committee ( CESAVESIN ) of Mexico.  
1.8.  The FAO and OIRSA held virtual forums on a gricultural recovery and management following 
hurricanes Eta and Iota . G/SPS/GEN/1879  
 
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  1.9.  The FAO and OIRSA gave presentations during the first and second session s of the “Regional 
training workshop on the detection, prevention and exclusion of the khapra beetle ( Trogoderma 
granarium )”, in the context o f the International Year of Plant Health, with the support of experts 
from Mexico and Honduras.  
1.10.  The FAO and OIRSA organized the “International forum on Xylella fastidiosa ”, a regulated 
quarantine pest , for Mexico, Central America and the Dominican Republic, in the context  of the 
International Year of Plant Health, with the support of PHYT OMA España . 
1.11.  OIRSA and BIOIBERICA of Spain developed a massive coffee trap as an alternative to fruit fly 
control, with the support  of national programmes.  
1.12.  The assembly of the Central American Regional Commission for Veterinary Medicines and 
Animal  Feed (CORMEVA)  was held , focus ing on training on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with the 
experiences of Argentina and Costa Rica. 
1.13.  In El Salvador, 11 professionals and technicians were trained in microscop y for the detection 
of ruminant protein s in concentrated animal feed, in order to strengthen the diagnostic  capacity and 
epidemiological surveillance of bovine spongiform encep halopathy (BSE).  
1.14.  OIRSA trained technicians, producers and academics from the region  on biosecurity issues in 
poultry farms, animal welfare, avian influenza and Newcastle disease.  
1.15.  OIRSA trained producers in Panama on health plans for buffalo  management  (differential 
considerations in the diagnosis of brucellosis and tuberculosis).  
1.16.  OIRSA prov ided a training course for 24 members of the National Inter institutional  Security 
Force (FUSINA) in Honduras, on activities carried out at movement  checkpoints, within  the legal 
framework of the National System for Agricultural,  Aquaculture and Fisher y Traceability (SINART).  
1.17.  OIRSA trained 45 officers from the National Police  of Honduras , who participate as 
collaborators in the implement ation of  the country’s National System  for Agricultural, Aquaculture 
and Fisher y Traceability  (SINART).  
1.18.  OIRSA trained and e valuated 18 inspectors and 15 military personnel assigned to mo vement  
checkpoints  in Honduras . 
1.19.  OIRSA held a course on “Risk analysis in connection with the importation of aquatic animals 
and aquaculture products ” for veterinary surgeons from the Agricultur al Protection Service ( SEPA ) 
of Honduras, in coordination  with the FAO. 
1.20.  OIRSA took part in the 3rd extraordinary meeting  of the Hemispheric Committee for the 
Eradication of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (COHEFA ), which analysed and approved the proposal for 
the new action plan relating to  the “Hemispheric programme for the eradication of foot -and-mouth 
disease (PHEFA) ”. 
1.21.  OIRSA took part in the third session of the 11 th meeting o f the Global Steering Committee  of 
the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Tra nsboundary Animal Diseases (GF -TADs) , at 
which the new provisions and guidelines on tackling transboundary animal diseases were presented . 
1.22.  The “Manual on cleaning and disinfection in animal health  within and outside the OIRSA 
region ” was updated and published . 
1.23.  The “Manual of good management practices for the cultivation of P acific white shrimp 
(Litopenaeus vannamei ) within and outside the OIRSA region ” was published.  
1.24.  The “Guide to recommended withdrawal periods for the correct  use of veterinary drugs, Guide 
No. 1 Pest control  products” was updated ; and “Guide No. 2, Injectable antibiotics, Withdrawal 
periods for the main injectable antibiotics ” was drawn up . 
1.25.  A video on the Asian giant hornet ( Vespa mandarinia ) was produced and published . G/SPS/GEN/1879  
 
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  1.26.  Support was provided to 40 food safety officers from Honduras, Mexico, Costa Rica, 
Guatemala and Nicaragua, in the form of training for  the “Diploma in food safety ” held at the 
University of San Carlos (USAC) in Guatemala.  
1.27.  OIRSA coordinated with the US Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) Latin America  Office  the 
“New era in food safety” conference and discussion, which was provided  through the OIRSA platform 
for the OIRSA  region and other Latin American countries.  
1.28.  Support  was given to 26 officials from all countries in the region through the training course 
accredited by the International HACCP  [hazard analysis critical control points]  Alliance (IHA), which 
was delivered through AIB International. At the end of the course, participants received the IHA gold 
seal and were registered with the organization.  
1.29.  The 5th edition of the online course for “Training trainers in good agricultural practices ” was 
provided in the OIRSA virtual classroom for Latin America and the world.  
1.30.  An exchange of experiences on the khapra beetle  was held , promoted by the Australian 
Department of Agriculture, in which  countries from Latin America and OIRSA member countries 
participated.  
1.31.  OIRSA took part in the “Custody p rocedure and responsibility ” training course , provided for 
managers from the International Quarantine Treatment Service ( SITC) and Agricultural Protection 
Service ( SEPA ) by staff from the National Agrifood Heal th, Safety and Quality Service ( SENASICA ) 
of Mexico . 
2  SUPPORT FOR THE HARMONIZATION AND EQUIVALENCE PROCESS  
2.1.  The “Harmonized regional guide to good risk-based agricultural practices ” and its annex 
(“Sampling procedure and inspection procedure ”) have been developed and are undergoing  final 
harmonization.  
2.2.  The “Protocol on epidemiological and statistical sampling for aflatoxins in maize in OIRSA 
member countries ” has been  developed and is undergoing  final harmonization.  
2.3.  OIRSA took part in the 43 rd session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.  
2.4.  OIRSA is participating in the initiative to expand the study of cadmium levels in cocoa produced 
in OIRSA member countries, together with the Cocoa Committee of Central America and the 
Dominican Republic ( SICACAO ), the Lu theran World Relief ( LWR) MOCCA project , the Secretariat of 
the Central American Agricultural Council ( SECAC ) in Costa Rica, Rikolto and the Inter -American 
Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture ( IICA). 
2.5.  OIRSA held a workshop for Panama on the equivalence  determination process of the US Food 
Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) and risk -based inspection.  
2.6.  OIRSA took part in the 3rd session of the National Codex Alimentarius Commi ttee 
(CONACODEX ) of El Salvador, and also  in other Codex mirror committees.  
2.7.  Protocols were drawn up  for the inspection of products entering OIRSA member countries as 
donation s. 
2.8.  Three working sessions of the National Veterinary Drug Committee  were held for the revision 
of comments made on the Central American Customs Uni on’s Technical Regulation on veterinary 
drugs and related products.  
2.9.  Three meetings of the regular assembly of the Antimicrobial Resistance Network in Guatemala 
were held. The final draft of the “Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) a ction plan ” is being drawn up . 
2.10.  Together with national animal health directors and aquaculture health professionals from 
OIRSA member countries, technical and scientific criteria were analysed to enable  a regional 
approach to the Andean Community initiative to remove the infectious hypodermal and G/SPS/GEN/1879  
 
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  haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) from the list of diseases contained  in the OIE Aquatic Animal 
Health Code. 
3  PREVENTION, CONTROL AND ERADICATION ACTIVITIES (PROGRAMMES OR 
CAMPAIGNS)  
3.1.  OIRSA coordinated with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) of Mexico 
the donation of the strain of the fungus Metarhizum acr idium for reproduc tion in each member 
country and use as a biological control  agent  for locust s. 
3.2.  OIRSA  issued an alert to agricultural producers and the Ministries and Secretariats  of 
Agriculture and Livestock of Mexico and Central America regarding  infestati ons of the Central 
American locust ( Schisto cerca  piceifrons piceifrons ) in the state of Yucatán, Me xico and the 
department of Petén, Guatemala.  
3.3.  To strengthen the communication campaign in support of countries affected by 
hurricanes /tropical storms  Eta and Iota, OIRSA developed video resources  in English and Spanish 
on basic health and safety recommendat ions to prevent food -borne diseases  in emergency 
situations.  
3.4.  OIRSA supported the Dominican Republic in the revision and restructuring of the strategy for 
the control and eradication of classical swine fever (CSF), as well as in the country's control s on 
movement . 
3.5.  OIRSA provided technical and administrative support for the implementation of the national 
programme for the progressive control of bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis, as an official ly 
delegated authority for the implementation of the programme.  
3.6.  A total of 6,000 doses of bovine tubercul in PPD (purified protein derivative)  and 500 doses of 
avian tuberculin PPD were acquired for Guatemala and El Salvador as part of the programme for the 
progressive control of bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis.  
3.7.  Bovine serum s amples from Guatemala were sent to the National Veterinary Services 
Laboratories ( NVSL ) centre  in Ames, Iowa ( USA), in order to confirm the sanitary status of three 
bovine herds of high genetic value, registered under the progra mme for the progressive control of 
bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis.  
3.8.  Technical and financial support was provided , in the wake of hurricanes/tropical storms Eta and 
Iota, in the implementation of national animal health emergency plans in the event of  natural 
disasters in OIRSA member countries.  
3.9.  Support was provided for the development and revision of the action plan for strengthening 
the tilapia health system and the prevention of emerging diseases, with a focus on the tilapia lake 
virus for countries in  the Central American Integration System ( SICA) region, in coordination with 
the FAO. 
3.10.  A risk assessment study was prepared on possible pathways for entry of the Asian giant hornet  
(Vespa mandarinia ) into OIRSA member countries.  
3.11.  A meeting was held with the Honey Chain and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) 
of El Salvador to coordinate technical support measures for bee-keeping  in the country.  
4  STRENGTHENING OF NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN ORDER TO FACILITATE TRADE  
4.1.  The risk-based sampling matrix for monitoring the quality of pesticides was revised and 
adjusted  at the request of the State Phytosanitary Service (SFE) of Costa Rica . 
4.2.  OIRSA supported El Salvador in drafting  and updating the “National plan for monitoring 
contaminant  residues  in milk and milk by-products ”. G/SPS/GEN/1879  
 
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  4.3.  OIRSA provided technical assistance to the Ministry of Agriculture of the Dominican Republic 
on various matters , including: strengthening the national programme for monitoring contaminants, 
reinforcing  the national food safety laboratory, private sector initiatives, etc.  
4.4.  The transition to the “digital diagnostic s through digital imaging (DDDI) ” system, provided  by 
the University of Georgia to OIRSA , was carried out . 
4.5.  OIRSA provide d support  to: 
− Guatemala, Nicaragua and Panama , for updating their C SF (classical swine fever)  dossiers 
and continuing with the process of recognition as CSF-free countries for 2021 -2022;  
− Belize, for  resum ing the compilation of  the CSF  dossier , in order to obtain intern ational 
recognition as a CSF -free country ; 
− Panama, for the implementation and improvement of swine traceability in Panama through 
the Trazar -Agro platform;  
− Panama , for the implementation of the project “Development of technological tools for 
epidemiological surveillance in Panama ”. 
4.6.  OIRSA prepared and revised the regulatory proposal for the establishment of the National 
Directorate of Veterinary Public Health at the Ministry of Health of Panama.  
5  STRATEGIC ALLIANCES FOR THE PROMOTION  OF HEALTH A ND TRADE  
5.1.  OIRSA is one of the partners of the International Atomic Energy Agency  (IAEA) RLA5080 project 
‘Strengthening the regional collaboration of official laboratories to address emerging challenges for 
food safety (ARCAL CLXV)’ . 
5.2.  OIRSA took part in the “Strengthening INFOSAN ” virtual forum  in the Americas organized by 
the International Food Safety Authorities Network ( INFOSAN ). 
5.3.  OIRSA took part in the meeting of the International Cargo Cooperative Biosecurity 
Arrangement (ICCBA), and its steering committee , a forum promoted by the Australian Government, 
where methyl bromide fumigation methodology was discussed.  
5.4.  OIRSA signed a technical cooperation agreement with the Guatemalan Chamber of Milk 
Producers to promote traceability and the national programme for the progressive control of bovine 
brucellosis and tuberculosis.  
5.5.  A letter of understanding was drawn up  with the University of Glasgow  in Scotland with a view 
to carry ing out the regional project “Molecular characterization of the rabies virus in animal 
outbreaks in OIRSA member countries ”. 
5.6.  OIRSA met with the Honduran National Association of Fish Farmers  (ANDAH) and National 
Agriculture and Food Health and Safety Service (SENASA), with the aim of  strengthening measures 
to implement the traceability programme for farmed shrimp.  
5.7.  The terms of reference were revised for setting up the Permanent Group of Experts on Classical 
Swine Fever (PGE -CSF) for the Americas , which will be coordinated by the OIE and OIRSA.  
5.8.  Seventeen of the 22 diagnos tic tests covered by the first phase of the regional project for the 
accreditation of animal health laboratory diagnostic tests (STDF/PG/495) relating to  aquatic diseases 
and terrestrial animals  were accredited. This project is being conducted with the Sta ndards and 
Trade Development Facility (STDF).  
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