G/SPS/GEN/1621  
19 June 2018 
(18-3803) Page: 1/7 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary 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,  
FEBRUARY – MAY 2018 
The following communication, received on 14 June 2018, is being circulated at the request of 
OIRSA . 
 
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1  TRAINING, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND DISSEMINA TION ACTIVITIES RELATING TO 
AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AND TRADE  
1.1.  Within the framework of the HLB Programme, and with support from Chinese Taipei /ICDF, a 
field day was held with Salvador an nursery gardeners to determine the progress made in the 
cultivation of heal thy citrus plants and to carry out pruning, irrigation, fertilization, biosecurity and 
other technical activities.  
1.2.  In Honduras, a Chinese Taipei /ICDF, SENASA  (National Agriculture and Food  Health and 
Safety Service)  and OIRSA  training event was held for 30 citrus producers and nursery gardeners 
from the municipality of Ilama in the department of Santa Bárbara, on the effects of 
Huanglongbing (HLB)  and the production of healthy plants in Honduras.  
1.3.  In El Salvador, wit h the suppo rt of Chinese Taipei/ ICDF and the Ministry of Agriculture and 
Livestock (MAG), 30 technicians received training in the cultivation of healthy citrus plants . The 
training took place within the framework of the Diploma in Tropical Fruit Farming that is offer ed in 
El Salvador.  
1.4.  In Honduras, an "International Technical Tour" was carried out for a group of Colombian 
citrus producers and nursery gardeners, enabling them to find out in situ about the various aspects 
of healthy plant cultivation, integrated manageme nt, phytosanitary surveillance and diagnosis, as 
outcomes of the of the OIRSA -Chinese Taipei/ICDF HLB Project.  
1.5.  OIRSA gave a presentation entitled "Latent p hytosanitary threats associated with climate 
change in the OIRSA region" during the International Con gress on Agro -climatic Challenges held at 
the Atlantic Coast Regional University Centre (CURLA) in the city of La Ceiba (Honduras) . 
1.6.  With support from the Chinese Taipei Banana Research Institute (TBRI), a videoconference 
was held on new varieties of musace ae that are resistant to Fusarium oxysporum  f. sp. cubense  – 
Tropical Race 4 (Foc -TR4). The event was attended by over 60 professionals from America, Europe 
and Asia.  
1.7.  The first Simulation Workshop on preventing the entry of Foc-TR4, organized by the Ministry 
of Agricultural Development (MIDA), the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), 
FAO and OIRSA, was held in Changuinola, Bocas Del Toro (Panama) . G/SPS/GEN/1621  
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  1.8.  With support from Mexico's National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR), National Institute f or 
Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research (INIFAP) and National University of Forestry Sciences 
(UNACIFOR), a workshop on the latest diploma module for the integrated management of bark 
insects was held, with Mexican experts providing technicians fr om countries of the OIRSA region 
with training on the monitoring of this pest  and other aspects of its control.  
1.9.  OIRSA, MIDA and the University of Panama shared their research work on and experience 
with Anatrasthepha  grandis  at the Tenth International Symp osium on Fruit Flies of Economic 
Importance, held in Tapachula (Mexico) . 
1.10.   A technical training event was held for technicians in the Honduran  MOSCAMED Programme, 
entitled "Importance of free areas : Mediterranean fruit fly identification, containment, control and 
eradication".  
1.11.   Within the framework of the Programme of Communication and Dissemination under  the 
Regional Project for the Prevention and Management of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, the countries 
of Central America were provided with instructiona l material, in Spanish and English, on the 
importance of "avoiding the movement of fruit and vegetable hosts of the Mediterranean fruit fly".  
1.12.    With the support of IICA and FAO, a simulation was carried out in the Dominican Republic 
for the purpose of stren gthening its plant protection system against the potential introduction into 
the country of Moniliasis ( Moniliophthora  roreri ) affecting Cocoa crops.  
1.13.   With the support of specialists from Mexico's National Health, Food Safety and Agrifood 
Quality Service (S ENASICA), a videoconference was held on Oriental Thrips  (Thrips palmi karny) 
for over 80 professionals from the American continent.  
1.14.   With the support of a specialist from Brazil's Federal University of Vicosa, a videoconference 
was held on "Characterization  of new varieties of coffee rust identified in Honduras" . It was 
attended by 95 participants.  
1.15.   A workshop on the integrated management of locusts was held in Nicaragua with the aim of 
strengthening the technical capacity of IPSA (Institute for Agricultural and Livestock Protection and 
Health ) staff and updating theoretical and technical skills and knowledge in the integrated 
management of the Central American locust ( Schistocerca piceifrons ). 
1.16.   Four training workshops on antimicrobial resistance were held in Guatemala for the benefit 
of 84 persons from the country's Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Health, as well as from 
Guatemalan manufacturers of veterinary medicines , professional associations and universities.  
1.17.   The First Regional Updating Event on Hy drobiologicals was held for the benefit of heads of 
veterinary medicine registries in agriculture ministries and veterinary medicine industry staff from 
Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.  
1.18.   Two workshops for bovine tr aceability operator s were held in Honduras in coordination with 
the LACTHOSA company, with a total of 15 beneficiaries having been trained as operators.  
1.19.   In Honduras, two training events were attended by 65 livestock farmers and technical 
officials from SEN ASA, in coordination with the Choluteca and San Marcos de Colon livestock 
producers ' associations.  
1.20.    A training workshop on carcass sampling to monitor E. coli was held in Honduras . It was 
attended by 11 laboratory technicians.  
1.21.   In Honduras, 14 quarantine in spectors from the Agricultural Protection Service were trained 
in the sampling of food in containers.  
1.22.   In Guatemala, t he "Workshop on implementation of the national programme for the 
progressive control and eradication of brucellosis and tuberculosis", base d on the regulatory 
framework and approved technical procedures, was held for the benefit of 35 veterinarians from 
the official, private and academic sectors.  G/SPS/GEN/1621  
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  1.23.   An updated version of the virtual tutored course entitled "Training for trainers in good 
agricult ural practices", which forms part of the OIRSA -USAC Diploma in Food Safety, was provided 
to officials from the OIRSA region.  
1.24.   An updated version of the self-managed virtual course entitled "Training for trainers in good 
agricultural practices"  was provided to public, private and academic  sector participants from the 
OIRSA region and from Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Colombia.  
1.25.   The virtual course "HACCP in honey" was provided to officials from Guatemala, El Salvador, 
Honduras, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and Panama.  
1.26.   The self -managed virtual course entitled "Training for trainers in good livestock practices, 
good manufacturing practices and HACCP" was provided to participants from the OIRSA region and 
from Ecuador and Colombia.  
1.27.   Support was provided for the participation of public sector officials from the region in the 
workshop on "Antimicrobial resistance" and in the "Sixth International Forum on Food Safety", held 
from 29  May to 1  June 2018 in San Luis Potosí (Mexico) . 
1.28.   A videoconference entitled " Diagnosis of Salmonella and Campylobacter ", involving over 
50 participants from the OIRSA region, was held with support from a specialist from Mexico's 
SENASICA.  
1.29.   A videoconference entitled  "Critical points of animal welfare in the slaughtering process", 
involving over 60 official, private and academic sector participants from the OIRSA region, was 
held with support from Mexico's SENASICA.  
1.30.    A videoconference entitled  "TIF certification in milk and milk -based product  processing 
plants ", involving over 85 tech nicians from different sectors within the OIRSA region, was held 
with support from Mexico's SENASICA.  
1.31.    A videoconference entitled "National programmes for the control and monitoring of toxic 
residues", involving over 100 professionals from OIRSA member sta tes, was held with support 
from Mexico's SENASICA . 
1.32.    In Mexico, training was provided to staff of the International Quarantine Treatment Service 
(SITC) in the use, handling and repair of compressors for self -contained breathing equipment, and 
on topics rela ting to phytosanitary treatments.  
1.33.   In Costa Rica, SITC staff received training on the Australian AFAS standard.  
1.34.   In Honduras, SITC staff received training on health and safety in the workplace.  
1.35.   In Nicaragua, training was provided to traceability teams, staff  from IPSA's traceability 
department and traceability operating companies in use of the Trazar -Agro platform's module for 
registering individuals and establishments engaged in agriculture, aquaculture and fishing.  
1.36.   In Panama, training in bovine traceability  was provided to technicians from Banca 
Agropecuaria, technicians from MIDA and producers as State operators.  
1.37.   Within the framework of the "Honey chain traceability in Guatemala project" (STDF/PG/15), 
training was provided in Guatemala to 65 beekeepers from  the POVAS Agricultural Group.  
1.38.   In Guatemala, 19 individuals received training through the Petén bovine traceability 
operator course.  
2  SUPPORT FOR THE HARMONIZATION AND EQUIVALENCE PROCESS  
2.1.  OIRSA, as a regional plant protection organization (ORPF ), participated in the 13th session , in 
Rome,  of the Committee on Phytosanitary Measures , which addressed specific issues including : the G/SPS/GEN/1621  
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  reorganization, harmonization and minor technical updating of the International Standards on 
Phytosanitary Measures (IS PM) applicable to fruit flies ; the pine wood nematode ; the application of 
ISPM 15 ; and matters relating to ePhyto and electronic commerce.  
2.2.  As an ORPF, OIRSA participated in the meeting , in Rome (Italy),  of the Inter-American Group 
for Coordination on Plant  Protection (GICSV) within the framework of the Committee on 
Phytosanitary Measures . Also participating in the meeting, which addressed matters of concern for 
the group, were delegates from CAN, COSAVE, NAPPO, IICA and CAHSFA.  
2.3.  Organization of eight working  sessions of the National Veterinary Drug Committee in 
Guatemala, for the purpose of harmonizing criteria for the interpretation and implementation of 
the Central American Technical Regulation s on Veterinary Drugs.  
2.4.  The Regional Commission for Veterinary Me dicines and Animal Feed (CORMEVA), comprising 
representatives of the public and private sectors of member countries, was established.  
2.5.  The laboratory for aquaculture pathologies and water quality of the Honduran Institute of 
Veterinary Medical Research was provided with inputs, materials and reagents  for the accreditation 
of diagnostic tests.  
2.6.  Diagnostic laboratories were supported with OIE reference laboratories, according to the 
disease,  in the process of transmitting inter -laboratory tests . 
2.7.  Guatemala was o fficially provided with the latest, corrected version of the Procedural Manuals 
on the National Programme for the Progressive Control of Brucellosis and Tuberculosis.  
2.8.  The P roject for the Accreditation of Diagnostic Tests for Animal Diseases (STDF/PG/495) w as 
implemented for the Newcastle, avian influenza and classical swine fever (CSF) diseases.  
2.9.  Support was provided for the assessment of services for the accreditation of the Central 
Investigation Laboratory of the Belize Agriculture Health Authority (BAHA),  in the interests of 
achieving accreditation of the diagnostic testing methodology for Salmonella  spp in food, under the 
international standard ISO/IEC 17025.  
2.10.   Ongoing support is being  provided to the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) working group in 
the process of deep integration towards the free movement of persons and goods between 
Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.  
2.11.   During the meeting of the Joint (OSPESCA/COPACO/CRFM/CFMC) Workin g Group on 
Caribbean Spiny Lobster of the Western Central Atlantic Fisheries Commission, presentations were 
given o n the progress made with the harmonized traceability system for aquaculture and fisheries 
products, and with IT developments in the aquacultu re and fisheries module s of OIRSA's 
Trazar -Agro platform.  
3  PREVENTION, CONTROL AND ERADICATION ACTIVITIES (PROGRAMMES OR 
CAMPAIGNS)  
3.1.  An event was held in Honduras to mark the launch of certified citrus plants and the 
conclusion of the UNAH, SENASA, Chinese T aipei/ICDF and OIRSA HLB project . The event 
highlighted what can be achieved with the technically advanced production of HLB -free citrus 
material.  
3.2.  An OIRSA -IHCAFE -SENASA technical meeting was held in Honduras to analyse the incidence 
of coffee rust and asc ertain the current status of this pest within the country.  
3.3.   A self -diagnosis workshop was held for Guatemala on an early warning system  (EWS)  for 
coffee , the objectives of which were to share the progress made on development of the EWS and 
of the Regional Early Warning Network (RRAT) , to carry out EWS institutional mapping for coffee in 
Guatemala and to conduct a review of strategic planning.  G/SPS/GEN/1621  
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  3.4.  A technical document was drawn up on risk analysis in regard to Fusarium  oxysp orum 
f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 for the OIRSA region.  
3.5.  A technical report on the current status of the Pink Hibiscus Mealybug Maconellicoccus  
hirsutus  (Green) in the countries of the OIRSA region was drawn up and distributed to member 
countries.  
3.6.  Five meetings were held wit h animal health epidemiologists from the countries of the region 
for the purpose of revising manuals on tuberculosis and brucellosis  and on appropriate  farm 
management.  
3.7.  Support was provided to FAO's TCP/RLA/3502 project for the Dominican Republic and 
Repub lic of Haiti aimed at  improving the plant and animal health situation in the border area.  
3.8.  Support was provided to SENASA (Honduras) in the form of equipment for the taking, 
preservation and dispatch to the reference laboratory in Panama of vesicular sample s. 
3.9.  Support was provided to SENASA (Honduras) in the form of equipment for capturing vampire 
bats for the campaign against bovine paralytic rabies  in areas of the country in which it is 
endemic.  
3.10.   Support was provided to the national bovine traceability progr amme in Honduras through 
the provision of materials and equipment for bovine tracing.  
3.11.   In Guatemala, OIRSA, together with the Technical Commission on Bovine Health (private 
and official sectors) , has provided technical assistance in relation to the followin g: Plan for the 
implementation of the National Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Programme ; Elaboration of the budget 
and costing for the Project/Programme for the Progressive Control of Brucellosis and Tuberculosis ; 
and the OIRSA -MAGA -ASOBRAHMAN  joint work plan.  
3.12.   The LX Regional Climate Forum held in San Salvador (El Salvador) from 17 to 1 9 April 
included the Seventh Regional Table on Climate Applications in Plant and Animal Health, in which 
the phytosanitary and meteorological services of the nin e member countries of OIRSA participated.  
3.13.   A bulletin of general recommendations was drawn up for the period May -July 2018, 
concerning the prevention and control of, and adaptation to, pests and diseases which could result 
from the climatology foreseen for the period in question.  
3.14.    With support from the Sugarcane Research Institute and the Belize Agriculture Health 
Authority (BAHA) , a climatic variables risk map  for the sugarcane spittlebug  was produced.  
4  STRENGTHENING OF NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN ORDER TO FACI LITATE TRADE  
4.1.  OIRSA participated in the regional workshop for discussion and validation of the proposal for 
a regional programme for the strengthening of plant and animal health services in the countries of 
Latin America and the Caribbean . This activity is organized by FAO in Panama City.  
4.2.  Together with FEDAVICAC -OIRSA , a meeting was held of the Regional Technical Committee 
on Poultry Health (CTRSA) . It was attended by technicians from veterinary services and from the 
private sector of El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, Guatemala and 
the Dominican Republic.  
4.3.  Eight socialization meetings were held with producer organizations and officials of SENASA 
(Honduras) on the subject of the management and use of the TRAZAR -AGRO platform , for the  
aquaculture and fisheries safety component, with a total of 180 beneficiaries and 32 users.  
4.4.  Support was provided for establishment of the agreement to facilitate trade in broodstock, 
larvae and nauplius of shrimp between Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua y P anama.  
4.5.  In Guatemala, support was provided for the training of a canine binomial for non -intrusive 
inspection tasks targeting agricultural goods in airports.  G/SPS/GEN/1621  
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  4.6.  Support was provided to El Salvador's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) for the 
developme nt of a real -time phytosanitary surveillance application which enables the automated 
reporting of the monitoring results obtained by epidemiologists around the country.  
4.7.  Similarly, support was provided to Guatemala's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and F ood 
(MAGA) for the development of an application for the health surveillance of animal diseases.  
5  STRATEGIC ALLIANCES FOR THE PROMOTION OF HEALTH AND TRADE  
5.1.  OIRSA is signing a technical agreement with the North American Plant Protection 
Organization (NAPPO) to collaborate in activities that facilitate the safe movement of regulated 
plants, products and other items in North and Central America and the Dominican Republic.  
5.2.  OIRSA participated in the first annual meeting of the Technical Committee of the Regional 
Cooperative Programme for the Technological Development and Modernization of Coffee 
Production (PROMECAFÉ), held in San Pedro Sula (Honduras), where the discussion focused on the 
most noteworthy  phytosanitary activities being carried out by PROMECAFÉ and O IRSA within the 
region.  
5.3.  With the support of Agroclick (Colombia) and Chinese Taipei/ICDF, a videoconference was 
held on the integrated management of HLB and cultivation of certified healthy citrus plants . The 
event, which was attended by some 70 individuals from 12 countries of Central and 
South  America,  focused on matters such as integrated pest management and the cultivation of 
healthy citrus plants in the context of the threat posed by HLB.  
5.4.  A technical an d financial administration agreement was drawn up for the delegation by 
SENASA, to OIRSA, of the Aquaculture Pathology and Water Quality Laboratory in Choluteca 
(Honduras).  
5.5.  Implementation of the Regional Project for the Accreditation of Laboratory Diagnost ic Tests 
for Animal Diseases (STDF/PG/495) is continuing in eight countries of the region.  
5.6.  OIRSA and the Guatemalan Association of Breeders of Brahman Cattle and derived products 
(ASOBRAHMAN) signed the "Administrative technical cooperation agreement" for implementation 
of the National Programme for the Progressive Control of Brucellosis and Tuberculosis  in herds 
belonging to their associates or members.  
5.7.  OIRSA and the  Dairy Development Association (ASODEL) signed the "Administrative technical 
cooperation ag reement" for implementation of the National Programme for the Progressive Control 
of Brucellosis and Tuberculosis in herds belonging to their associates or members.  
5.8.  In Guatemala, the "National Programme for the Progressive Control of Brucellosis and 
Tuberc ulosis" was delegated to OIRSA on the basis of the "Administrative Technical Cooperation 
Agreement signed between MAGA and OIRSA".  
5.9.   The agreement between the Federation of Poultry Farmers of Central America (FEDAVICAC) 
and OIRSA was renewed in the interest s of working together for the prevention, control and 
eradication of avian diseases and facilitating trade within and outside the region.  
5.10.   A partnership was established  with ILSI (International Life Sciences Institute) Mesoamerica 
to enable the participatio n of food safety directors from Belize, Costa Rica and 
the Dominican  Republic, as well as OIRSA staff, in the course entitled "Training on Codex 
processes and regulations for Central America and the Dominican Republic", with attendees from 
the public, priv ate and academic sectors , aimed at strengthening active and effective participation 
in the national Codex Alimentarius committees . 
5.11.   Agreements were established with the boards of directors of the agronomy and veterinary 
faculties of the San Carlos de Guatem ala University to support the " Diploma in food safety" project 
through academic backing, on the basis of the letters of understanding already in existence 
between OIRSA and the two faculties.  G/SPS/GEN/1621  
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  5.12.   A cooperation agreement was signed for the implementation of Nicaragua's national system 
of agricultural, aquaculture and fisheries traceability  and for use of the harmonized regional 
system of agricultural, aquaculture and fisheries traceability ( Trazar–Agro), between IPSA and 
OIRSA.  
5.13.   Technical cooperation agreement s were signed for the development and implementation of 
the Honduran traceability, health and safety module within the Trazar -Agro system, as was a 
technical and financial cooperation agreement for the development and implementation of the 
computerized agr i-food traceability and safety module ( Trazar Agro – Inocuidad Agroalimentaria ), 
between SENASA, OIRSA and the National Association of Fish Farmers of Honduras (ANDAH).  
5.14.   OIRSA participated, together with universities and other international entities, in the  
creation of the Consortium for Food Safety Risk Analysis, with the aim of training professionals to 
carry out risk analysis in the area of food safety, in the interests of fostering safe trade and 
achieving sustainable food systems.  
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