There are now several distinct categories that apply within the regulated areas in the four affected states. In all cases, the basis for determining the Karnal bunt risk that may be present is the presence of bunted wheat kernels. For wheat produced for seed, the entire regulated area is regarded as a restricted area, and wheat seed produced in this area can not be moved interstate except for research or testing purposes. In the case of wheat grown for non-seed uses within the regulated areas, fields may be determined to be restricted areas or surveillance areas. Restricted areas are those areas where bunted kernels have been found associated with wheat from these fields, or in seed used to plant these fields.
Regulations prohibit the planting of wheat in fields designated as restricted fields.
Surveillance areas are areas surrounding restricted fields, or which have otherwise been determined to be at risk for Karnal bunt. Wheat harvested from surveillance areas must be tested before it can be moved out of the regulated area. Wheat testing negative for Karnal bunt will be certified and can move without restriction. Wheat testing positive can only move under limited permit, and with certain restrictions. Fields in the regulated area that tested positive during the 1996 harvest or were planted with contaminated seed in 1995 may not be planted in a host crop in the 1996-97 crop season.