November 3, 2000

USDA is prohibiting the import of potatoes from Prince Edward Island due to an outbreak of potato wart, or canker disease, in that area. Potato wart was eradicated from the United States in 1992. If the disease were to reappear, it could be devastating to the U.S. potato industry because of potential losses in production, lost export markets, and the spores of the fungus can remain in contaminated soil for many years.

"APHIS is taking this action, effective immediately, to protect the potato industry of the United States," said Richard L. Dunkle, deputy administrator for plant protection and quarantine with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, a part of USDA's marketing and regulatory programs mission area.

Potato wart is a soil-borne disease, not spread by insects or wind. On infected tubers, the eyes develop into characteristic warty, cauliflower-like swellings. When formed underground, they are the same color as the potato skin, but gradually darken with age. Diseased potatoes are deformed and unmarketable.

Until now, potato wart in Canada occurred only in Newfoundland. Potato wart was discovered in Prince Edward Island on Oct. 26.