The work of the 
Rapid Response 
Teams is supported 
by the most 
recent science 
and research 
coordinated or 
sponsored by PPQ. 
+ Plant Health Programs 
Response 
No matter how effectively PPQ inspectors 
deal with incoming international passengers, 
mail, and cargo, occasionally an exotic pest 
or disease gets into the country. PPQ has the 
ability to take immediate action to protect 
U.S. plant and animal resources by first con- 
taining and if possible eradicating the pest or 
disease and by allaying fears of our trading 
partners and the public about the health of 
U.S. agriculture. 
PPQ’s Rapid Response Teams can quickly 
react to any outbreak of diseases or pests 
within the United States. When the pink 
hibiscus mealybug was detected in 
California, a Rapid Response Team was pre- 
pared to handle the situation. These groups 
have been mobilized on other occasions to 
combat costly infestations of the Asian long- 
horned beetle and Medfly. Rapid Response 
Teams also swung into action when the 
destructive “A” strain of citrus canker was 
found in Florida orange groves, plum pox 
was detected in Pennsylvania, and when 
Karnal bunt, a fungal disease of wheat, was 
discovered in Arizona. 
These teams work in concert with local and 
State officials to assess the situation and 
develop a strategy to determine the extent of 
infestations and to eradicate the pest or dis- 
ease. Sometimes the approach is as basic as 
removing the host material and trapping 
associated insects at the infestation site. At 
other times, PPQ employs more sophisti- 
cated methods like the use of federally 
approved pesticides in limited spray pro- 
grams or the breeding and release of steril- 
ized insects to suppress pest populations. 
PPQ always looks for the safest and most 
effective and environmentally responsible 
strategy in these situations. 
Methods Development 
The work of the Rapid Response Teams is 
supported by the most recent science and 
research coordinated or sponsored by PPQ. 
Methods and policies developed for use in an 
emergency outbreak situation must be envi- 
ronmentally acceptable and in compliance 
with Federal, State, and local laws such as 
those governing pesticide use and notifica- 
tion to enter or treat private property. A 
Medfly find or outbreak of Karnal bunt has 
potential to excite concern among our trad- 
ing partners, who need to be reassured that 
U.S. commodities will not introduce pests or 
diseases into their ecosystems. Emergency 
response methods must ensure continued 
access for U.S. agricultural exports into for- 
eign markets. 
Scientific information and results from our 
methods development work are gathered 
through CPHST. The Center, with headquar- 
ters in Raleigh, NC, serves as the umbrella 
organization for PPQ labs and plant protec- 
tion centers and the National Biological 
Control Institute. The Center’s multidiscipli- 
nary staff concentrates on analyzing scien- 
tific and technical elements of plant 
protection programs and systems and identi- 
fying needs and appropriate ways to meet 
present and future phytosanitary challenges. 
PPQ forges collaborative working partner- 
ships with Federal and State agencies, aca- 
demic institutions, and the private sector to 
accomplish its work. 
