Prevention, preparedness and response guidelines for Spodoptera frugiperda

The aim of these guidelines is to help national plant protection organizations (NPPOs) to take suitable actions at the proper time against Fall Armyworm (FAW) through timely detection to prevent or slow the spread of the pest and reduce its negative impact. The guidelines are directed at NPPOs of countries where FAW fulfils the requirements to be regulated as a quarantine pest for applying internal quarantine and biosecurity measures.

The guidelines give general information on the distribution and biology of the pest (section 1), followed by technical details of what needs to be included in prevention, preparedness (section 2) and response plans for FAW (section 3). Figure 1 summarizes the actions to be taken by the NPPO. The report highlights that when the pest is absent, countries should prepare a response plan, as well as a prevention and preparedness plan, so that they are ready if the pest is subsequently detected in their territory. The guidelines also summarize the elements to be taken into account when drafting a communication plan.