Lesson 2: Identifying Risk Management Options
Topic 5: Other Risk Management Strategies
There are many pest risk management strategies other than treatments. We will discuss some of these other strategies in this topic.
Objectives:
- Be able to describe pest-free areas and determine host/non-host status.
- Understand the basics of a systems approach.
- Be aware that some industry practices may also be mitigation measures.
Other Risk Management Options
As discussed in the previous topics, the three most common risk management options are prohibition, inspection, and treatment. Other strategies gaining wide acceptance include the following:
- Pest-free area
- Host/non-host determination
- Post-entry measures
- Systems approach
Click on any of the icons below to further explore these strategies.
What About Industry Practices?
Industry practices may have mitigating effects. Whether these practices are considered to be mitigation measures or characteristics of the regulated commodity depends on how the commodity is defined.
For example, if a particular commodity is defined as being washed, brushed, and waxed, then there is no need to consider the mitigation effects of washing, brushing, and waxing in risk management. However, those practices will affect risk assessment.
If the practices (such as washing, brushing and waxing) are not included in the definition of the commodity, then the risk assessment must address the pest risk as though none of these practices occur. The pest mitigation effect of the practices must then be evaluated in the risk management analysis. Finally, any practices that are determined to be mitigation measures should be identified as such in the risk management conclusions.
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