Biosecurity, risk and policy: a New Zealand perspective

Species Delimitation and Global Biosecurity

“…Biosecurity as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) 50 is “A strategic and integrated approach that encompasses the policy and regulatory frameworks (including instruments and activities) for analysing and managing relevant risks to human, animal and plant life and health, and associated risks to the environment.” 50 In particular, this covers areas such as food safety, zoonoses, the introduction of animal and plant pathogens and plant, vertebrate and invertebrate pests, the introduction and release of living modified organisms and deliberate introduction and management of alien species. 51 A key role in the delivery of biosecurity is the regulation of trade and market access and underpinning these are the international standards, guidelines and recommendations that exist under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), the World Organization for Animal Health and the Codex Alimentarius Commission. 50 , 52 In terms of plant biosecurity, the central role of the IPPC is to coordinate work to prevent the spread and introduction of pests of plants and plant products, and to promote appropriate measures for their control, with minimal disruption to trade ( https://www.ippc.int/ ).…”