Pest risk management theory and background.

Abstract

Abstract The core elements of pest risk analysis are risk assessment and risk management. Risk management is the 'evaluation and selection of options to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of a pest'. Measures should be effective, feasible and technically justified. There are three general aspects to risk management that should be considered: policy, analytical and operational - this text has focused on the analytical aspects of risk management. Several key principles of the SPS and IPPC apply to the policy aspects of risk management, including in particular the: * Application of the ALOP; * Principle of least trade restrictive measures (minimal impact); * Principle of non-discrimination (including national treatment); * Principle of managed risk; * Principle of equivalence. Since zero-risk is not a reasonable option, risk management should focus on reduction of risk that can be justified and is feasible within the limits of available options and resources. In any case, the overarching policy of the NPPO, together with any country/commodity specific policies, is usually the main driver in the ultimate decision making stages for risk management. The analytical aspect of risk management is the component that considers and weighs various options for mitigating risk. Options are usually analysed for efficacy and feasibility, and to some extent costs associated with various options. The analysis of options in pest risk management necessitates a close linkage with the pest risk assessment part of a pest risk analysis. Risk management is therefore dependent on the risk assessment to inform of what mitigation options may be useful, and how various mitigation options will affect overall risk.