New Pest Advisory Group: Assessing exotic plant pathogens and pests recently introduced or imminently threatening the United States

The New Pest Advisory Group (NPAG) is the scientific body within USDA Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) that quickly assesses and recommends a course of action for plant pests recently introduced or imminently threatening the United States. Exotic plant pests analyzed by NPAG include arthropods, mollusks, nematodes, pathogens, and weeds. NPAG analysts collect relevant information by conducting a literature review and soliciting information from Federal, State, and University personnel who have regulatory and scientific expertise for the particular pathogen or pest. The main functions of NPAG are to: 1) analyze the risk of plant pathogens and pests believed to be recently introduced or imminent threats to the United States, 2) coordinate information sharing and solicit expertise, 3) assemble an ad hoc panel to ensure expert evaluation, and 4) recommend options and actions for PPQ’s response to a new plant pathogen or pest.