The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) continues to make progress with soil sample collection and analysis for the 2009 potato cyst nematode (PCN) detection and deregulation surveys.

Approximately 65,000 PCN soil samples will be collected and analysed this fiscal year as part of Canada's national PCN detection survey and to meet various countries' import requirements.

So far, approximately 40,000 soil samples have been received and 28,000 have been tested. All results to date have been negative for the plant pest.

Under IPPC Standards (e.g., ISPM No. 8), the Golden nematode, Globodera rostochiensis, is considered present (only in some areas) and subject to official control in Canada.

For more information on Golden nematode, please visit the CFIA website at www.inspection.gc.ca