Global Bug Battles: USDA Calls for Comments on Pest Rules
Published Date: 1/27/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is sharing updates on global health and plant safety rules set by international groups. They want your thoughts on these rules that help keep animals and plants safe from diseases and pests. If you’re involved in farming, trade, or plant care, now’s the time to weigh in before the deadline—no big costs, just your voice!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
WOAH adopted new animal-health standards
WOAH adopted multiple animal health and related standards during its 91st (May 26–30, 2024) and 92nd (May 25–29, 2025) General Sessions, including chapters on antimicrobial use, animal welfare during slaughter, and various disease listings (e.g., foot and mouth disease, African swine fever). The notice says these standards are intended to govern animal disease control efforts and international trade in animals and animal products.
IPPC adopted plant-health standards (2024–2025)
The IPPC Commission on Phytosanitary Measures adopted ISPM revisions and annexes during the 18th (April 15–19, 2024) and 19th (March 17–21, 2025) sessions, including revisions to ISPM 5 (glossary), annexes on host status for fruit flies, pest-free area requirements (ISPM 4 revision), and commodity-specific treatments such as cold treatment for Thaumatotibia leucotreta on citrus. The notice also lists ongoing IPPC workgroups and the international ePhyto system (116 trading partners connected).
NAPPO adopted regional plant-health rules and reports
NAPPO (North America) adopted regional standards and projects between June 1, 2023 and May 30, 2025, including a revision on Huanglongbing management, guidance for safeguarding transited consignments, and Decision 8 on diagnostic protocols for Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV); NAPPO also issued 82 Official Pest Reports from June 1, 2023 to May 30, 2025. APHIS participates in NAPPO expert groups and the 2025 work program.
You can comment on global plant/animal rules
APHIS is asking for public comments on international animal and plant health standards and provides submission methods at regulations.gov or by mail. The notice (Docket No. APHIS-2025-0409) was published January 27, 2026, and gives contact details for submitting comments and more information.
APHIS will represent U.S. positions abroad
APHIS (USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) is the U.S. agency designated to inform the public and represent the United States at WOAH, IPPC, and NAPPO standard-setting activities. The notice states the U.S. intends to participate in and generally support adoption of international standards, while reserving final positions based on the acceptability of draft texts.
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