Central American Locust
Over time, the Organismo Internacional Regional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (OIRSA) has undertaken extensive efforts for the prevention of the Central American locust (Schistocerca piceifrons piceifrons). This pest has historically caused significant damage in the region, threatening the food and nutritional security of an already vulnerable population.
The locust is a cyclical pest that tends to appear, especially in years of intense drought. Its emergence can sometimes be unexpected, prompting an immediate tactical response from Plant Health authorities for its containment. This involves technical efforts to protect basic grain crops, sugarcane, and fruit trees, among others. In recent years in Central America, outbreaks have been addressed in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico (2014), El Salvador (2016 and 2018), and in 2020 – after a long period without reports – small outbreaks were recorded in Belize and significant populations of the insect in Guatemala, indicating favorable conditions for the pest's development.
On July 2, 2020, OIRSA issued a phytosanitary alert for the region regarding the presence of the flying locust in Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Additionally, on September 17, 2020, the Phytosanitary Regional Alert for the pest was maintained. So far in 2021, locust outbreaks have been reported in Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador, with these detected outbreaks being promptly addressed by each Ministry of Agriculture.
Thus, the locust pest threatens regional production, with the likelihood of the pest emerging and persisting between 2021 and 2023. In response to this situation, OIRSA has coordinated efforts to provide technical analysis and advice on Central American locust forecast indicators to the region's countries. A regional technical group has been established to address the occurrence of possible outbreaks, with emphasis on areas where reports of the flying locust have been received.
Furthermore, OIRSA is also working to strengthen pest surveillance efforts and is considering the use of new technologies for surveillance, such as mobile applications and an early warning system, among others. Some of these efforts are reflected in the present document.
