Costa Rica updates the requirements to import avocado from Honduras due to sunspot detection
Costa Rica's State Phytosanitary Service (SFE) has updated the requirements for the entry of avocados from Honduras after authorities detected the sunspot disease, a quarantine disease not present in the country caused by the viroid Avocado Sunblotch (ASBVd), in 5 different shipments.
From now on, Costa Rica will require all avocados from Honduras to undergo a molecular biology laboratory analysis to rule out the presence of the pest. The cost of the test will be assumed by the importer and the shipments will be retained awaiting the results of the test, Costa Rican authorities stated. If the viroid is detected, the shipments will be returned.