Who decides a zone is eradicated?
The Foundation keeps detailed records of trapping data. When that data shows very little weevil activity taking place, program personnel will join with extension personnel to determine if reproducing populations are present. If no reproducing populations are present, the Foundation’s program director will present the data to the Foundation’s Technical Advisory Committee for review. The committee is composed of experts from the state’s universities, the Agricultural Extension Service, USDA-APHIS and the National Cotton Council. If the committee agrees with the findings, the information is forwarded to TDA for further review. TDA has developed guidelines for determining whether an area qualifies for a declaration of eradication. If this review of the data meets the criteria, the commissioner will make the declaration of eradication.
