Revised SPHD Reference Standards for NDP’s to strengthen plant biosecurity

The Subcommittee on Plant Health Diagnostics (SPHD) has endorsed four revised reference standards that outline the nationally agreed processes for developing, reviewing, verifying and endorsing the National Diagnostic Protocols (NDPs). NDPs are a vital part of Australia’s plant biosecurity system, establishing procedures for the accurate taxonomic identification of pests and pest sub-groups.

With support from Plant Health Australia (PHA), the Diagnostic Protocol Working Group (DPWG) and SPHD have updated these reference standards to include revised guidelines for authors, reviewers, and independent experts, aimed at facilitating the progression of diagnostic protocols. Each reference standard includes a set of guidelines for easy navigation:  

• Reference standard 1: Defines key terms, abbreviations, and definitions specific to Australia’s plant health system.
• Reference standard 2: Provides guidelines for authors to standardise diagnostic protocols for identifying plant pests in Australia.
• Reference standard 3: Offers guidelines for the DPWG on the development and approval of diagnostic procedures.
• Reference standard 4: Sets out guidelines for independent experts and laboratories to verify and peer-review diagnostic protocols.

View the reference standards