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Managing locust risks in Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay
Fast, destructive, and transboundary, the South American locust is one of the most significant pest species in the Americas. In 2024, early detections of the pest across several Argentine provinces, as well as in Bolivia and Paraguay, prompted a national phytosanitary alert and signaled the urgent need for coordinated action.
To contribute to the ongoing efforts among stakeholders, the first-ever regional workshop on locust emergency management for Latin American countries was held from 8 to 10 April 2025 in Argentina. It drew high-level experts from 10 countries, including those already affected by locust outbreaks, such as Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay, and others currently at risk, including Brazil and Chile.
The workshop organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with National Agri-Food Health and Quality Service (SENASA), and the Southern Cone Plant Health Committee (COSAVE), served as a platform for experience-sharing and dialogue among experts and stakeholders from various provinces, focusing on the sustainable management of locusts.
“Locusts are a cross-border pest, and there is an urgent need to collaborate, innovate and develop advanced tools to sustainably enhance locust management capabilities, and most importantly strengthen cooperation,” Shoki Al-Dobai, Team Leader of FAO’s Locusts and other Transboundary Plant Pests and Diseases, told the meeting.
This initiative is part of FAO’s continued collaboration with South American countries to manage and control locust outbreaks.
Training and on-ground simulations
In the field, simulations and hands-on training in locust survey techniques were conducted in outbreak-prone areas of Tucumán and Catamarca, Argentina to assess and strengthen the regional and national response capacities to South American locust. Participants held demonstrations and practical sessions on aerial spraying at one of the aerial spraying bases in Tucumán.
Visits to breeding areas and demonstrations of aerial control methods provided opportunities to analyze current monitoring strategies and develop improved management recommendations for this migratory pest.
Promoting innovative technologies
During the event, FAO advocated for the use of ULV (Ultra-Low Volume) spraying, a more efficient and environmentally conscious method for locust control. Several countries expressed strong interest in adopting ULV equipment. FAO committed to support the countries by providing training on the proper use and application of ULV equipment.
Strengthening regional cooperation
A series of meetings in Tucumán and Catamarca emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration among public and private sectors to reinforce South America's phytosanitary systems.
By bringing together diverse actors around a shared threat, the workshop showed how countries in Latin America can work together to manage the fast-moving challenge of locusts – with coordination, science and timely action.
“The workshop served as a strategic space for coordination and collaboration, as well as for strengthening pest control and management capacities in the region,” said Raixa Llauger, FAO Agricultural Officer.
The workshop concluded with a strong call for continued action, including recommendations to strengthen national response systems and plans for the following regional technical training.
The event also included participation from experts of the FAO Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Western Region, along with technicians from public agencies that are part of the Southern Cone Plant and Animal Health Committee (COSAVE). Ends