Models for Minimizing or Eliminating Risks of Dangerous Pests: the Caribbean AMBLYOMMA Program

The Caribbean Amblyomma Program is a multi-donor funded activity that involves both national governments and several technical organizations for the eradication of Amblyomma variegatum, the tropical Bont tick, from the Caribbean. The European Union and the United States Department of Agriculture are the major donors. The Food and Agriculture Organization is the lead technical agency, providing both technical and administrative support to the Caribbean Amblyomma Program Regional Coordination Unit. All collaborating agencies, donors, and national representatives are members of the Amblyomma Program Council, the overall governing body of the Caribbean Amblyomma Program. Historical aspects of the program are reviewed briefly, including the introduction of the tick from Africa in the 18th century, its subsequent spread during the 1970s, and the development of the concept of eradication. Conceptual characteristics for tick eradication programs are outlined using two brief case studies, one from Africa and one from the USA. The paper then focuses on the development of the model adopted for the eradication program, the achievements accomplished, and the constraints that the program faced during implementation.