WASHINGTON – The United States is lifting a 6-month-old ban on potatoes from Canada’s Prince Edward Island as long as the spuds are washed and treated to guard against spread of a plant fungus.

The Agriculture Department imposed the ban in October after the disease, known as potato wart, was found in one farmer’s field.

The disease is highly contagious and deforms the spuds, making them unfit for sale. It does not harm people or other crops.

The USDA said the ban was aimed at preventing the spread of the disease, but Canadian officials accused the United States of exploiting a minor outbreak of the fungus to benefit American potato growers. The disease was eradicated in the United States in 1992.

“We are pleased that this issue has been resolved,” Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman said. “This agreement has been made based on scientific principles that will ensure safeguards are in place to protect against the spread of the disease.”

Four zones are being established on Prince Edward Island with various conditions on movement of potatoes within Canada and across the border. The United States will take potatoes from the zone that covers areas unaffected by the outbreak and are not adjacent to it. The potatoes must be washed and treated with a sprout inhibitor.