CHARLOTTETOWN, Prince Edward Island – Scientists from the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service traveled to Prince Edward Island this week to discuss methods for containing the mop-top potato virus with their Canadian counterparts.

The mop-top virus, which damages potatoes but isn’t harmful to humans, has been discovered in Maine and eight other states and has resulted in restrictions on U.S. exports to Canada.

John Keeling, chief executive officer of the U.S.-based National Potato Council, said steps may have to be taken to curtail its spread into Canada, if it hasn’t already arrived in Canada.

Canadian officials say the virus has been found in some backyard gardens but not on any commercial farms.

Last month, potatoes were found to contain the mop-top virus at a research farm at the University of Maine, which has been quarantined. The virus also is suspected at a second location in central Aroostook County.

A week ago, Canadian officials disclosed that the virus was more widespread than previously believed. They said they had uncovered 115 samples of potatoes with the virus in 2,500 shipments crossing the border.

The samples, collected over an 18-month period, came from nine states. The affected states include the top U.S. potato producer, Idaho, and four other states that are among the top 10 potato producers.

The mop-top virus produces rings of discoloration inside the potatoes, making them unmarketable.

The virus can survive for more than 10 years in contaminated fields.

It gets its name because the aboveground portion of infected potatoes has an unruly appearance like the mop-top hairdo.