The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) established a Mexican fruit fly (Anastrepha ludens or Mexfly) quarantine in a residential area in Zapata, Texas. APHIS is applying safeguarding measures and restrictions on the interstate movement or entry into foreign trade of regulated articles from this area.
APHIS confirmed one Mexfly larva from a grapefruit in a residential area on May 11. Subsequently, APHIS detected and confirmed three additional larvae on May 12, 13 and 19 in grapefruit from residences in the general vicinity of the first detection. APHIS also detected and confirmed one mated female Mexfly on May 15.
APHIS, in conjunction with TDA, is responding to these confirmed detections with the establishment of a new quarantine area, which encompasses approximately 79.8 square miles of Zapata. There is no commercial citrus or packing sheds within the quarantine area. APHIS is working with TDA to respond to these detections following program survey and treatment protocols. This action is necessary to prevent the spread of Mexfly to non-infested areas of the United States.
The following website describes the new quarantine area, as well as all the current federal fruit fly quarantine areas: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-health/ff-quarantine
For additional information on the Mexfly quarantine area, contact Fruit Fly National Policy Manager Richard Johnson at 301-851-2109.
Source: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service