Changes to Mexfly Quarantines in Texas

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) have made several recent changes to Mexican fruit fly (Mexfly) quarantines in Texas.

DONNA REMOVED

On Sept. 10, the agencies reduced the Donna Mexfly quarantine in Hidalgo County by 66 square miles, including 945 acres of commercial citrus. The amended quarantine encompassed 71 square miles and included 327 acres of commercial citrus.

Subsequently, on Oct. 9, the agencies removed the Donna Mexfly quarantine. Release from quarantine occurred after three generations elapsed since the date of the last detection, based on a degree-day model. 

HARLINGEN REDUCED

On Sept. 10, the agencies reduced the Harlingen Mexfly quarantine. This action released 29 square miles from quarantine, including 81 acres of commercial citrus. The amended quarantine encompasses 72 square miles and includes 805 acres of commercial citrus.

BROWNSVILLE REMOVED

On Sept. 23, APHIS and TDA removed the Brownsville Mexfly quarantine, releasing 64 square miles from quarantine. There was no commercial citrus in this quarantine area. Release from quarantine occurred after three generations had elapsed since the date of the last Mexfly detection, based on a degree-day model.

MORE ON MEXFLY

The APHIS exotic fruit flies website contains descriptions and maps of the Mexfly quarantine areas and all current federal fruit fly quarantine areas. The website notes that the Mexfly was first found in central Mexico in 1863 and along the California-Mexico border by the early 1950s. Today, the pest continues to pose a serious threat for the Texas citrus industry and a wide range of other valuable U.S. crops.

APHIS publishes a notice of all Mexfly quarantine changes in the Federal Register.

Additional information is available from APHIS National Policy Manager Catherine Marzolf at catherine.a.marzolf@usda.gov or 386-666-9932. 

Source: APHIS