APHIS Establishes Mexican Fruit Fly Quarantine Area in the Zapata Area, Texas

FOR INFORMATION AND ACTION
DA-2016-191
May 2, 2016

Subject: APHIS Establishes Mexican fruit fly (Anastrepha ludens) Quarantine Area in the Zapata Area of Zapata County, Texas

To: State and Territory Agricultural Regulatory Officials

Effective April 8, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) established a Mexican fruit fly (Anastrepha ludens or Mexfly) quarantine in the Zapata area of Zapata County, Texas. APHIS is applying safeguarding measures and restrictions on the interstate movement or entry into foreign trade of regulated articles from this area.

On April 8, APHIS confirmed one mated female and one immature male Mexfly in Zapata, Texas. In cooperation with Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), APHIS is responding to this confirmed detection with the establishment of a new quarantine area, which encompasses approximately 92 square miles of Zapata County. APHIS is working with TDA to respond to this detection 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 establishment of this quarantine area is reflected on the following designated website, which contains a description of all the current federal fruit fly regulated areas:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-health/ff-quarantine

For additional information on the Mexfly quarantine area, please contact National Fruit Fly Policy Manager John Stewart at 919-855-7426.

Osama El-Lissy
Deputy Administrator
Plant Protection and Quarantine