APHIS Establishes Mexican Fruit Fly Quarantine in the McCook Area Texas

FOR INFORMATION AND ACTION
DA-2016-38
June 8, 2016

Subject: APHIS Establishes Mexican Fruit Fly (Anastrepha ludens) Quarantine in the McCook Area of Hidalgo County, Texas

To: State and Territory Agricultural Regulatory Officials

Effective May 17, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) established a Mexican fruit fly (Anastrepha ludens or Mexfly) quarantine in the McCook area of Hidalgo County, Texas. APHIS is applying safeguarding measures and restrictions on the interstate movement or entry into foreign trade of regulated articles from this area.

We are taking this action because APHIS confirmed one Mexfly larva in McCook, Texas, on May 17. 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 75 square miles of Hidalgo 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 about the Fruit Fly Program, please contact National Policy Manager John Stewart at 919-855-7426.

Osama El-Lissy
Deputy Administrator
Plant Protection and Quarantine