APHIS Establishes a Mexican Fruit Fly (Anastrepha ludens) Quarantine in the El Ranchito Area of Cameron County, Texas

FOR INFORMATION AND ACTION

DA-2017-18

June 1, 2017

 

 

Subject:          APHIS Establishes a Mexican Fruit Fly (Anastrepha ludens) Quarantine in the El Ranchito Area of Cameron County, Texas

To:                  State and Territory Agricultural Regulatory Officials

 

Effective May 2, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) established a Mexican fruit fly (Mexfly) quarantine in a residential area of El Ranchito, Cameron 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 mated female adult Mexfly on May 2 in the El Ranchito area of 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 56 square miles of Cameron 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 quarantine 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