APHIS Expands Quarantine Areas for the Imported Fire Ant (Solenopis invicta, S. richteri, and hybrids of these species) in Virginia

FOR INFORMATION AND ACTION
DA-2023-10
July 25, 2023

Subject: APHIS Expands Quarantine Areas for the Imported Fire Ant (Solenopis invicta, S. richteri, and hybrids of these species) in Virginia

To: State, Tribal, and Territory Agricultural Regulatory Officials

Effective immediately, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is issuing a Federal Order that expands the existing imported fire ant (IFA; S. invicta, S. richteri, and hybrids of these species) quarantine areas in Charlotte, Dinwiddie, Halifax, Lunenburg, and Sussex Counties, Virginia. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services verified that IFA is present and established in the areas listed. APHIS is taking this action to prevent the interstate spread of IFA. APHIS will follow this action by publishing a Notice in the Federal Register.

The full lists designating IFA quarantine areas and regulated articles are published on the APHIS website at:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/plant-pest-and-disease-programs/pests-and-diseases/imported-fire-ants/CT_Imported_Fire_Ants

For additional information on the Federal IFA regulatory program, please contact the IFA National Policy Manager, Ron Weeks, at Ron.D.Weeks@usda.gov or 919-559-4311.

 

Dr. Mark L Davidson
Deputy Administrator
Plant Protection and Quarantine

Attachment: Federal Order